Taylor Swift
Chapter 328
Photographer: John Russell / CMA
It’s Taylor’s world; the rest of us just live in it.
As surely the entire known universe is aware by now, the country-pop princess bagged four CMA Awards Wednesday night (11/11), including the monumental Entertainer of the Year trophy. That win makes her the youngest person in history to be so named and the first female artist to earn it since the Dixie Chicks in 2000.
“Every single year of my life, I have watched the CMA Awards, so I know what this means,” said Taylor Swift backstage. “I’m at a loss for words. I’m just very appreciative right now.” She was informed that legendary artists such as Barbara Mandrell, Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton have praised her achievements. “Thank you for telling me that,” she replied. “It’s such an honor to know that Reba McEntire knows my name. Reba has been so wonderful to me. So has Faith Hill, who is my idol.
“I have no idea what’s going on. I’m stunned. Tonight, I’m just gonna dance around with my band and my crew and my record label. I couldn’t be more grateful…..I feel so lucky to be able to sing country music and to go to New York and sing country music in those places,” most recently Saturday Night Live, which she hosted last week.
Taylor has been the opening act for all four of her fellow Entertainer nominees. One of them was CMA co-host Brad Paisley. “Next year, we’re not going to take any opening acts out,” he quipped backstage. “I’m kidding. I’m really proud of her. She’s an amazing artist of natural talent. She’s taking country music to places it’s never been. She’s the biggest thing in music right now.
“And a child shall lead them,” he added in Biblical fashion.
Brad was a double winner as Male Vocalist and for Musical Event for “Start a Band” with Keith Urban.
“’Start a Band’ was bittersweet for me,” he said with tongue in cheek. “Because I really wanted to win that one alone.”
Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum
The other double winner was Lady Antebellum, who won Single of the Year and dethroned six-time champs Rascal Flatts as Group of the Year.
“That was a complete shock,” said Lady A’s Charles Kelley backstage. “Rascal Flatts: That’s some big shoes to fill.” He added that the first concert he ever saw was by fellow nominees The Eagles.
As we all know, viewers don’t remember who won or lost. They remember who performed well. On that score, Taylor, Brad and Lady A all delivered in spades. Taylor’s show-opening “Forever & Always” featured tossing a chair from a riser, sliding down a fireman’s pole and writhing on the floor clad in black. She also performed “Fifteen” seated on a stool in the audience with her acoustic guitar while fan girls surrounding her sang along. Brad was inspirational, rocking “Welcome to the Future” both vocally and with blistering guitar licks. Lady A’s magnificently sung “Need You Now” was magical in a blue, smoky atmosphere with white confetti wafting through the air to the stage.
Vince Gill and Chris Daughtry
We also were charmed by the beautifully melodic “Tennessee Line” by Daughtry with Vince Gill, by Jamey Johnson & Kid Rock doing “Somewhere Between Jennings and Jones,” by the delicate “I’m Alive” by Kenny Chesney with Dave Matthews and by Miranda Lambert, Sugarland, Keith Urban and Billy Currington.
All the greats were gathered backstage in the press room — Neil Haislip, Ken Tucker, Peter Cooper, Kay West, Whitney Pastorek, Bob Paxman, Chuck Aly, Lucas Hendrickson, Bob Doerschuk, Larry McCormick, Hunter Kelly,
Jamey Johnson and Kid Rock
Alan Mayor, Brian Mansfield, Cindy Watts, Greg Travis, John Rose, Eileen Finan, Vanessa Sellers, Terry Bumgarner and rotating flacks including Karen Tollier, Dixie Owen, Judy McDonough, Karen Byrd, Liz Cavanaugh and Paula Erickson.
Jack Ingram was doing the Sirius play-by-play. Craig Morgan was covering for Premiere Radio. Little Big Town, Eddie Bayers & Lane Brody, Lady Antebellum and assorted other celebs strayed in from the green room. Steve Betts, Vernell Hackett and Deborah Evans-Price
Kenny Chesney and Dave Matthews
were all AOL reps. Ed Rode and George Walker kept things light by engaging in a mock photo fight. As the ABC affiliate, Brad Schmitt commanded first stop in the TV-interview lineup. George Voorhies presided. Donna Hughes has become sort of our Helen Thomas, generally getting the lead question with the visiting stars.
Down there beneath the Sommet arena, we are treated well, being provided with show rundowns, big viewing screens, headphones, ample photo ops, digital-photo delivery runners and food (box lunches with turkey wraps or ham sandwiches, take your pick).
Among our press-room highlights was Naomi Judd proclaiming, “I’m on the lecture circuit. I speak on an encyclopedic number of topics. I’m a communicator.”
Lady A’s Hillary Scott explained, “Dave [Haywood] is the brains, the glue that holds us together. Charles [Kelley] is the hustler. He pushes us.” “She’s the heart,” responded Charles. “And she’s the hottest,” added Dave.
Darius Rucker
“I was really making this record for me,” said New Artist winner Darius Rucker. “I wasn’t thinking about whether it would work or not….The acceptance is really unbelievable.”
“In Color” collaborator James Otto said that he likes writing hits for others even better than he likes writing them for himself.
Hall of Famer Barbara Mandrell recalled, “When Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette and me started headlining our own shows, it was a huge deal. Now, it’s completely normal [for country’s women], but believe me, back then, it was groundbreaking.”
Gorgeously gowned in gold, Barbara was also a charmer on the pre-show red carpet. To the disappointment of many, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman breezed by without stopping to chat.
Meanwhile, Keith Bilbrey was cheerleading in the pre-show ceremonies. Stalling for time while waiting for envelopes, Love & Theft delivered a flawless, a cappella, harmony-soaked rendition of “Runaway.” The trio was breezy and bright while presenting a trio of accolades.
Mac McAnally was named Musician of the Year. “I’m tickled to get nominated in the only category you don’t have to diet to be a part of,” he quipped, adding, “Music’s the best thing in the world.”
Taylor’s “Love Story” won Best Video. “Most of all, I’d like to thank my sweetheart Eddie,” said director Trey Fanjoy. “I’m living my own ‘Love Story.’” Brad and Keith weren’t present for their “Start a Band” win.
Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood
Brad and Carrie co-hosted with aplomb, beginning with their parodies, “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Kanyes” and “D-I-V-O-R-C-E,” directed at Brooks & Dunn.
“You smell amazing,” Carrie said to Brad. “It’s intoxicating.” “I’m wearing Tim McGraw,” he explained. “What a coincidence,” she responded. “I’m wearing Faith Hill’s ‘Parfums.’”
Speaking of scents, Brad introduced Kid Rock as “a pungent combination of whiskey and Waffle House.” Kid presented Single of the Year to “I Run to You” by Lady A.
Continuing their banter, Carrie said to Brad, “I don’t feel well. Can you feel me and tell me if I’m hot?” She launched into “Flu” to the tune of “Blue.”
Carrie was the eve’s fashion maven, appearing in (1) silver bangles, (2) one-shoulder fluffy red, (3) crimson satin, (4) silver tap pants, a purple crystal necklace and a white tunic to sing “Cowboy Casanova,” (5) green taffeta, (6) a tie-dyed floor-length, multi-hued gown and (6) yellow chiffon. Did I miss any?
Nobody in the press corps applauded Kellie Pickler’s new red hair. But she was exquisite in floor-length silver lame alongside fellow presenter Jake Owen, snappy in a checkered mauve tux. LeAnn Rimes looked fine draped in white, and Faith Hill was divine in flowing black.
Since the show occurred on Veteran’s Day, references to our troops were plentiful. “We spent a lot of time talking about our grandfathers in World War II while writing this,” said Song of the Year co-writer Lee Thomas Miller. “It’s Veteran’s Day. Fort Hood, our prayers are with you.” “We couldn’t get up here without thanking our veterans,” said Hillary Scott. Carrie Underwood introduced the uniformed troops in the audience, who stood to wild applause. “God bless our military,” said Barbara Mandrell.
Zac Brown
The Zac Brown Band is the most refreshing thing to happen to country music this year, but instead of doing one of their own tunes, they disappointingly performed “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” George Strait was uncharacteristically uptempo with “Twang.” Darius Rucker waded out into the delighted crowd singing “Alright.” Nicole Kidman clapped and blew a kiss to hubby Keith Urban after he performed “Til Summer Comes Around.”
Tim McGraw’s “Southern Voice” return to the CMA stage was welcome, particularly since his The Blind Side film costarring Sandra Bullock premieres this month. The final Brooks & Dunn CMA performance was “Honky Tonk Stomp” with Z.Z. Top’s Billy Gibbons in support. Jason Aldean did “Big Green Tractor,” and Reba McEntire sang
Tim McGraw
“Consider Me Gone.” Martina McBride saluted the Hall of Fame with “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool,” featuring inductee Charlie McCoy recreating his original harmonica part and George Strait taking the George Jones role (except he evidently can’t sing harmony).
Jimmy Dickens made a surprise appearance, snatching the mic from Brad in a “Kanye” moment to laud Taylor’s video win. “What kind of security do we have that a four-foot-nine, 88-year-old man can get through it?” Brad snipped.
“I want to thank every single person in this room tonight for not running up on this stage,” wisecracked Taylor when she won Female Vocalist. “I just got a hug from Kris Kristofferson. I’m good.”
Presenters included Lee Ann Womack & Kris Kristofferson, Patricia Heaton & Neil Flynn, Randy Houser & Robin Roberts, The Judds and Dale Earnhardt Jr. with Julianne Hough. Whispers backstage had it that Julianne and Chuck Wicks are kaput, by the way.
Taylor was weeping when she concluded the night with her Entertainer win. “I’ll never forget this moment,” she vowed.
“How about that?” said Brad. “Nineteen years old!”
“What about us?” said Carrie. “We were awesome!”
Yes, you were.
“People Country” Issue Out Tomorrow
/by Sarah SkatesIn the magazine, the Jacksons talk about the things that bring them joy, such as their 30-year marriage and their daughters Mattie, Ali and Dani. Other superstars who sat down with PEOPLE for the issue are Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, and Toby Keith.
Also included, Keith Urban discusses the 10 songs that changed his life and the magazine takes a look at Garth Brooks’ road from retirement. Carrie Underwood honors a childhood mentor who encouraged her to try singing, and Zac Brown takes stock of what made 2009 his best year yet, including having baby Georgia. Elsewhere in the magazine, Michelle Branch, Chuck Wicks and Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott share the secrets behind their favorite yuletide treats.
And PEOPLE Country is offering free downloads of songs from Sugarland, Gretchen Wilson and more at www.people.com/free.
Digital Tracks And Albums Set New Highs
/by adminYear-to-date, Michael Jackson leads track sales for 2009 having sold 11.3 million. Lady Gaga fans have purchased 11.1 million tracks and Black Eyed Peas (BEP) have also shattered last year’s record with 10.3 million tracks. Fourth on the list of top selling track artists is Taylor Swift who has sold 9.98 million tracks YTD and will surely break Rihanna’s 2008 record next week.
SoundScan expects that total tracks sold will pass the one billion mark next week. Currently we are at 998.3 million tracks. The 2008 full year record of 65 million digital album sales will also be smashed next week. Currently digital album sales total 63.9 million.
Rounder Anniversary Show Heads For TV
/by Sarah SkatesGrammy® winning Rounder artists Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Bela Fleck and Irma Thomas performed at the celebration along with musical host, Minnie Driver, and special guests Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas and Jazz/R&B pianist, Henry Butler.
Steve Martin’s bluegrass show at the Ryman Auditorium the night before was also filmed and select performances from it will be included in the Rounder 40th PBS special. In addition, performances from Alison Krauss and Robert Plant’s 2008 CMT Crossroads will be included, as well as performances of Madeleine Peyroux’s 2009 concert in Los Angeles.
The event was filmed by High Five Entertainment and a portion of the ticket proceeds will be donated to NARAS’ Grammy® in the Schools Programs.
CMA Delivers Most Watched Show Since 2005
/by adminShows on other channels included FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance (5.55 million viewers) and Glee (7.35 million) plus CBS’s New Adventures Of Old Christine (7.57 million) and NBC’s Law & Order (8.81 million).
This information below has been released from ABC:
[ABC Press Release] With the Network’s broadcast of “The 43rd Annual CMA Awards,” ABC overshadowed Wednesday’s prime, beating out second-place CBS on the evening by 5.7 million viewers (17.2 million vs. 11.5 million) and by 66% in Adults 18-49 (5.3/14 vs. 3.2/8). ABC ranked No. 1 in all 6 half-hours of the night in both Total Viewers and Adults 18-49. In fact it was a clean sweep on the night, as the Network also took top honors on the evening across all key Adults, Men and Women demographics (18-34/18-49/25-54) and Teens 12-17, as well as registering as the top-rated broadcaster with Kids 2-11.
ABC attracted its biggest Wednesday audience with non-sports programming in well over 4 years and its highest Adult 18-49 number in 2 years – since 9/21/05 and 11/07/07, respectively.
Year to year, the CMA Awards gained 1.3 million viewers and grew 6% in Adults 18-49 (2008 = 15.9 million and 5.0/13 on 11/12/08). It was the most-watched CMA Awards telecast in 4 years, while the annual awards show marked its highest Adult 18-34 number in 5 years (4.2/12) and top Women 18-34 number in 6 years (5.8/16) – since 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
An estimated 35.8 million viewers watched at least some portion of “The 43rd Annual CMA Awards” during its 3-hour telecast – unique Viewers 2+ that watched 6 minutes or more of the program.
A note about increasing DVR penetration and year-to-year rating comparisons: Year-to-year rating comparisons based on the Live + Same Day data stream are distorted by the level of DVR penetration in the Nielsen sample, which has jumped up to 33% currently, from 28% at the same point in 2008. More viewers are watching shows on their own timetables, which may not be reflected in the overnight next day numbers. The only truly valid year-to-year comparison would be one based on the Live + 7 Day metric, once those stats are released by Nielsen.
Source: Nielsen Media Research (National, Live + Same Day Program Ratings), 11/11/09
Bobby Karl Works The Room: CMA Awards
/by Bobby KarlTaylor Swift
Chapter 328
Photographer: John Russell / CMA
It’s Taylor’s world; the rest of us just live in it.
As surely the entire known universe is aware by now, the country-pop princess bagged four CMA Awards Wednesday night (11/11), including the monumental Entertainer of the Year trophy. That win makes her the youngest person in history to be so named and the first female artist to earn it since the Dixie Chicks in 2000.
“Every single year of my life, I have watched the CMA Awards, so I know what this means,” said Taylor Swift backstage. “I’m at a loss for words. I’m just very appreciative right now.” She was informed that legendary artists such as Barbara Mandrell, Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton have praised her achievements. “Thank you for telling me that,” she replied. “It’s such an honor to know that Reba McEntire knows my name. Reba has been so wonderful to me. So has Faith Hill, who is my idol.
“I have no idea what’s going on. I’m stunned. Tonight, I’m just gonna dance around with my band and my crew and my record label. I couldn’t be more grateful…..I feel so lucky to be able to sing country music and to go to New York and sing country music in those places,” most recently Saturday Night Live, which she hosted last week.
Taylor has been the opening act for all four of her fellow Entertainer nominees. One of them was CMA co-host Brad Paisley. “Next year, we’re not going to take any opening acts out,” he quipped backstage. “I’m kidding. I’m really proud of her. She’s an amazing artist of natural talent. She’s taking country music to places it’s never been. She’s the biggest thing in music right now.
“And a child shall lead them,” he added in Biblical fashion.
Brad was a double winner as Male Vocalist and for Musical Event for “Start a Band” with Keith Urban.
“’Start a Band’ was bittersweet for me,” he said with tongue in cheek. “Because I really wanted to win that one alone.”
Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum
The other double winner was Lady Antebellum, who won Single of the Year and dethroned six-time champs Rascal Flatts as Group of the Year.
“That was a complete shock,” said Lady A’s Charles Kelley backstage. “Rascal Flatts: That’s some big shoes to fill.” He added that the first concert he ever saw was by fellow nominees The Eagles.
As we all know, viewers don’t remember who won or lost. They remember who performed well. On that score, Taylor, Brad and Lady A all delivered in spades. Taylor’s show-opening “Forever & Always” featured tossing a chair from a riser, sliding down a fireman’s pole and writhing on the floor clad in black. She also performed “Fifteen” seated on a stool in the audience with her acoustic guitar while fan girls surrounding her sang along. Brad was inspirational, rocking “Welcome to the Future” both vocally and with blistering guitar licks. Lady A’s magnificently sung “Need You Now” was magical in a blue, smoky atmosphere with white confetti wafting through the air to the stage.
Vince Gill and Chris Daughtry
We also were charmed by the beautifully melodic “Tennessee Line” by Daughtry with Vince Gill, by Jamey Johnson & Kid Rock doing “Somewhere Between Jennings and Jones,” by the delicate “I’m Alive” by Kenny Chesney with Dave Matthews and by Miranda Lambert, Sugarland, Keith Urban and Billy Currington.
All the greats were gathered backstage in the press room — Neil Haislip, Ken Tucker, Peter Cooper, Kay West, Whitney Pastorek, Bob Paxman, Chuck Aly, Lucas Hendrickson, Bob Doerschuk, Larry McCormick, Hunter Kelly,
Jamey Johnson and Kid Rock
Alan Mayor, Brian Mansfield, Cindy Watts, Greg Travis, John Rose, Eileen Finan, Vanessa Sellers, Terry Bumgarner and rotating flacks including Karen Tollier, Dixie Owen, Judy McDonough, Karen Byrd, Liz Cavanaugh and Paula Erickson.
Jack Ingram was doing the Sirius play-by-play. Craig Morgan was covering for Premiere Radio. Little Big Town, Eddie Bayers & Lane Brody, Lady Antebellum and assorted other celebs strayed in from the green room. Steve Betts, Vernell Hackett and Deborah Evans-Price
Kenny Chesney and Dave Matthews
were all AOL reps. Ed Rode and George Walker kept things light by engaging in a mock photo fight. As the ABC affiliate, Brad Schmitt commanded first stop in the TV-interview lineup. George Voorhies presided. Donna Hughes has become sort of our Helen Thomas, generally getting the lead question with the visiting stars.
Down there beneath the Sommet arena, we are treated well, being provided with show rundowns, big viewing screens, headphones, ample photo ops, digital-photo delivery runners and food (box lunches with turkey wraps or ham sandwiches, take your pick).
Among our press-room highlights was Naomi Judd proclaiming, “I’m on the lecture circuit. I speak on an encyclopedic number of topics. I’m a communicator.”
Lady A’s Hillary Scott explained, “Dave [Haywood] is the brains, the glue that holds us together. Charles [Kelley] is the hustler. He pushes us.” “She’s the heart,” responded Charles. “And she’s the hottest,” added Dave.
Darius Rucker
“I was really making this record for me,” said New Artist winner Darius Rucker. “I wasn’t thinking about whether it would work or not….The acceptance is really unbelievable.”
“In Color” collaborator James Otto said that he likes writing hits for others even better than he likes writing them for himself.
Hall of Famer Barbara Mandrell recalled, “When Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette and me started headlining our own shows, it was a huge deal. Now, it’s completely normal [for country’s women], but believe me, back then, it was groundbreaking.”
Gorgeously gowned in gold, Barbara was also a charmer on the pre-show red carpet. To the disappointment of many, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman breezed by without stopping to chat.
Meanwhile, Keith Bilbrey was cheerleading in the pre-show ceremonies. Stalling for time while waiting for envelopes, Love & Theft delivered a flawless, a cappella, harmony-soaked rendition of “Runaway.” The trio was breezy and bright while presenting a trio of accolades.
Mac McAnally was named Musician of the Year. “I’m tickled to get nominated in the only category you don’t have to diet to be a part of,” he quipped, adding, “Music’s the best thing in the world.”
Taylor’s “Love Story” won Best Video. “Most of all, I’d like to thank my sweetheart Eddie,” said director Trey Fanjoy. “I’m living my own ‘Love Story.’” Brad and Keith weren’t present for their “Start a Band” win.
Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood
Brad and Carrie co-hosted with aplomb, beginning with their parodies, “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Kanyes” and “D-I-V-O-R-C-E,” directed at Brooks & Dunn.
“You smell amazing,” Carrie said to Brad. “It’s intoxicating.” “I’m wearing Tim McGraw,” he explained. “What a coincidence,” she responded. “I’m wearing Faith Hill’s ‘Parfums.’”
Speaking of scents, Brad introduced Kid Rock as “a pungent combination of whiskey and Waffle House.” Kid presented Single of the Year to “I Run to You” by Lady A.
Continuing their banter, Carrie said to Brad, “I don’t feel well. Can you feel me and tell me if I’m hot?” She launched into “Flu” to the tune of “Blue.”
Carrie was the eve’s fashion maven, appearing in (1) silver bangles, (2) one-shoulder fluffy red, (3) crimson satin, (4) silver tap pants, a purple crystal necklace and a white tunic to sing “Cowboy Casanova,” (5) green taffeta, (6) a tie-dyed floor-length, multi-hued gown and (6) yellow chiffon. Did I miss any?
Nobody in the press corps applauded Kellie Pickler’s new red hair. But she was exquisite in floor-length silver lame alongside fellow presenter Jake Owen, snappy in a checkered mauve tux. LeAnn Rimes looked fine draped in white, and Faith Hill was divine in flowing black.
Since the show occurred on Veteran’s Day, references to our troops were plentiful. “We spent a lot of time talking about our grandfathers in World War II while writing this,” said Song of the Year co-writer Lee Thomas Miller. “It’s Veteran’s Day. Fort Hood, our prayers are with you.” “We couldn’t get up here without thanking our veterans,” said Hillary Scott. Carrie Underwood introduced the uniformed troops in the audience, who stood to wild applause. “God bless our military,” said Barbara Mandrell.
Zac Brown
The Zac Brown Band is the most refreshing thing to happen to country music this year, but instead of doing one of their own tunes, they disappointingly performed “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” George Strait was uncharacteristically uptempo with “Twang.” Darius Rucker waded out into the delighted crowd singing “Alright.” Nicole Kidman clapped and blew a kiss to hubby Keith Urban after he performed “Til Summer Comes Around.”
Tim McGraw’s “Southern Voice” return to the CMA stage was welcome, particularly since his The Blind Side film costarring Sandra Bullock premieres this month. The final Brooks & Dunn CMA performance was “Honky Tonk Stomp” with Z.Z. Top’s Billy Gibbons in support. Jason Aldean did “Big Green Tractor,” and Reba McEntire sang
Tim McGraw
“Consider Me Gone.” Martina McBride saluted the Hall of Fame with “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool,” featuring inductee Charlie McCoy recreating his original harmonica part and George Strait taking the George Jones role (except he evidently can’t sing harmony).
Jimmy Dickens made a surprise appearance, snatching the mic from Brad in a “Kanye” moment to laud Taylor’s video win. “What kind of security do we have that a four-foot-nine, 88-year-old man can get through it?” Brad snipped.
“I want to thank every single person in this room tonight for not running up on this stage,” wisecracked Taylor when she won Female Vocalist. “I just got a hug from Kris Kristofferson. I’m good.”
Presenters included Lee Ann Womack & Kris Kristofferson, Patricia Heaton & Neil Flynn, Randy Houser & Robin Roberts, The Judds and Dale Earnhardt Jr. with Julianne Hough. Whispers backstage had it that Julianne and Chuck Wicks are kaput, by the way.
Taylor was weeping when she concluded the night with her Entertainer win. “I’ll never forget this moment,” she vowed.
“How about that?” said Brad. “Nineteen years old!”
“What about us?” said Carrie. “We were awesome!”
Yes, you were.
CMA Awards Coverage Around The Web
/by adminTaylor Swift. Photo: John Russell
Taylor Swift is youngest to ever win CMA’s top Award [LA Times]
Country Music Assn. voters largely turned their back on tradition in anointing teenage country-pop star Taylor Swift and a whole slate of relative newcomers with most of its top honors at Wednesday’s CMA Awards ceremony in Nashville.
Taylor Swift: Young, fearless and in control [LA Times]
In 1958, Johnny Cash released the song “Ballad of a Teenage Queen,” the story of a pretty small-town girl who won Hollywood fame but gave it all up for the boy next door. In 2009 — on Wednesday night, actually, in Nashville, at the annual Country Music Assn. Awards ceremony — Taylor Swift updated and obliterated that story line.
CMA Awards 2009: all the performances as they happen [LA Times]
Opinionated reports on all the artist performances.
It’s Taylor Swift’s night at CMAs, with four awards [USA Today]
Old favorites competed with young upstarts at Wednesday night’s Country Music Association Awards, and age didn’t always trump beauty.
Taylor Swift sweeps CMA’s biggest honors [Tennessean]
In the end, it was Taylor Swift. Also in the beginning and in the middle.
CMA awards take a few digs at Kanye West [MSNBC]
Country music took a swipe at Kanye West’s infamous September interruption of Taylor Swift at the MTV VMAs at Wednesday night’s CMA awards in Nashville.
CMA Awards best and worst, starring Taylor Swift, the ghost of Kanye West, and Carrie Underwood’s purple sequined hot-pants [EW.com]
Taylor Swift became the youngest person to win the Entertainer of the Year, the final prize given out last night at the 43rd annual Country Music Association Awards. And the restraint she showed on last week’s Saturday Night Live in not making a Kanye West joke went out the window at the CMAs
Star Studded Post Party Pics [Updated]
/by Sarah SkatesThe Valory Music Co. VP of Promotion Jon Loba, Reba McEntire, Big Machine Label Group President & CEO Scott Borchetta and Taylor Swift watch a re-broadcast of Taylor’s winning moment for Entertainer of the Year at the Big Machine Label Group CMA After Party last night. Photo Credit: Rich Kalonick
Universal Records South celebrated Country Music’s Biggest Night with newcomer Baylie Brown, Eli Young Band, two-time nominee Randy Houser and former CMA winner, Joe Nichols. The label held its party at classy Italian bistro Giovanni's. Front Row (L-R): Chris Thompson (EYB), Joe Nichols, Universal South Pres. Mark Wright, Baylie Brown, Sr. VP/GM Fletcher Foster, Randy Houser, James Young (EYB). Back Row (L-R): Mike Eli (EYB), VP Promotion Teddi Bonadies, Jon Jones (EYB)
Warner Music Nashville hosted a lavish party at its offices, cheering James Otto's CMA win for co-writing Song of the Year, "In Color." The environmentally conscious green event also marked the company's official name change and new leadership. Pictured (L-R) Otto, new Warner Music Nashville chief John Esposito, and Blake Shelton. Photo: Kay Williams
Sony Music Nashville celebrated wins by Brad Paisley last night, who co-hosted the show for the second year with labelmate Carrie Underwood. Paisley claimed honors for Male Vocalist of the Year and Musical Event of the Year for his duet with Keith Urban on “Start a Band." Pictured (back, L-R): Sony Music Nashville Promotion VP Skip Bishop; Jake Owen; Kix Brooks; Sony A&R Exec. VP Renee Bell; Ronnie Dunn; and Sony Marketing VP Tom Baldrica and Sales & Operations Sr. VP Paul Barnabee. (front, L-R): Sony Exec. VP Butch Waugh; Paisley; McBride; Lambert; Underwood; Mandrell; and Sony Music Nashville Chairman Joe Galante. Photo: Tony Phipps
Universal Music Group Nashville converged on Gulch hotspot Cantina Laredo for its intimate after-party, toasting wins by Sugarland (Vocal Duo) and Jamey Johnson (Song Of The Year). Left photo: Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles, UMG Nashville Chairman Luke Lewis and Sugarland’s Kristian Bush. Right photo: (L-R) UMG Nashville EVP/GM Ken Robold, Lewis, Jamey Johnson and VP A&R Brian Wright. Photo Credit: Peyton Hoge
43rd Annual CMA Awards Winners
/by contributorTaylor Swift
photos by Alan Mayor
Entertainer Of The Year
Taylor Swift
Male Vocalist Of The Year
Brad Paisley
Female Vocalist Of The Year
Taylor Swift
Vocal Group Of The Year
Lady Antebellum
Vocal Duo Of The Year
Sugarland
New Artist Of The Year
Darius Rucker
Album Of The Year
Fearless, Taylor Swift
Produced By Nathan Chapman And Taylor Swift
Big Machine Records
Single Of The Year
“I Run To You,” Lady Antebellum
Produced By Victoria Shaw And Paul Worley
Capitol Records Nashville
Song Of The Year
“In Color”; Written By Jamey Johnson, Lee Thomas Miller And James Otto
Musical Event Of The Year
“Start A Band,” Brad Paisley (Duet With Keith Urban)
Arista Nashville
Music Video Of The Year
“Love Story,” Taylor Swift
Directed By Trey Fanjoy
Hall of Fame Inductee
Barbara Mandrell
Musician Of The Year
Mac McAnally – Guitar
Sugarland Tapped For Grammy Noms Special
/by Sarah SkatesNominees in select Grammy categories will be revealed during a primetime television special airing Wed., Dec. 2, 8 PM/CT on CBS. Sugarland is the first Country group announced to perform on The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night. The Black Eyed Peas and Maxwell are also set for the show hosted by LL Cool J at Club NOKIA in Los Angeles. The 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards will take place at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010, and be broadcast on CBS.
In more Sugarland news, People.com has an exclusive comedic video of Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush promoting their Christmas album Gold And Green. They also taped an episode of GAC Nights in support of the project and GAC Pres. Ed Hardy, Sr. VP Sarah Trahern, and host Suzanne Alexander presented them with a triple platinum plaque for their debut record Twice The Speed of Life and double platinum plaque for Love On The Inside, which vies for Album of the Year at tonight’s CMA Awards.
(L to R): Suzanne Alexander, Sarah Trahern, Jennifer Nettles, Kristian Bush and Ed Hardy. Photo: Jenny Dew
Country People’s Choice Awards Nominees
/by Sarah SkatesKeith Urban and Tim McGraw are in the running for Favorite Male Artist. Vying against Beyonce and others in the Female category are Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift.
Up for Favorite Country Artist are Brad Paisley, Underwood, Urban, Rascal Flatts, and Swift. Swift also scored a nod for Favorite Pop Artist.
Most voting is done online, but in a sign of the times, there are five categories that can only be voted on by text message.
More than 18 million fan votes were cast to determine the final nomineees. Twilight and True Blood are among the other top nominees. More here.