Between the live blog and Blake’s excellent post-mortem, there isn’t much left to be said about Wednesday’s CMA Awards. But Whitney Pastorek from Entertainment Weekly made some points in her CMA Wrap-up that are worthy of discussion, particularly her two different takes on country music’s leading females.
On Carrie Underwood:
Yes, it was cheating to bring out the wife of a deceased soldier to introduce “Just a Dream” and get the waterworks going before she even sang a note. But this was a true showstopper, the emotional equivalent of Sugarland doing “Stay” last year, and official notice that we can now stop looking down on Ms. Underwood because of how she got here. The girl is learning how to use her voice for something other than blowing the doors off the joint every time she steps to the bedazzled mic — and then she went ahead and blew the doors off anyway. I didn’t breathe during this. (Bonus points for the classy way she alluded to Idol during her Best Female Vocalist acceptance speech, the cute shout-out to her mom, and admirably keeping up with Paisley during her hosting duties all night.)
On Taylor Swift:
I will go easy on Taylor Swift because if I went hard on the little dead-eyed darling and her ridiculous ballroom dancing fairy tale fiasco (your move, Twilight), I’d probably never get my rage back under control. So she can’t sing, has exactly zero stage presence, and has now used the same My-Costume-Change-Will-Blow-Your-Mind gag on two straight awards shows. That’s fine. She’s very pretty and sells a lot of records, and makes pre-teen girls happy. Carry on, my wayward waif.
Thoughts?
I seen this article yesterday and I have thoughts on it I am just not sure how to puts them into words, I will say it is a very blunt article. maybe after I see some other comments I’ll be back.
I’d actually like to see what Blake thought of it after his review yesterday.
Right or wrong, more reviewers should do this. Freedom of Press++ Freedom of Speech++
Right or wrong, more reviewers should do this. Freedom of Press++ Freedom of Speech++
After all.. Entertainment Weekly isn’t much of a rag… not like we’re dealing with a whole pile of journalistic integrity anyway, right?
Pretty much agree with everything she said.
(sorry, was having posting issues at home this morning)
Not saying I don’t agree with the sentiment.. but.. Why are we opening a thread about an opinion in a checkout lane looney “celeb” mag?
There’s no lower form of “journalism”.
I agree with all of it. It is high time someone put Taylor-can’t-sing-Swift in her place. She is so arrogant– and gets so much hype and so many praises, yet people fail to call her on the fundamental truth— that she can’t sing. She has never given a good performance yet, vocally, and I just don’t get the hype. Never will. sorry.
I, too, am pleased that someone has finally stated the obvious — she can’t sing. It’s too bad it took a non-country music specific publication to do it, but that’s often the case. The New Yorker reviews Taylor Swift’s album this week. (There’s a sentence I never thought I’d write.) I expected a drubbing, but it’s surprisingly kind. The writer calls her voice in concert “light and breathy” but otherwise goes easy on her.
I thought that I’m a little burned out on the CMAs and the whole scene, and I’m looking forward to the holidays. *laughs
Although I wouldn’t have been so blunt, Swift’s vocal performance was very disappointing, and I felt her performance lacked any electricity. With the album release and all her buzz in the press, the CMAs would’ve been a perfect time to establish herself as more than just a commercial force of nature. That being said, she writes fairly well, and I don’t see Wednesday night derailing her career very much at all.
In all honesty, I would normally be bothered by the deceased widow presentation, as I believe that messages can be delivered solely through the song (think “If You’re Reading This”). However, it was a moment of honesty and reality in a show where that wasn’t fully in evidence, and of course, Underwood sang very well. But that moment led me to think that having normal, average, everyday folks (with some semblance of public speaking ability) could have a part in the show. It would lend a more down-home, earthy feel to the whole event. I would have to think that idea out more clearly, but it’s an interesting one.
i can appreciate that EW point of view because normally the reverse is true…they go out of their way to praise swift and snark underwood
it is still surprising to me how many reviewers give taylor a pass for being a horrible singer, her writing is definetly great, and I have no problem with her receiving praise in that regard, the singing just kills me though
but i pretty much agreed with all of the popwatch review and like any good american i love for my pov to be confirmed (while i ignore anyone who disagrees) :)
Hmm…ya that was pretty blunt. I agree that Taylor is among the weakest vocalists in the genre, but I guess vocal talent doesn’t really matter to her fans (aka the tween girls). To them, she’s better than Carrie Underwood, as a vocalist, which non-tweens know that’s definitely not the case.
I agree her performance was a bit over-the-top. I guess if she didn’t lack energy and actually looked like she was having a great time up on stage, maybe that would’ve changed it. I dunno…it was just weird. I just didn’t get it.
As far as Carrie’s performance and her intro, I thought it was great. Like Brad said afterwards, that’s what country music’s all about. It helps people deal and cope with hard times and, I guess you can say, it helps heal the pain. I loved how they incorporated that in. It was brilliant!
There’s not much I can add to the Taylor debate that hasn’t already been said, but I will say that I thought she looked surprisingly stiff and uncomfortable during her performance. If I were judging on last night’s performance alone I would think she has zero stage presence, as Whitney suggested. However, I know that’s not the case.
Whitney is a country fan. Her articles are entertaining and usually brutally honest. Since it’s Friday and I can’t resist, who can forget this one?
http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2007/03/rascal_flatts_i.html
I agree with her 110%.
I think Taylor is a good songwriter for one her age. Authentic and sincere, but I agree she is weak as a vocalist, and should not have been even nominated for that category. TS has the “voice of a songwriter”, which is kinda like saying that someone has a “face for radio” not exactly a compliment.
I thought Carrie did a good job, but she just doesn’t sound Country to me. (like most of the other nominees and performers on that show) I think the writer’s praise, like Carrie’s performance was just slightly over the top. It was moving though, I have to admit.
Yep, she pretty much hit the nail on the head.
Marc said: “Not saying I don’t agree with the sentiment.. but.. Why are we opening a thread about an opinion in a checkout lane looney “celeb” mag?”
This article and the awesome review that Lynn posted is much more honest and direct than those so called hard journalists who simply end up heaping unjustified praise on artists. I suppose it doesn’t matter where it came from, she speaks truth in an entertaining way.
Taylor’s bringing the younger fans back to country music, which the genre needs, and racking up mega sales. She’s also refreshingly candid.
I thought Carrie was actually pretty “pitchy”, especially towards the beginning, and she needs to learn that sometimes less is more: yes, you can blow people away with your voice, but do too much of that and it sounds like you’re screaming. Sorry, just my opinion. I also feel Martina is guilty of that on occasion.
Entertainment Weekly has an amazing staff of writers who are consistently more well-informed than most entertainment journalists. Marc’s description is completely inaccurate.
I’m gonna come right out and say Taylor Swift can sing…..she just need studio technology to perfect it.
I can’t see where anyone would think Carrie Underwood was pitchy in her performance. It might not be fully country but it was awesome and it put Taylor Swift’s performance & singing to shame. So did Miranda Lambert’s performance. I’m just a country fan, not an expert on writing or singing, but just what I, myself like. But from day one I felt Taylor Swift was NOT a vocalist and her writings are ok, but when she sings them, I can barely stand to listen. I was embarrassed at her performance and those people dancing around in period customes…just did not fit on a country music show to me! I thought my tv had switched to a Disney channel by mistake! To each their own, I guess. Oh, and one more thing, to go on a talk show and tear down your ex-boyfriend in front of millions just to promote her album was very unclassy…another mark against her in my book!
@ KJC – agreed; EW has always been a class mag and not a People/US type rag at all
Kevin and LeAnn already covered it, but dismissing EW as a “rag” is wildly unfair. It is a very highly respected magazine and is one of the few that features extensive, well thought out reviews.
Also, Whitney Pastorek is a big fan of country music.
I agree that Whitney is a well informed, respected writer. She is not some hack for a rag mag. I respect her opinions actually. Entertainment Weekly is also a respectable magazine– they print mostly facts and chart data, sales data, etc– with album reviews and such. It is not a gossip magazine at all.
I think the truth hurts, unfortunately.
Taylor is quoted to say that Shania Twain is her hero. Well that might explain all the pop remixing and her intention to release her album in a pop remix all over the world next year.
Don’t get me wrong- I love Shania Twain. She is an incredible performer and entertainer. But I never did respect that she remixed her albums to pop to release them like that in Europe, etc. — as to me that is cheating.
Everyone knows country music is not big in Europe or Asia.. so to me, that is exploiting country music to twist it and make it palatable for European fans.. but it is also saying that country music is not good enough for Europe.. so they remix it and manipulate it to make it sell over there to make money off of it.
While that is a brilliant marketing strategy, and one reason Shania is the huge international star she is– I just can’t agree with that one thing about her. It feels like she was telling the world that country music was too lame to make it big in Europe.. so here is some pop sugar with your medicine so it will go down easier.
Taylor is doing the exact same thing as Shania, copying her every move. It is working for her in exactly the way it did for Shania- because Taylor is selling more albums right now then anyone, because she remixed every single song off her socalled country album to sell it to pop fans– and even went on MTV, TRL, etc- and does radio interviews on pop radio all the time. So she will likely be a huge international pop star in a few years, like Shania, but but she will never be a true country star in my book.
Just a pet peeve I have. Sorry.
sandi- I disagree. Carrie was not pitchy at all– that was Taylor Swift.
At the end of Carrie’s song, she broke down and started to cry, so she did miss the last few words/notes. If you want to pick on her for that- fine. But it was because she was crying and caught up in the emotion of the song.
Had she not broken down, it would have been a flawless vocal, but then you would have bashed her for being too stiff or showing no emotion. lol so either way- Carrie wouldn’t win.
I think to sing with passion like Martina and Carrie is incredible. To talk while you sing,like Taylor sometimes does, is not real singing.
I think she has potential as a songwriter someday though when she grows up and stops using over-done cliques and borrowing from other artists’ work (ie- the jeff buckley Hallelujia song, one of her favorites, sounds just like Change. She threw in a few Hallelujia’s and said revolution a few times- and that was the whole song). lol Brilliant. lol
Blake Boldt– you raised a great point there. The nice thing about the war widow up there, was because she was an average joe the plummer, so to speak– and it brought some honesty and warmth to the show… It would not be a bad thing to incorporate a little off that occasionally– but we wouldn’t want a reality show. lol
“It is high time someone put Taylor-can’t-sing-Swift in her place. She is so arrogant….”
WHA’?? Taylor Swift is arrogant? Have you ever met her? She’s one of the nicest, most gracious performers out there and many, MANY of the folks sitting in that arena the other night could take a few lessons from her.
Think what you will about her singing or whatever… but she truly is a very kind person.
Re: Taylor’s singing…. I have to totally give her a pass because for the love of pete, she’s only 18! Not like she’s been singing and honing her chops for years and years!
Taylor is a very talented young lady on so many levels and is such a welcomed role-model for young girls in an age of Spears sisters and even Miley Cyrus. She recognizes that she is a role-model and respects that.
And I gotta respect her for that.
I realize it’s in vogue to bash the successful these days.
I do think Taylor has vocal limitations, but to be fair, the solo performance she did of “Tim McGraw” a couple of years ago, concluding with her actually introducing herself to Tim and Faith in the front row, was a nice live effort. Since then she’s had her problems, but she did a good job on that one. (I think it was the ACMs, but could be wrong)
“Entertainment Weekly has an amazing staff of writers who are consistently more well-informed than most entertainment journalists. Marc’s description is completely inaccurate.”
I have to step up and agree here.
I really liked the introduction by the widow. How sad that her daughters will never know their dad.
Carrie can sing, no doubt about it. I really liked her choice of words by acknowledging “American Idol” by saying she came here in an unconventional way but that country music still accepted her. Very good choice of words.
Taylor can’t sing. She is the epitome of poor singing technique. I’ve never heard anyone with a recording contract sing so obviously incorrectly. She wastes so much breath when the sound comes from the front of her mouth when it should be coming from the back. Listen to people like Martina McBride and Carrie Underwood, even Miranda Lambert for where the sound should come from. Someone please send Taylor to a vocal coach. And I don’t understand the comment from a previous reply who said she’s only 18 years old, so her poor singing technique is excuseable. You don’t need to be singing for years to learn how to sing properly.
Absolutely right on target. It’s good to see that someone at EW has integrity
Chelsea,
I’m glad you pointed out that Carrie was breaking down as she finished the song. It reminded me of Reba’s 1991 CMA performance of “For My Broken Heart.”
Carrie seems to be criticized regardless of what she does. When her performances are technically flawless, she’s called robotic and devoid of emotion. When she turns in a stunning emotional performance, she’s criticized for not being technically flawless.
She’s the best damn singer to come along in country music in a very long time, yet people seem to fall over themselves to criticize her, all while trying to inflate the quite possibly tone deaf Taylor Swift into the Bob Dylan of her generation.
Carrie seems to be criticized regardless of what she does. When her performances are technically flawless, she’s called robotic and devoid of emotion. When she turns in a stunning emotional performance, she’s criticized for not being technically flawless.
She’s the best damn singer to come along in country music in a very long time, yet people seem to fall over themselves to criticize her, all while trying to inflate the quite possibly tone deaf Taylor Swift into the Bob Dylan of her generation.
I’m sorry, but when a person manages to win one of the industry’s most competitive races three years straight on the strength of her first two albums – neither of which I would call artistic masterpieces, for all their strenghs – I think that person is due for a little scrutiny.
It’s the same reason people on websites like this one also routinely criticize Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift, or in your case especially, Brad Paisley, who many have similarly argued is the best all-around talent to come along in country music in a very long time (not me, but you get the idea). With all due respect, trying to paint the scenario as “the world vs. Carrie Underwood, the victimized savior of country music” is just about as narrow-minded as blindly attacking her in the ways you mentioned.
Dan,
Even the most cynical reading of the comment I made doesn’t paint it as “the world vs. Carrie Underwood, the victimized savior of country music.”
I happen to think she’s a great singer, and represents the genre well. But her album received a mediocre review from me, and aside from “Just a Dream”, I haven’t exactly raved about the singles from this project. I’ve written often about the overproduction on her albums and have generally liked the “non-album” things she’s done a lot more.
I also wouldn’t say that the Female Vocalist race at the CMA’s is one of the industry’s most competitive races by any stretch. The reason she’s been able to dominate it is partly because the race isn’t that competitive, which is the same reason Martina won three times in a row and Gretchen Wilson won at all.
Quite frankly, Reba McEntire wouldn’t have four of them either if the eighties were as competitive as the nineties in that race. Carrie’s other CMA wins (Single for “Before He Cheats”, Horizon Award) seem pretty unimpeachable, so I don’t really think she’s been rewarded beyond what she’s actually achieved in relation to those she’s competing against.
For a little perspective, we need to remember why we as a community exist (in addition to the entire universe of country music blogs). We interpret both the musical product and the industry as a whole, and I think this particular issue deserves a broader view.
At twenty-five years old, Trisha, Martina, Patty, etc. were not quite polished in terms of technique or artistic vision. While I feel it’s fair to scrutinize Carrie’s (or Taylor’s) talent, it’s important to remember that the industry (radio, record labels and the like) have all contributed to placing Carrie on a pedestal. I’m sure Carrie herself would admit that she hasn’t reached her full potential yet. She’s an extremely rare case of a star that came from a different source (American Idol), but 10-20 years ago, there would be a wealth of female stars to serve as “competition” for her. It’s hard to blame her for the industry’s disinclination to develop strong, mature talent on the distaff side.
So, yes, the art itself deserves our criticism, but the commercial (radio, retail, awards success) achievements they receive haven’t come entirely at their own hands.
so I don’t really think she’s been rewarded beyond what she’s actually achieved in relation to those she’s competing against.
I agree with you on this, Kevin. I can see how Carrie’s threepeat in the Female Vocalist of the Year category might seem like overrewarding her in the context of who has won that award and how many times. But judged against her peers and looking at each of the three races Carrie has won, I personally think Carrie’s wins are more than justified. Yeah, maybe it’s a matter of timing. But to me, this is more of an argument not to read so much significance into an award like this than a reason to suggest that Carrie has been overrewarded.
Yes, Miranda’s music is more fully realized than Carrie’s from an artistic standpoint. But what Miranda had to represent her in the 2008 CMA year were the singles “Famous in a Small Town” (which peaked during the eligibility period) and “Gunpowder & Lead,” since her album was released prior to 1 July 2008. Carrie released a new album within the eligibility period and, in my view, made a stronger overall artistic and commercial impact via that album, her headlining tour and her other live performances. And looking back at the 2007 CMA race (which included Miranda’s album, which somehow wasn’t even nominated for Album of the Year), I still think it’s tough to argue against Carrie’s win.
As far as Carrie’s CMA performance goes, I found it really moving. I didn’t think the performance was over-the-top or oversung in the least, rather, I found it emotionally compelling because of the way Carrie harnessed the weight of the moment (being at the CMAs) and the weight of the lyric to convey the desperation and denial of the protagonist. Carrie’s tears seemed more than her own. And I found the vocal beautiful — her tone was gorgeous and her modulation was, though not perfect, pretty good. No, it wasn’t a technically flawless performance but the flaws didn’t distract me from connecting to the performance.
But I would also insert a “for what it is” disclaimer. Dan, I posted a like comment back when you commented on the “Just a Dream” video on your site, I think. I agree with you (Dan) that Carrie’s strength is in a purer country sound — I think that purer country sound plays to her natural phrasing instincts much better. For that reason, “Just a Dream” has never been my favorite Carrie song from a sonic standpoint.
I think Carrie has worked hard to improve, and that this work has borne fruit that is more visible (and audible) in her live performances than in her recordings to date (though I will say I hear some encouraging developments in Carrie’s recorded performances of “The First Noel” and “What Child Is This”?). In fact, one of the reasons I remain a fan of hers is that Carrie hasn’t, so far, seemed to rest on her laurels. She seems to acknowledge she has room to grow, and she has been making adjustments in her tour performances along the way. I respect that and hope she maintains that attitude.
My fingers are crossed that Carrie will heed the comments of the likes of Patty Loveless, and that as she develops a stronger sense of who she is and what her strengths are, Carrie will find purer and more sophisticated country showcases of her talent. I can see why skeptics remain, but as a fan, I see reasons for optimism where Carrie is concerned.
Kevin,
I’ll concede that “competitive” wasn’t the best word to use about the Female Vocalist trophy; I probably should have just said “prestigious.” My point remains, though, that anyone who manages to win that award three years in a row – and right out of the gate, no less – is bound to attract a great deal of scrutiny, and rightly so. I actually agree that she hasn’t really been over-rewarded from a commercial standpoint, but since the award (and ideally, commercial success itself) is supposed to take into account artistic success, I don’t think it’s wrong to question why she’s experiencing such a massive reign.
As to the other point, I obviously exaggerated quite a bit in my remarks about how you were painting the scenario. I was trying to make a point, and I apologize if it came across as cynical or worse. My point was that no artist – regardless of talent level – should get a free pass where music is concerned. I agree that some people push criticism too far or exercise it unfairly – I’m sure I have here at some points – but it’s not as though Carrie Underwood is the only talented artist to receive the blunt end of that.
And Blake makes an excellent point that much of the criticism is probably better directed to the industry’s virtually unflagging championship of her than to her own artistic shortcomings. If she were making the mostly mediocre music that I feel she is and just selling in the middle of the pack, I probably wouldn’t have a beef at all; I would just wait for the music to live up to the talent. That’s how Josh Turner was in the beginning of his career to me (excepting “Long Black Train,” which was outstanding). Carrie has been hugely rewarded right out of the gate for an early body of work that I still find more promising than compelling, and I find that kind of unjust.
I guess I can only hope that Dudley is right (another great, well-reasoned comment, by the way – you strike me as a G) and that Carrie’s best truly is yet to come. I believe everyone who says she’s worked extremely hard since winning Idol and she seems like a genuinely cool person, and of course the talent is there.
Okay I have tons to say Between Dan, Blake and Kevin it is alot to absorb. First Whitney is dead on about Taylor, and I think although she can write a song there are limitations to her writing it seems she’s always writing about the same stuff, but the talent is there and hopefully will grow.
I’m trying this new look at the positives as well not only the negatives.
On to Carrie she does have a big bulls eye on her because of the way she got here and how fast she has done it. But if you breakdown her career after AI it all seems to make sense and is justified. I think the thing with fame is, these artists lives are picked apart to find something promblematic and when there isn’t it makes people attack the artist actual talent. There is no dening she is the best country singing technically we got right now. With that said she has been quoted many times saying that there are many improvements that she needs to make and that she watches other artist to see where she can improve. She has openly admitted to being an extremly shy person, so it has to hard to be put in the situation she was after AI, but she said she is getting more comfortable on stage, but there is still room to grow, and I think that is admiral for her to say. She also was quoted saying when asked if there was anything else she wanted to accomplish, and her answer was she doesn’t set out to break records or only produce #1 singles or to win awards, she said she doesn’t want to get lazy she wants to grow as an artist and keep growing as her career goes on she said longevity would be a good accomplishment and to do that she has to keep improving.
I think she has shown on many occasions her respect for country history and the women who have come before her. I also do think she could do alittle more country sounded singles. Then I think it has only been three years since this girl was just going to school everyday and you can’t learn this stuff over night so let’s see what happens five years from now.
All the recods she has broken and history she has made, she didn’t do it herself, everyone contributes, radio, tv, fans, everyone that surrounds and she has a real sense of that, and excuse the language but I think it pisses people of that she is just a genuine real nice person and there is no dirt to be found on her, she’s not clubing it, or shaving her head, but just enjoying herself, and I think that was obvious at the awards.
If she wouldn’t have come along who ever would be consider the main woman in country would get the scrutiny as well it comes with territory. You know what I do like about her though she has CLASS, she doesn’t care what people think, she knows there are haters out there she just chooses to overlook them, and she is very gracious and appreciative which is a rare thing in this day and age, these are me. me. me. days and she’s not about that and here is an example of that, watch right to the end and you will see what I mean:
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=AFG8Wot3mGY
No matter what we comment about her or others they will still keep doing what the are doing and will always be picked on by someone.
vp,
Such a great video I’m tempted to front-page it. What makes me sad is that this stands out now. In country music, it used to be the norm.
I agree it is a good vid and yes there is not enough of that commaradary and there should be they are all out there doing the same job trying to entertain us, but it nice to see there is still some.
It’s not like that is a rare thing for her if you research she always talks like that, and maybe that’s why people want to be negative when it comes to her, but maybe it’s just me I like the to see that someone can be that genuinely nice it give me some hope for others in a world filled with negativity.
This new trying to see the positive thing is working for me (for now)
Once again this site provide such diverse, smart discussion. Refreshing. I appreciated the link to the clip. Hadn’t seen it. BTW, Carrie says she’s going to start working on/writing a new album right after the CR tour. So maybe by next fall we’ll have some answers about the direction she’s headed as an artist. Are there other country albums we should be watching for soon? I figure someone here will know.
I have to agree with vp on the fact that Carrie is truly a genuine person and that clip proves it! You can tell that she knows the awards don’t come cheap, they involve hard work and dedication and they aren’t just handed out to random people…you have to earn it! To me, she’s earned every award she’s ever received. I think most of us know she’ll go down as one of the greatest female vocalists in country music. Is she the greatest, probably not. But if she goes on to win two more vocalists trophies (which I for one believe will happen) and surpasses Martina and Reba, will that make her the greatest female vocalist?? Probably not…unless you measure on award wins, which I’m sure most people don’t…hopefully.
As far as the whole artistic standpoint goes, like everyone’s been saying, she still has to grow. Sure, she hasn’t released the most artistically stellar material, but if you think about it, has anyone released brilliant albums everytime?? Even greats like Trisha, Patty, and George haven’t always released masterpieces in their careers. I say give Carrie a chance, who knows, this next album can blow us all away!
Oh, if you ever get a chance to see Miss Underwood live…do it! I saw her on the 7th and she put on an amazing show! Plus she did an acoustic version of ‘I Told You So’ that was AMAZING!!
See I am glad there can be a normal conversation about Carrie without is seeming like she is being attack the last few post have commented on her talents, and also spoke of where she can improve and with the positivity that she most likely will improve. No one person is perfect we all have faults that need work but that doesn’t me you always need to be attacked for your good qualities.
You know what is interesting? Reba McEntire has 46 nominations and only 6 wins. Martina McBride 24 noms and only 5 wins. Shania Twain has 10 noms and 1 win. Faith Hill has 19 noms and 3 wins. Alison Krauss has 24 noms and 8 wins. Trisha Yearwood has 20 noms and 3 wins. Patty Loveless has 20 noms and 5 wins. Lee Ann Womack has 18 noms and 6 wins. Sara Evans has 13 noms and 1 win. Rosanne Cash has 11 noms and 0 wins. Tammy Wynette has 27 noms and 3 wins. Dolly Parton has 43 noms and 9 wins. Loretta Lynn has 38 noms and 8 wins. Wynonna has 5 noms and 0 wins. Kathy Mattea has 15 noms and 4 wins. Now I’ve listed 15 very talented and mostly legendary women here that have a combined 333 nominations and 62 wins between them. Of the 62 wins 24 were Female Vocalist Awards, 20 were for Duo or Vocal Event, 5 for Video, 4 for Entertainer, 4 for Album, 4 for Single, and 1 Horizon Award. Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, and Miranda Lambert along with every other female artist have almost 0 chance to win anything other than the Female Vocalist Award or if they partner up with a man they have have a good chance to win the Vocal Event. This blatant lack of respect for the female artist is depressing to say the least. When Carrie Underwood took home the award for Single of the Year for Before He Cheats that was a big deal. When Jennifer Nettles took home Song of the Year for Stay that was huge. I would like to see more of that in the coming years.
This clip is perfect for this site. It is one of the greats Ray Benson speaking about new and old country music, where country music has been and where it is headed, and alot of people may be shocked to see who he defends from the 5 to 10 minute mark. Maybe I should post this on a more current discussion cause it is an ongoing conver sation on this site about the history and traditionalism of country music. We’ll see if anyone see’s it here first. It’s a great interview you really should watch the whole thing, enjoy:
http://www.kvue.com/video/local-index.html?nvid=302949
In ballroom dancing, my favorite dance is Rumba and the Flamenco..;-