I love how Hayden Panettiere’s “Juliette Barnes” character on ABC’s Nashville supposedly represents the “adolescent pop” side of country music… and yet somehow still manages to sound more country than half of what’s on country radio today.
Call to Action: Supplies and donations needed in the Rockaways
One of our favorite people, Juli Thanki over at Engine 145, is rallying the troops to help those in need in the Rockaways, where our own Kevin Coyne lives and once taught at a school seriously impacted by the storm. He is now the principal of another school where many students and staff were impacted by the hurricane as well. We’re so grateful to her for taking this initiative, though we’re not surprised by her act of kindness.
An ambitious effort, but not quite as airtight as one would hope.
CMA 2012: Live Blog
Winners
Entertainer: Blake Shelton
Female Vocalist: Miranda Lambert
Male Vocalist: Blake Shelton
Vocal Group: Little Big Town
New Artist: Hunter Hayes
Vocal Duo: Thompson Square
Musician: Mac McAnally
Album: Eric Church, Chief
Single: Little Big Town, “Pontoon”
Song: Miranda Lambert & Blake Shelton, “Over You”
Musical Event: Tim McGraw & Kenny Chesney, “Feel Like a Rock Star”
2012 CMA Awards: Staff Picks & Predictions
While the rest of the country fixates on “Nashville,” the 46th annual Country Music Association Awards air live from Music City with equal drama and ridiculousness November 1 at 7 p.m. CST. The CU staff picked and predicted the awards below. Chime in with your thoughts, and check back for our live blog on Thursday night!
Entertainer of the Year 
Should Win:
- Jason Aldean – Dan, Ben, Kevin
- Kenny Chesney
- Brad Paisley
- Blake Shelton
- Taylor Swift – Jonathan, Tara, Leeann
Will Win:
- Jason Aldean – Dan, Ben, Jonathan, Kevin
- Kenny Chesney
- Brad Paisley
- Blake Shelton
- Taylor Swift – Tara, Leeann
One of the things that frustrates me the most about today’s mainstream country music is the way so many of the songs just seem to be screaming ‘Like me! Like me! Like me!’