May 7, 2013

The nominations are in, and this years' CMT awards have quite the competition amongst the categories- leading the race in the "just being nominated" category are Luke Bryan, Eric Church, and Miranda Lambort. Each of those artists received four separate nominations-though I'm not sure if Miranda should gain extra points for having three as a solo and one as a group, or have one of those awards maybe not mean so much... I mean, who starts off as a solo artist and then joins a group? Every boy band I've ever loved (read: stalked) worked the opposite- start as a group and THEN branch out on your own.  Country folks are cute and fun, but that doesn't mean everything is working "as it should be" upstairs...

Nominated next to Miranda Lambert in the video of the year category, is Carrie Underwood with "Blown Away" and Brad Paisley for "Southern Comfort Zone".  A breath of fresh air that must be for them, because legal paperwork if finally surfacing in the plagiarism suit against the pair, as well as two of the co-writers on the 2011 hit "Remind Me".  As stated before, our "non-stripper" country starlet Amy Bowen who just so happens to have a stripper-esque stage name of Lizza Connor (though she is not-I repeat NOT a stripper. At least not one that's been confirmed), is holding strong to the claim she penned and performed this song back at a showcase in 2007, where two of the co-writers were present, and is claiming they stole this song and owe her some massive money.  Brad and Carrie however deny this claim, and say the song came to them over a phone call, and neither one had any idea of where the chorus would lead them until discussing it together.  I'm curious as to how a phone call between two people creates a song that's begging to be "reminded" of the times they missed their flights due to early morning boinking and such. Maybe they are just that imaginative? Guess we will see whether or not they truly created this song themselves, or created a very generous donation to the "non-strippers" of America.

Aside from his news and nominations, Brad also has Nashville going for him. That's right, this Wednesday at 10pm Eastern Time on ABC he will be guest starring on the hit show Nashville as none other then himself.  The shows theme involves Rayna (Connie Britton) and Deacon (Charles Esten) attending the CMA Awards, and playing on stage with Brad Paisley while trying to figure out their chaotic love story for themselves.  We also see Brad's beauty of a wife Kimberly Williams-Paisley in some hot water as the home wrecking Peggy Kenter, and the drama surrounding her scandalous ways... You won't want to miss this season finale so set your alarm clock or your DVR and make sure to tune in!

Another country star who actually got her start on a television series is the adorable Jana Kramer.  Some of you may remember her as the drug and alcohol addicted train wreck of a model Alex , who over time sobered up and became a decent human being and BFF to Brooke (Sophia Bush) on One Tree Hill, but when she isn't acting on the CW, she's producing some amazing music- and enough to get her nominated for female video of the year AND breakthrough video of the year- both for her song "Why ya Wanna".  In addition to celebrating these nominations, Miss Kramer can also celebrate the fact she's soon going to be Mrs. Gilbert. That's right friends, she's set to marry Brantley Gilbert in the near future- however not in the near future is the release of their duet, which they refer to as a "fighting" song, saying they sing over each other rather than back and forth... Not so sure if that's gonna be a hit or a miss in the world of country music, but best of luck to them on all of their future endeavors.

We can't let a blog go by without talking about little Tay-Tay though, and as reported not only did Harry Styles refer to her as a "pain in the a**", it seems Hova himself (Jay Z for you strictly-country non-rapper readers) is also making a dig at her in his new song on The Great Gatsby soundtrack. Referencing the infamous Kanye West incident, Jay Z implies that the entire thing may have actually helped Taylors career, and refers to her as the not-so-nice name we call people that is also used to reference a female dog....  Careful J, you've got a little girl yourself so watch what you say, spread, and sow....

Not to worry for Taylor though, her new song with Tim McGraw and Keith Urban debuted last night, and if you haven't gotten a chance to watch the video, then PLEASE take 5 minutes and do so. Aside from an amazing sound, the message this video portrays is extremely important, as well as extremely relevant in todays society, where people just cannot put down their cell phones for ten minutes.  Centered around a story line of a distraught woman who chooses to text while drive, we watch a tragic story unfold, as well as the devastating aftermath of what can happen. You can watch the video here to see for yourself.

In addition to an amazing PSA, Tim McGraw is also currently donating 31 homes to veterans at each stop on his Two Lanes of Freedom tour.  He generously donated 30 homes last year to veterans and their families, and he's extended his Homefront Program with Chase and Operation Homefront to yet again help out families in need.  High Fives to you Mr. McGraw, what an inspiration.

In up and coming artists, I'd also like to take the time to give a big shout out to country muscian Craig Gerdes. You can head over to his site right now and get your free download of his new song "Haggard Fan".

And lastly, it seems 9 months ago today, nothing exciting must have been happening... And I mean nothing, because there isn't a single country musician celebrating a birthday today. According to my 40 week "I'm not a licensed OB" calendar, that would have put any baby bump making action taking place (or clearly NOT taking place) on or around August 1, so... when they say summer has a "dry spell" I'm gonna go ahead and believe them, and place that time frame right around there... 

Catch up with you later!!

xx Jamie