51st Grammy Awards - 02/08/09

[Lee]

February 8, 2009

After each nominee the number of previous Grammy's the nominee has won in the past is in parentheses.

Best Female Country Vocal Performance
For These Times - Martina McBride (0)
Last Name - Carrie Underwood (3)
What I Cannot Change - LeAnn Rimes (2)
Last Call - Lee Ann Womack (1)
This Is Me Your Talking To - Trisha Yearwood (3)

Best Male Country Vocal Performance
You're Going To Miss This - Trace Adkins (0)
In Color - Jamey Johnson (0)
Just Got Started Lovin' You - James Otto (0)
Letter To Me - Brad Paisley (1)
Troubadour - George Strait (0)

Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals
God Must Be Busy - Brooks & Dunn (2)
Love Don't Live Here - Lady Antebellum (0)
Every Day - Rascal Flatts (0)
Best Side of the Mountain - The SteelDrivers (0)
Stay - Sugarland (0)

Best Country Collaboration with Vocals
Shiftwork - Kenny Chesney and George Strait (0, 0)
Killing The Blues - Robert Plant and Alison Krauss (2, 21)
House of Cash - George Strait and Patty Loveless (0, 1)
Life in a Northern Town - Sugarland, Little Big Town, and Jake Owen (0, 0, 0)
Let the Wind Chase You - Trisha Yearwood and Keith Urban (3, 2)

Best Country Song[ (awarded to the songwiters)
Dig Two Graves - Ashley Gorley, Bob Regan (0, 0)
I Saw God Today - Rodney Clawson, Monty Criswell, Wade Kirby (0, 0, 0)
In Color - Jamey Johnson, Lee Thomas Miller, James Otto (0, 0, 0)
Stay - Jennifer Nettles (1)
You're Going to Miss This - Ashley Gorley, Lee Thomas Miller (0, 0)

Best Country Album
That Lonesome Song - Jamey Johnson (0)
Sleepless Nights - Patty Loveless (1)
Troubadour - George Strait (0)
Around the Bend - Randy Travis (6)
Heaven, Heartache, and the Power of Love - Trisha Yearwood (3)

[carriefan0209]

Best Female Country Vocal Performance

For These Times - Martina McBride
Last Name - Carrie Underwood
What I Cannot Change - LeAnn Rimes
Last Call - Lee Ann Womack
This Is Me Your Talking To - Trisha Yearwood

Should: "Last Call" or "This Is Me Your Talking To"
Will: No idea


Best Male Country Vocal Performance

You're Going To Miss This - Trace Adkins
In Color - Jamey Johnson
Just Got Started Lovin' You - James Otto
Letter To Me - Brad Paisley
Troubadour - George Strait

Should: Letter to Me
Will: Letter to Me

Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals

God Must Be Busy - Brooks & Dunn
Love Don't Live Here - Lady Antebellum
Every Day - Rascal Flatts
Best Side of the Mountain - The SteelDrivers
Stay - Sugarland

Should: Stay
Will: Stay

Best Country Collaboration with Vocals

Shiftwork - Kenny Chesney and George Strait
Killing The Blues - Robert Plant and Alison Krauss
House of Cash - George Strait and Patty Loveless
Life in a Northern Town - Sugarland, Little Big Town, and Jake Owen
Let the Wind Chase You - Trisha Yearwood and Keith Urban

Should: Life in a Northern Town
Will: Killing the Blues

Best Country Song

Dig Two Graves
I Saw God Today
In Color
Stay
You're Going to Miss This

Should: Stay
Will: I Saw God Today

Best Country Album

That Lonesome Song - Jamey Johnson
Sleepless Nights - Patty Loveless
Troubadour - George Strait
Around the Bend - Randy Travis
Heaven, Heartache, and the Power of Love - Trisha Yearwood

Should: Heaven, Heartache, and the Power of Love
Will: Troubadour

[ontheroadwith]

Isn't it kind of amazing to think that George Strait has never won a Grammy?

[Lee]

Here are my predictions, although they really are more what I would like to see, not what i believe will actually win. Although this year in a lot of these categories anything could happen.

Best Female Country Vocal Performance
What I Cannot Change - LeAnn Rimes (2)

Best Male Country Vocal Performance
Troubadour - George Strait (0)

Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals
Love Don't Live Here - Lady Antebellum (0)

Best Country Collaboration with Vocals
House of Cash - George Strait and Patty Loveless (0, 1)

Best Country Song[ (awarded to the songwiters)
Stay - Jennifer Nettles (1)

Best Country Album
Sleepless Nights - Patty Loveless (1)

I tend to root for underdogs. LeAnn, though a 2 time winner is obviously not thought of as an award sweeper, George and Lady Antebellum have never won, and Patty Loveless and Jennifer Nettles wins were in categories that did not give them the recognition they deserve as musicians.

Some other things I found interesting:
1. I had no idea that James Otto co-wrote "In Color"
2. None of the nominees in the Male Country category have won a Grammy award for a vocal performance

[nncountrykid]

I'm calling Jamey Johnson for album of the year right now.

[ba19]

This is who i want to win:

Best Female Country Vocal Performance
What I Cannot Change - LeAnn Rimes
- I dont think Carrie should win for a before he cheats part 2
- and i only want martina to win so they can stop nominating her every year lol.
- miranda lambert i feel was snubbed.

Best Male Country Vocal Performance
Letter To Me - Brad Paisley
- and i wont complain if "you're gonna miss this" wins

Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals
Stay - Sugarland
- also wont complain if rascal flatts finally gets a win

Best Country Collaboration with Vocals
Life in a Northern Town - Sugarland, Little Big Town, and Jake Owen
- trisha/keith a close 2nd

Best Country Song[ (awarded to the songwiters)
Stay - Jennifer Nettles
- "You're Going to Miss This" if "Stay" wont win

Best Country Album
Troubadour - George Strait
- I havent heard any of these albums fully...so i guess trisha and jamey if not george? im thinking of checking out jamey's cd thanks to his grammy love this year.

[storm]

Dec 4, 2008 1:47:39 GMT -5 ontheroadwith said:

Isn't it kind of amazing to think that George Strait has never won a Grammy?

I think it's more amazing that Martina has never taken one home. The awards are for best vocal performances and she is the best vocal performer in female country history.

Dec 4, 2008 1:47:39 GMT -5 @Lee said:

I tend to root for underdogs. LeAnn, though a 2 time winner is obviously not thought of as an award sweeper

True for the past ten years, but in the days of her 2 wins, she was the award sweeper. I'm sure Deana Carter and Mindy McCready would agree as I remember them losing every award possible to LeAnn, haha. I'm praying she finally takes another Grammy home this year. I think she deserves it for this song.

[EmersonDrive13Rocks]

The Grannies are the stupidest awards ever seriously. Last year The Eagles won Best Vocal Performance by a Group/Duo with "How Long" when Emerson Drive should have won with "Moments". One was a top #25 hit and the other a #1 on country radio! Granny voters have no clue and vote on name alone.

[Cory | Alan]

I agree, no Hat Trick for Carrie this year. BHCpt2 isn't going to cut it. I want LeAnn to get it for WICC. Haunting vocal that gives me chills everytime I hear it...STILL

[carriefan0209]

Yeah I dont think Carrie will win either. I am just as happy with the nomination though because I thought there was a good chance she would get 0 nominations as JaD wasnt submitted!

[someguy]

Martina never winning a Grammy is a pretty big mystery to me too, but I doubt that changes this year. It's probably down to Carrie or Trisha. I like all the nominees, but I'm rooting for Trisha.

For Male Performance, I'd like Brad Paisley to win, and I'd be surprised if he didn't. Anyone but Sugarland winning Group/Duo would be a shock to me.

I think Collaboration is an interesting category this year. My pick would be Trisha/Keith, but "Life In A Northern Town" would be a good choice too. Then, you have the name recognition of Kenny/George, and the interest pair of Patty/George. But, this also seems like an easy win to give Alison/Robert if the Grammys are looking for more places to award them, so they will likely take the award.

Album of the year is also interesting, as many of the people I had considered front-runners didn't get a nomination. I would think that the award is Trisha's to lose, but we'll see.

[rowdawg21]

Dec 4, 2008 7:14:18 GMT -5 EmersonDrive13Rocks said:

Granny voters have no clue and vote on name alone.

Umm...Have you looked at this year's nominations?

And I don't see why "Moments" should have won over "How Long" just because it had more chart success - that's not what the Grammy Awards are about.

[Lee]

Dec 4, 2008 9:16:00 GMT -5 rowdawg21 said:

Dec 4, 2008 7:14:18 GMT -5 EmersonDrive13Rocks said:

Granny voters have no clue and vote on name alone.

And I don't see why "Moments" should have won over "How Long" just because it had more chart success - that's not what the Grammy Awards are about.

Agreed.

[Cory | Alan]

I actually think the Grammy's are far superior to ANY OTHER award show in terms of quality over quantity. I mean, my girl LeAnn would not have been nominated this year and last if it was based on quantity. Actually, Carrie is the only nominee this year that had any type of chart success.

As for the uproar over Kenny being left out...I say GOOD ON GRAMMY.

[drock89]

Yeah I generally see the Grammy's as quality over quantity. I'm still surprised they left Taylor out of the nominations (please no comments like 'well that's because she sucks'). They asked her to host the show... but then again, I guess the only songs of her's that were eligible were "Picture" and "No." And look how they treated Carrie. One nomination. Maybe they aren't big on songs like that (I know Shania didn't get noms for 'Man' or 'Impress').

[what]

Dec 4, 2008 10:56:51 GMT -5 drock89 said:

I'm still surprised they left Taylor out of the nominations

im not gonna go ahead and reply that she sucks , but i guess its bec the grammy category is for a specific song/vocal performance, and obviously, with the nominees that came out, commercial success wasnt a huge factor, except for ln, so the grammys were clearly looking for something more than being the biggest star with the biggest hits with the biggest sales out there. if the category hd been best female artist or something, awarding the artist herself more than a performance/song, then itll be hard to justify not nominating her. but seeing the other nominees, there isnt really any song that i would replace with any of taylor's. frankly, even though im a fan, im surprised carrie even got a nom. i thought it would go to an emmylou harris or a patty loveless song. or maybe miranda's g&l.

ill also go with the opinion that grammys are far more superior than other award shows, although they do have botched ones sometimes, like all of the awards shows anyway (seriously, jobros?! milli vannili?! ), but the one thing i love abt the grammys is most of the time they give love to great artists/songs that otherwise wouldnt have a chance on the "mainstream" award shows, in this case, the acms or cmas. heck, leanne, trisha and lee ann dont get nominated in the fvoty anymore, which is a shame, and none of their songs got nominated in either single or song awards, even tho theyre exceptional material. its like the grammys are the underdogs' only chance at recognition.

and im also glad that the grammys dont slobber over someone like george or kenny. the cmas and acms do enough of that already.

[lyrichord]

Dec 4, 2008 10:56:51 GMT -5 drock89 said:

I guess the only songs of her's that were eligible were "Picture" and "No."

No, she submitted Love Story, also. This was her second year in a row at the nomination announcements so somebody at the Grammies likes her, just not enough of the voters I guess.

I'm a huge Carrie fan of course, but personally my favorite song out of the female lot is Lee Ann Womack's "Last Call."

[43dudleyvillas]

Dec 4, 2008 10:56:51 GMT -5 drock89 said:

Yeah I generally see the Grammy's as quality over quantity. I'm still surprised they left Taylor out of the nominations (please no comments like 'well that's because she sucks'). They asked her to host the show... but then again, I guess the only songs of her's that were eligible were "Picture" and "No." And look how they treated Carrie. One nomination. Maybe they aren't big on songs like that (I know Shania didn't get noms for 'Man' or 'Impress').

As lyrichord points out, Taylor also submitted "Love Story." Perhaps there was vote-splitting between her three submissions, but considering she didn't score a single Country field nomination last year either, I think there's more to it than that. My guess is that the teenness of her music isn't something NARAS voters go for as much (the voters skew older).

As for asking her to host the show, I don't know who was pushing how hard for what. But it's clear that Taylor's people were treating this as a promotional appearance, as she was the only artist to promote a current single on what was billed as a show to celebrate Grammy nominations and a celebration of songs inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Moreover, the gig was almost certainly booked before the voting round to determine nominations was over, so handicapping the race would be difficult. And I would hope that the gig wouldn't influence voters in what is supposed to be an artistic determination.

In any case, LL Cool J was the other co-host, and he didn't score any nominations either, did he? This is not the first time that nomination announcers have gone unnominated (Jason Mraz and Natasha Bedingfield come to mind as other recent examples).

I don't see what's unusual or noteworthy about how they treated Carrie. She scored a nomination in the incredibly competitive category of Best Female Country Vocal Performance alongside several of the genre's other best female singers. She didn't score an album nod, but even as a fan, I don't find that surprising or particularly unjustified. I think there may be a perception that Carrie is capable of making a better album and also, a belief that she will -- I certainly hope so, and I've got no problem with NARAS not worshiping at her feet based on potential in the meantime.

Sugarland not getting into the Best Country Album category was a bigger surprise to me, but the nominations suggest that voters had a more traditionalist bent. And you know, Sugarland gets and will continue to get plenty of love at the ACMs and CMAs next year for that album, so I can't feel too bad for them. Would I rather see them in here than George's album? Yes. But his is the only one I'm sure I would trade out (full disclosure: I haven't listened to Randy's in full and have mixed feelings on what I have heard). In my view, the albums from Patty, Trisha and Jamey are better than Sugarland's, and my happiness at the thought that they'll get some more exposure on the back of these nods totally overwhelms any disappointment at the Sugarland slight.

Dec 4, 2008 11:14:21 GMT -5 what said:

and im also glad that the grammys dont slobber over someone like george or kenny. the cmas and acms do enough of that already.

I agree with most of the (unquoted) rest of your post, but you do realize that George is the most-nominated mainstream country artist at the Grammys, right? He has four nominations, and Rodney Clawson, Monty Criswell and Wade Kirby are nominated for Best Country Song for "I Saw God Today."

Lee, thanks for compiling that list! I don't usually do should/will wins, but this slate of nominees is so interesting, I'm feeling inspired.

Best Female Country Vocal Performance
Should Win: Lee Ann Womack, "Last Call." To me, this is the best marriage of lyric, interpretive performance and melody of the nominees. Trisha sounds amazing during the verses of her song, but I've always found it dull and plodding in the chorus. LeAnn sounds beautiful on her song and the melody is really pretty, but I've never completely connected to it -- in part because I don't feel like there's a backstory to ground the song. I think Carrie's song is the cleverest of the bunch (and while not perfect, is underrated as a composition), but it's not her most impressive vocal showcase (it's an effective vocal, just not one that showcases what's best about Carrie's voice).

Will Win: Trisha Yearwood, "This Is Me You're Talking To." But this is wide open. LeAnn has good blog buzz for "What I Cannot Change," and it is considered a career song for her. Trisha has stronger buzz behind her album, and enough votes to get herself into the Country Album category. Carrie has been a Grammy favorite for the last couple of years and this song was well-reviewed when her album came out; one question is whether the fact that it is the only non-earnest and non-ballad song in the category will help or hurt. Lee Ann has the most recent album release and some good buzz from that. Martina is the only one I think is unlikely to win unless voters decide enough is enough and she needs to win one already.

Best Male Country Vocal Performance
Should Win: Jamey Johnson, "In Color" Tough one. I probably connect to Brad Paisley's "Letter to Me" more, but I think "In Color" may be a classic. I'm thrilled to see James Otto's "Just Got Started Lovin' You" in here, too.

Will Win: Jamey Johnson, "In Color" There has been strong buzz behind this guy, and I think it will carry him here. I suppose I shouldn't underestimate the amount of support George has, though. He is probably the spoiler.

Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals
Should Win: "Stay," Sugarland, even though it doesn't feel like a duo performance. This is the one category that I don't find particularly inspiring, and I actually wouldn't mind if "Love Don't Live Here" took the prize as a genuine group performance.

Will Win: "Stay," Sugarland

Best Country Collaboration with Vocals
Should Win: Trisha Yearwood & Keith Urban, "Let the Wind Chase You" Prettiest harmonies and melody in the bunch, plus the interpretive performance is very effective.

Will Win: Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, "Killing the Blues," though George and Patty could play spoiler here.

Best Country Song (awarded to the songwiters)
Should Win: Jamey Johnson, Lee Thomas Miller & James Otto, "In Color"

Will Win: Jamey Johnson, Lee Thomas Miller & James Otto, "In Color" I guess I'm banking on a wave of Jamey Johnson buzz. But Jen Nettles and "Stay" shouldn't be counted out, nor Rodney Clawson/Monty Criswell/Wade Kirby and "I Saw God Today," who took the prize at the CMAs.

Best Country Album
Should Win: Trisha Yearwood, Heaven, Heartache & the Power of Love. I guess. I put it ahead of Patty Loveless' Sleepless Nights because the songs are original, but I love Patty's album too. Jamey Johnson's would also be deserving.

Will Win: Jamey Johnson, That Lonesome Song. I guess I'm all in for a Johnson sweep of sorts? Though it seems to me that Trisha has a good chance, as well. Or will NARAS voters embrace Patty? I don't know, but since I think Jamey has the edge in buzz, I'll go with him for now.

[somebody60]

I'm not sure if anyone noticed, but Lady Antellebum is also nominated in the big "Best New Artist" category (I was scanning the list and almost missed it). I'm sure they won't win (since country artists rarely win), but it's very nice seeing them on there.

[Blake]

Swift's lack of a nomination is a mere speed bump; a promotional appearance such as last night's performance counts more towards a career than 1-2 nominations. Lambert's absence in the Female category disappoints me more. She's not a "belter" like Underwood and Yearwood (who were deservedly nominated), but the vocal performance perfectly matched the content of "Gunpowder and Lead," a song that deserved recognition on its own as well.

Best Female Country Vocal Performance

Should: Yearwood. McBride (who deserves to break her Grammy curse) is the weak link. Her delivery is nicely understated, but the performance isn't quite as convincing as the others. Underwood is saddled with a song that doesn't show her range. Rimes and Womack turn in terrific performances of very fine songs, but Yearwood's interpretive skill shines through on a gentle, restrained ballad that brims with tension.
Will: Yearwood. She's the only woman in the final five who received support across the board, and although she's only claimed three trophies, I believe she's received about 20 nominations. She's a Grammy fave.

Best Male Country Vocal Performance:

Should: Johnson's "In Color" is the best song, and he nailed it with his rich, resonant baritone.
Will: Strait should finally earn a Grammy. He's the most-nominated mainstream artist, and I figure voters have seen his name so often that he'll prevailed over lesser-known talents.

Best Country Performance/Duo or Group

Should: "Stay," Sugarland; Nettles' performance is nakedly honest. Although it's not a true group experience, it's the gold star winner.
Will: Sugarland was shut out of Album, so I bet Grammy voters will honor them in some fashion.

Best Country Collaboration

Should Win: Yearwood/Urban, "Let the Wind Chase You" or Strait/Loveless, "House of Cash"; The former is a stronger song, but not a true duet.
Will Win: Grammy voters will likely bow down to Plant & Krauss, giving them any award they can get.

Best Country Song

Should: "In Color," Jamey Johnson, Lee Thomas Miller & James Otto
Will: I sense "I Saw God Today" (Rodney Clawson, Monty Criswell & Wade Kirby) will triumph, although "In Color" is a dark horse.

Best Country Album

Should: Strait and Travis are just a level below the rest. Any of the three remaining nominees are deserving. Fingers crossed that they all receive at least one win come Grammy night.
Will: Strait has never been the frontrunner at the Grammys, but this year may be a windfall for him.

[killintime]

Geez, how did Randy Travis's album get nominated and not someone else's, like BP's 5th Gear or something.
From the singles I've heard off of Travis's new album, it's really unimpressive...

[ontheroadwith]

While I do think that Martina is an amazing singer, I am really not surprised that she has never won. She tends to oversing her songs these days. I know Grammy loves to nominate her, but c'mon...For These Times? Really?!? Is that song truly a Grammy nomination worthy song? I think Gunpowder & Lead or Johnny & June should have been in there instead. I do hope the Womack takes it.

I think that I am most shocked about STAY not being included in the overall Song or Record of the Year categories. I was slightly happy that this year most of the nominees in the performance categories are mainstream artists. Sometimes I think the Grammys like to stretch a little bit too much...like last year when Sugarland was not nominated in the Group/Duo category but should have been.

[what]

but you do realize that George is the most-nominated mainstream country artist at the Grammys, right?

oh, i meant with grammy wins. i know he's nominated a bunch of times, like martina is and has been, but for some reason he just cant connect with anything for a win. maybe this will be his year though, who knows? im also talking abt how its not totally impossible nor surprising that he will get shut out at the grammys. unlike the cmas or acms, where they will give him a token win just bec he's george strait.

im also glad lady antebellum got some love. they have really been the best new country artist last year, and theyre good representatives in the category for country music.

someone clearly pushed hard for taylor to sing even a part of her own song last night. jmo, but i find it a bit disrespectful. last night was abt grammy hof songs, not to promote her own song. an appearance was promotion enough already, did she really have to sing her own song to prove shes out there to promote herself?!

[kw9461]

Dec 4, 2008 13:11:30 GMT -5 killintime said:

Geez, how did Randy Travis's album get nominated and not someone else's, like BP's 5th Gear or something.
From the singles I've heard off of Travis's new album, it's really unimpressive...

I thought it was a fantastic album. Faith In You (the lead single) is probably the weakest track off the whole album (or at least the 2nd weakest), and Dig Two Graves is far from the best (although I think it's a great song). You Didn't Have A Good Time is outstanding (if it's released as a single it'll be nominated for song next year), and there are several other very good songs (Every Head Bowed, From Your Knees, Everything That I Own Has Got A Dent). I thought it was very deserving of a nom, and I think it has a very good chance of winning (although Trisha's probably the fave). The Grammy's have a history of picking non-mainstream albums to win album of the year, and Randy has two album Grammy's this decade already (both for best Southern Gospel album).

[kim8]

Can anyone tell me what the eligibility period is for these nominations? I tried to find it on the grammy.com site but didn't see it.

[Blake]

kim8: October 1, 2007-September 30, 2008

[kim8]

Thanks Blake!

I was mostly wondering why Lee Ann's Call Me Crazy wasn't nominated for Album, but I guess it wasn't eligible after all this year.

[musicbuff78]

Dec 4, 2008 13:16:50 GMT -5 ontheroadwith said:

I think that I am most shocked about STAY not being included in the overall Song or Record of the Year categories.

This was the biggest shocker to me as well.

The category I really like this year though is Best New Artist as there is 1 artist in there I don't care for.

I honestly think it will go to Duffy.

[ontheroadwith]

I actually think that Lady A has a shot in that category. Although, I can see the award going to Adelle. She is amazing...

[Minimalism]

I am quite pleased with the grammy nominess, especially Female Vocal and Best Album. Much better than the CMA Awards, that's for sure. The album category is especially strong: Trisha, Patty, and Jamie are all deserving. I'm rooting for Trisha, since I feel her album is the most consistently excellent of the bunch, but I won't complain if any of the other two winning.