44th ACM Awards - LIVE - Sun., April 5 - on CBS

[jptexas]

As much as I celebrate Carrie's win for EOTY, I'm also of the opinion that this award should not be fanvoted. But, Kenny won this last year, and nobody said a word, well except Kenny. I think he knew that one day someone like Carrie, who IMO deserved this award without the fanvote, would come along and take this. I don't think he thought it would be this soon, but it happened.

Now, on to the net to try to defend Carrie. They'll be some backlash, but hey, what else is new in Carrie's career. Her fans have been defending her awards, sales records, songs, dresses, hair, performances, etc since she first sang at the Opry. No difference here.

[tsharky]

There is always backlash but right now, I am going to enjoy this moment! I am so happy for Carrie!

And props to Kenny for the classy way he handledl osing. He even hugged Carrie's mom, and he was a total gentleman. He just gained a few more points in my book.

[cufan7]

Loved watching this tonight and thought all the winners rightly deserved the awards they were given. Carrie winning Entertainer was the highlight for me. Perfect way to end the show.

[someguy]

I thought that the show was pretty good this year. I like how there wasn't one huge winner, and that the awards were spread out among a number of deserving winners.

I thought that there were a number of stand out performances. I thought that Carrie Underwood did a very nice job of "I Told You So", Miranda Lambert sang "Dead Flowers" well (though I will still need a few more listens to really get on board with the song), Kenny Chesney sounded good on "Out Last Night", Lee Ann Womack sounded good on "Solitary Thinkin'", Lady Antebellum did a very nice job of "I Run To You" (which has been slowly growing on me as a single), and Sugarland gave a wonderful performance of "What I'd Give". I've never taken much notice of that song, and tonight's soulful, heartfelt performance has made me revisit my opinion of that song.

The highlight for me (which is probably no surprise) was Reba's performance of "Strange". If radio will be open to playing a woman in her mid-50s, I think she could have a huge hit here. This is probably my favorite solo single of hers since "Somebody", so we'll see how it will do.

I thought some people didn't sound so great, but it's probably best to stick with the positive.

As far as the winners go, I agree with the sentiment that I wish the ACM had left the fan voting to the CMT and People's Choice Awards. I think that Carrie is talented enough to have won Entertainer one day on her own merits (though this probably wouldn't have been her year yet), and it's a shame that her achievement will have an asterisk next to it for some. I do think that she will win the award eventually at the CMAs, and when that happens that will erase any doubts that people may have about her winning. Still, she deserves a lot of congratulations for the award, and her Female Vocalist trophy.

I was glad to see Sugarland win for Duo, Trace Adkins finally win a major award, and Taylor Swift's win for album. Though hers wasn't my favorite of the nominees, she has done a lot for country, and her sales achievements have been truly remarkable, so I was glad to see her get some recognition for her work. I also agree that it was very nice to see Taylor singing along to "Last Name" when they announced Carrie's name for Female Vocalist. That shows that she has a lot of class.

I would have liked to see Lady Antebellum win for Vocal Group, but there is always next year, or the CMAs. Overall, I thought that the show was quite entertaining and well done this year. I would have liked to have seen Faith and Tim, and my guess is that there is still much more to that story than we know at this time.

[sbp17]

Apr 5, 2009 22:49:49 GMT -5 jptexas said:

But, Kenny won this last year, and nobody said a word, well except Kenny.

Actually, there were a lot of words said about this last year.

I watched her acceptance speech. Very nice and heartfelt. And since the youngun who recorded it didn't stop in time, I caught a quick glimpse of an old red head after the speech.

[somebody60]

Apr 5, 2009 22:40:23 GMT -5 bamafan2102 said:

Unless there is someone waiting in the wings with an unbelievable voice, I don't see Female vocalist going to anyone but Carrie for a while.

I don't know. Unless something extremely drastic happens between now and then, Carrie should definitely win Female Vocalist of the Year at this year's CMA's. It seems obvious that Taylor Swift will never win the award (or at least not anytime soon) and since Taylor is the only other female besides Carrie who has been having huge success the past couple of years, that helps Carrie.

Miranda Lambert has had some success but she still hasn't had that huge breakthrough. Yes, she's broken through on some levels, but I don't think she's quite there yet. Once she does, I think she could be a threat, but only then. She performed her new single tonight, but after hearing it, I'm not sure it will be a huge hit (but I might be wrong).

Martina is the one female I think could possibly dethrone Carrie soon, and she could do it next year if she can have a few big hits from her new album (I haven't heard the new album yet, so I can't comment). She just hasn't had a big hit recently, but she has a great voice, and I'm sure her peers would like to reward her with a Vocalist award since she hasn't won one in a while, but they just can't based on her material!

[43dudleyvillas]

I hope this doesn't come off as a tease, sbp17, and I wish I could help you with a cap...but for what it's worth, coming from someone who isn't always a Reba fan...her performance of "Strange" is well worth your wait.

[deb]

I think they should rename the category Female Artist of The Year. I don't necessarily think that it should go to the performer with the best voice, but the one with the most success for the year. If it is voice for sure Carrie would always beat Taylor but if it was based on album sales and radio airplay that may be a different story.

[bamafan2102]

Apr 5, 2009 23:03:50 GMT -5 43dudleyvillas said:

I hope this doesn't come off as a tease, sbp17, and I wish I could help you with a cap...but for what it's worth, coming from someone who isn't always a Reba fan...her performance of "Strange" is well worth your wait.

I am not a fan of Reba much at all but she had one of the top 3 performances tonight. The song didn't do much for me but she was spot on. I do have to say that I love Reba's older stuff and think that she is a great ambassador for country music. Her smile and the way she carries herself drives me crazy. I am interested to hear the new stuff and if radio will embrace it.

[Deleted]

A couple more quick comments:

1. Regarding Taylor Swift's Milestone Award: The person writing the live ACM blog at Country Universe said it best, so I'll copy and paste it...

She gets a crystal milestone award for her incredible record sales? Her albums combined haven’t matched the sales of Underwood’s first album, the first three Dixie Chicks albums, three Shania Twain albums. Why didn’t Rascal Flatts get this award? John Michael Montgomery? Toby Keith? Kenny Chesney? I’m just confused.

Source


2. Regarding Jennifer Nettles' Milestone Award: Once again, the person writing the live ACM blog at Country Universe said it best, so I'll copy and paste it again...

She’s getting a Crystal Milestone award for winning an award last year? Really?


3. Best Performances of the night: John Rich, Trace Adkins, Carrie Underwood, and Keith Urban.


4. Worst Performances of the night: Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift...and the people who apparently do the Sound at every country music award show.

[lullaby]

Apr 5, 2009 21:55:56 GMT -5 lullaby said:

Apr 5, 2009 21:52:58 GMT -5 @musicstfan said:

These are ALL of the ACM Female Vocalist Winners since the award was first handed out in 1966:

1966 Bonnie Owens
1967 Bonnie Guitar
1968 Lynn Anderson
1969 Cathie Taylor
1970 Tammy Wynette
1971 Lynn Anderson
1972 Loretta Lynn
1973 Donna Fargo
1974 Loretta Lynn
1975 Loretta Lynn
1976 Loretta Lynn
1977 Crystal Gayle
1978 Crystal Gayle
1979 Barbara Mandrell
1980 Crystal Gayle
1981 Dolly Parton
1982 Barbara Mandrell
1983 Sylvia
1984 Janie Fricke
1985 Reba McEntire
1986 Reba McEntire
1987 Reba McEntire
1988 Reba McEntire
1989 K.T. Oslin
1990 Kathy Mattea
1991 Reba McEntire
1992 Reba McEntire
1993 Mary-Chapin Carpenter
1994 Wynonna
1995 Reba McEntire
1996 Patty Loveless
1997 Patty Loveless
1998 Trisha Yearwood
1999 Faith Hill
2000 Faith Hill
2001 Faith Hill
2002 Martina McBride
2003 Martina McBride
2004 Martina McBride
2005 Gretchen Wilson
2006 Sara Evans
2007 Carrie Underwood
2008 Carrie Underwood
2009 Carrie Underwood


I believe Reba McEntire holds the ACM Female Vocalist of the Year record with 7 wins...4 of her wins were consecutive in the 80's.

---

These are ALL of the CMA Female Vocalist Winners since the award was first handed out in 1967:

1967 Loretta Lynn
1968 Tammy Wynette
1969 Tammy Wynette
1970 Tammy Wynette
1971 Lynn Anderson
1972 Loretta Lynn
1973 Loretta Lynn
1974 Olivia Newton-John
1975 Dolly Parton
1976 Dolly Parton
1977 Crystal Gayle
1978 Crystal Gayle
1979 Barbara Mandrell
1980 Emmylou Harris
1981 Barbara Mandrell
1982 Janie Fricke
1983 Janie Fricke
1984 Reba McEntire
1985 Reba McEntire
1986 Reba McEntire
1987 Reba McEntire
1988 K.T. Oslin
1989 Kathy Mattea
1990 Kathy Mattea
1991 Tanya Tucker
1992 Mary Chapin Carpenter
1993 Mary Chapin Carpenter
1994 Pam Tillis
1995 Alison Krauss
1996 Patty Loveless
1997 Trisha Yearwood
1998 Trisha Yearwood
1999 Martina McBride
2000 Faith Hill
2001 Lee Ann Womack
2002 Martina McBride
2003 Martina McBride
2004 Martina McBride
2005 Gretchen Wilson
2006 Carrie Underwood
2007 Carrie Underwood
2008 Carrie Underwood


Reba holds the CMA Female Vocalist record with 4 straight wins.

Martina also has 4 wins, but, if it matters, her wins are not consecutive.

Wow so carrie would have to win both once more to even tie rebas consecutive record, that is some ask but none the less amazing that this girl I watched audition on a fun family tv show has turned into such a big superstar

Thanks for the info

The Amazing thing is that she has won female country grammy 3 times on the trot also making 9 consecutive awards!

[_adriano.]

Apr 5, 2009 23:07:03 GMT -5 deb said:

I think they should rename the category Female Artist of The Year. I don't necessarily think that it should go to the performer with the best voice, but the one with the most success for the year. If it is voice for sure Carrie would always beat Taylor but if it was based on album sales and radio airplay that may be a different story.

I shouldn't even get into this discussion, since it's been recurrent here, but all I can say is that vocals are not the only thing they take in consideration, otherwise Martina would have won it for almost a decade now.

[sbp17]

Apr 5, 2009 23:03:50 GMT -5 43dudleyvillas said:

I hope this doesn't come off as a tease, sbp17, and I wish I could help you with a cap...but for what it's worth, coming from someone who isn't always a Reba fan...her performance of "Strange" is well worth your wait.

Thanks. I keep searching youtube but alas...I can't delay going into the office much longer.

Apr 5, 2009 23:10:10 GMT -5 bamafan2102 said:

Her smile and the way she carries herself drives me crazy.

Her smile and the way she carries herself drive me crazy too...but in a positive way.

The song isn't without its flaws that I'll go into in the single thread but I do like it and it seems like something radio would play if they're going to play anything by a 50 plus female.

[wastedtime]

Just wrote some thoughts.

I think Keith Urban and Jennifer Nettles are the best live performers in any genre of music right now. Just outstanding live acts.
That Sugarland song is hot. Wow.

I'm a huge Keith Urban fan, but I just can't get that upset about Carrie winning EOY. She's had alot of success in and out of country. Were it just Live Act performer, I'd be more upset. Cause Keith would have that hands-down. Sugarland would be runner-up for now. I do think fan voting brings this awards show down to the level of the CMTs though.

I'm still laughing at Brad for the "don't know if y'all heard but we had the baby" joke and Carrie for the "I wanna see those boots, Matt" Hah!

Keith's new song is ridiculously catchy.

I haven't paid much attention to country this year so I thought Jamie Johnson was Bo Bice and that he had not aged well. Sounds just like him.

I'm also not upset about Taylor winning album. Another one that writes super catchy songs. Love her songs and she's actually a good performer. Just not great live vocals that project.

Carrie looked like Jaba the Hut in that dress. Scary. Love her vocals on the more traditional country sounding songs. She sings beautifully when she's hitting those quieter notes.

Heidi Newfield (?) looked rough.

Most of the rest of the performances were blah to me.
Oh, except for Rascal Flatts. Who continue to ruin their own songs for me. And Miley was all kinds of nasally. Seemed so affected but she's a kid so whatever.

Oh, and worst magic trick ever! God, that was lame.

[cufan7]

Apr 5, 2009 23:07:03 GMT -5 deb said:

I think they should rename the category Female Artist of The Year. I don't necessarily think that it should go to the performer with the best voice, but the one with the most success for the year. If it is voice for sure Carrie would always beat Taylor but if it was based on album sales and radio airplay that may be a different story.

But the name isn't misleading...

It's Female Vocalist of the year. Basically which female vocalist is the most deserving based on achievements during the ellegibility period, not which female has the best vocals...

[what]

Crystal Milestone Award
Taylor Swift

didnt jennifer win the award too?

i dont like this crystal milestone thing. in taylor's case, its just a repeat of her aoty win. so just give her the aoty award if it means the same thing. ditto with jennifer. give the "milestone" award to someone who has truly made a groundbreaking impact and whose achievements are not currently covered by the existng awards. kinda like that "humanitarian" award. the milestone award is just so pointless.

[sbp17]

The Trace song is up on youtube...a very rough version. But it is a very nice song and I thought the West Point Glee Club was a nice touch.

[Deleted]

Soooo happpy for Sugarland! They also were my favorite performance of the night :) Carrie is a beast and a half! That girl has vocals coming out of her ass! She so deserved EOTY, but like most I just wish it wasn't fan voted because it would have been more legit(even though she deserved it regardless). Happy for Taylors well deserved win. She's the "it" country artist right now in the media and with her album sales being as good as they are(in this climate)shes a force! Lady A were great too! Ugh at Julianne :( I only wish Kellie was nominated this year instead of last because she deserves to have this award more than Julianne(even though I like her).

Best Performance(based on overall performance)
1. Sugarland
2. Lady A
3. Miranda Lambert
4. Carrie Underwood
5. Keith Urban/Taylor

[bigbluenote]

As I type this, I'm going to try my best to remember to be positive.

Ok, I guess that's all now. lol, j/k.

I LOVE Reba's new song. I'm so glad she's singing an uptempo because radio might be more willing to play it. I also REALLY enjoyed Miranda's new song as well. Love the lyrics. And I honestly believe she's one of the best vocalists out there right behind Reba, Lee Ann, and LeAnn.

I think it was different how they had David Copperfield bring out Taylor. I thought that was pretty cool.

Oh, and I really thought Reba was hysterical in the beginning. But then, I always think that. The "Carrie and I are alike" bit was great as was the "Strait and Elton John" part. Matthew however-you-spell-his-last-name's story was funny as well. "Yeah, I got lucky that night. THANK YOU George Strait", lol.

Best Performances:
George Strait. Lee Ann Womack. Miranda Lambert. Toby Keith. ESPECIALLY Heidi Newfield. Reba. Keith Urban. And I really want to add that I think Blake Shelton did a GREAT job for it being so impromptu and unrehearsed.

Worst Performances: (so this is my only negative part of the post)
Taylor Swift
Miley Cyrus
Rascal Flatts

Oh, and the fact that the teeny-bopper Taylor Swift can win over George Strait for Album Of The Year shows just how pitiful the state of country music is right now.

[Deleted]

Apr 5, 2009 23:37:00 GMT -5 what said:

Crystal Milestone Award
Taylor Swift

didnt jennifer win the award too?

i dont like this crystal milestone thing. in taylor's case, its just a repeat of her aoty win. so just give her the aoty award if it means the same thing. ditto with jennifer. give the "milestone" award to someone who has truly made a groundbreaking impact and whose achievements are not currently covered by the existng awards. kinda like that "humanitarian" award. the milestone award is just so pointless.

Yes. Jennifer also got a Milestone award.

I remembered to comment on it in my post above, but I forgot to include the award on the Final winners list. Oops.

---

In regard to the Milestone awards themselves, I agree with both you and Country Universe.

Taylor's award was not necessary, especially since she got the Album of the Year award. Even if she had not won AOTY, Taylor getting the Milestone award did not make sense because so many other country stars (both past and present) should've gotten that award before Taylor.

Jennifer's Milestone award didn't make sense for a completely different reason. She basically got the Milestone award because she won an award for "Stay." Really? You get a Milestone award for winning another award?

I guess next year they'll be giving Carrie Underwood a Milestone award for being the first solo Female since Shania Twain (in 2000) to win the ACM Entertainer of the Year award.

[tsharky]

Apr 5, 2009 23:07:03 GMT -5 deb said:

I think they should rename the category Female Artist of The Year. I don't necessarily think that it should go to the performer with the best voice, but the one with the most success for the year. If it is voice for sure Carrie would always beat Taylor but if it was based on album sales and radio airplay that may be a different story.

Carrie would still have won as she had very strong radio play. She won a billboard award for most played artist in 2008, beating everyone. She also is 3x platinum for Carnival Ride, so she had very strong sales too.

The billboard awards award sales. The ACMS and CMAS, and grammys, award artistic merit and vocals... not just sales.

So carrie deserved it for more reasons other then Great Vocals:

1. She had strong sales of just under 3 million albums for Carnival Ride.
2. Carrie had 4 number 1 hits off that album, and one more on the way.
3.She had amazing Radio play- the most of any country artist per Billboard.
4. Carrie toured in over 137 cities in 2008, before over 1 million fans.
5. Carrie had the highest grossing tour for Females in country music and 5th highest overall, for country.

[Lee]

Apr 5, 2009 23:54:03 GMT -5 bigbluenote said:

As I type this, I'm going to try my best to remember to be positive.

Ok, I guess that's all now. lol, j/k.

I LOVE Reba's new song. I'm so glad she's singing an uptempo because radio might be more willing to play it. I also REALLY enjoyed Miranda's new song as well. Love the lyrics. And I honestly believe she's one of the best vocalists out there right behind Reba, Lee Ann, and LeAnn.

I think it was different how they had David Copperfield bring out Taylor. I thought that was pretty cool.

Oh, and I really thought Reba was hysterical in the beginning. But then, I always think that. The "Carrie and I are alike" bit was great as was the "Strait and Elton John" part. Matthew however-you-spell-his-last-name's story was funny as well. "Yeah, I got lucky that night. THANK YOU George Strait", lol.

Best Performances:
George Strait. Lee Ann Womack. Miranda Lambert. Toby Keith. ESPECIALLY Heidi Newfield. Reba. Keith Urban. And I really want to add that I think Blake Shelton did a GREAT job for it being so impromptu and unrehearsed.

Worst Performances: (so this is my only negative part of the post)
Taylor Swift
Miley Cyrus
Rascal Flatts

Oh, and the fact that the teeny-bopper Taylor Swift can win over George Strait for Album Of The Year shows just how pitiful the state of country music is right now.

Agree with everything.

[what]

Apr 5, 2009 23:54:48 GMT -5 @musicstfan said:

I guess next year they'll be giving Carrie Underwood a Milestone award for being the first solo Female since Shania Twain (in 2000) to win the ACM Entertainer of the Year award.

im giving you a cookie right now for guessing this right.

[joey2002]

I just finished watching the ACM'S on DVR -- because of the Final Four basketball games on ESPN at the same time. I have to say that I was very pleased and surprised with many of the awards tonight.

1~ Congrats to Carrie for winning Entertainer of the year!!! She is such a sweet kid...so grateful, polite, and humble -- how could anyone not like her? :) Kenny was such a class act as always, and so was Brad (the tape delay was CLASSSIC! : )


2~ Congrats to Taylor for winning album of the year -- she really deserved it. After they gave her that lame "crystal award thingy", I thought for sure that this would either go to Jimmy or George. Nice surprise, and seeing taylor's reaction was awesome! [/size][/font]
[/color]

3~ Trace Atkins performance was absolutely amazing. Stunning, Haunting, Emotional...just beyond words. Also, I was so glad to see him win single of the year -- he really deserved it -- especially after that performance! [/size][/font]
[/color]

4~ I love Lady Antebellum, and especially that song. I thought their performance was awesome -- and they are gonna win group of the year soon!!!


5~ Lastly, congrats to Jamey Johnson. "In Color" is a great under-rated song, and i'm glad that he won an award for it. I'm also glad that the awards were spread out, and not given all to the same artists.


Awesome show...it will obviously never be perfect, but I think they did a great job this year. Carrie winning Entertainer of the Year was just the ultimate ending! :)

[Jonsolo]

Apr 5, 2009 22:33:38 GMT -5 alexb said:

did george strait looked pissed when carrie won or am i imagining things?

Yeah, right after that award announcement and I think the one for Song, as the winners were headed up to the stage, the camera caught George with a flat, emotionless expression. Both times I yelled at the TV "Come on, smile George!".

There shouldn't be any doubt that George was genuinely happy for the winners, but a good rule of thumb is to always act like the camera is on you in those situations, and have a big smile on your face as you applaud the other guy/girl.

At least we can be thankful he wasn't picking his nose or something.

[Queen Britney & Beysus fan!]

Sugarland was my favorite and Carrie. Glad Carrie won EOTY except she comes across duller than a blackboard. Taylor has more personality/better songwritter, Carrie wipes the floor with her effortless vocals that are pretty much superior to anyone in the counrty scene right night(maybe minus Martina). Both are great, so glad both got love tonight!

[dva]

A big Congratulations to Carrie! And I'm so glad Jamey Johnson won for In Color.

[maxypark]

Watching this and other Awards’ shows, I’m more convinced that the determination of placings in each category should be-

1. A third of votes awarded by the industry including professional critics.
2. A third of votes awarded by the “fans” or public.
3. A third of votes awarded by their performance in airplay, sales, box office draw, streaming etc.

So if there were x artists up for consideration, the best in each category gets x points, then x-1 and so on until the last one gets 1 point.

All artists, albums etc have to be nominated, even YouTube types could be nominated, and the top x selected from these initial nominations using 1 to 3, above, are entered for further rounds, with the same process continuing thence. This would stop TPTB deciding a small range from which the great “unclean” can vote. I have continually been frustrated by my favourite album, song etc not being on the list from which I can vote.

I would also change the title of “Entertainer of the Year” to “Artist of the Year” as the word “entertainer” is very subjective. Someone who wins using all these categories above deserves the title of “Artist” but not necessarily “Entertainer.”

I believe that would end some of the critics’ only, or fans’ only voting, which can throw up some ridiculous choices and stop the worries and doubts being expressed in this thread to a winner's validity

[_adriano.]

I have mixed feeling about Miranda's new song. Can't wait to listen to the studio version.

[Dustin J.]

I would LOVE to see another video of Lady A's performance. Thus far, nothing has surfaced on YouTube.