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Kenny Chesney. Keith Urban. Alan Jackson. Tim McGraw. Dixie Chicks. Shania Twain. Garth Brooks.
Those are the seven acts that have been deemed worthy of CMA’s Entertainer of the Year trophy in the past ten years.
It’s their most prestigious award, the one that caps off the night, and while the ACM has always put a high premium on big ticket sales, the CMA has honored some acts in this category who elevate the industry with their talent. Vince Gill’s two wins are the best representation of this trend. The Urban and Jackson victories are the most recent.
So when I pick the five acts that I’d like to see nominated, I’m choosing those who are firing on all cylinders right now: commercial success, artistic achievement and representation of the genre as a whole. Ideally, the entertainer of the year should be an ambassador of the format, and I think that the following five acts have that perfect combination of integrity and visibility this year.
Kenny Chesney
Three-time winner and reigning champion. The past year brought a handful of strong singles, most notably “Don’t Blink” and “Better as a Memory.” There isn’t anybody else on the scene who’s selling tickets like him. There’s no denying he’s the king of the road, and he’s held that title for a longer stretch than any artist since Garth Brooks.
Brad Paisley
Another great year at radio is nothing new for Paisley, who has been a mainstay on the dial for almost a decade. But as a ticket draw, he’s brought it to a new level, headlining major venues across the country. He’s widely seen as an artist as well, with that credibility only being heightened by his instrumental prowess. Earlier this year, he won his first Grammy, and it was for his instrumental work, which will also be highlighted on his upcoming CD Play.
George Strait
He’s been so consistently good for so long, it’s easy to overlook when he kicks things into a higher gear. It’s as if his Hall of Fame induction rejuvenated him, and he’s been making better music because of it. He sells tons of tickets whenever he decides to play, and his new album has been a top seller.
Sugarland
The only duos in history to be nominated for this award are the Judds and Brooks & Dunn. This year, Sugarland should become the third. Their live show is notoriously awesome, they’ve posted huge numbers at radio and retail, and the critical reception for their new album has been overwhelmingly positive.
Carrie Underwood
The airplay stats, record and ticket sales speak for themselves, but her impact is larger than those already impressive numbers. She is the genre’s best ambassador right now to the world outside of country music. She maintains the interest of her younger fanbase without pandering to it, and crafts music that is still appealing to adults. She’s as much in her element paying tribute to Eddy Arnold as she is covering a George Michael social justice anthem. She doesn’t just deserve to be the first female solo artist to be nominated in eight years; she deserves to win.
ive always been cautiously optimistic, but he's brought up great points, and has me convinced that Carrie totally deserves a nomination. i'll say it here now, if she doesnt get a nom, she got robbed
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well, she had her chance to grab it and she knew she blew it
Last edited by Jeff734; 08-13-2008 at 10:02 PM..
The Following 28 Users Say Thank You to Jeff734 For This Useful Post:
Thank you so much for this article, Jeff. Apparently, not only us (carrie fans) think that Carrie deserves to be nominated as "Entertainer Of The Year', but somebody else too, including Country Universe . .
I like Country Universe's picks; however, I would choose Keith Urban over George Strait as a nominee. I can't wait to see who will be the final nominees in this category.
The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to nccountrygal For This Useful Post:
this is so amazing!!!!!!! I fricken love this article!!!!!!!!!!!! Carrie is a fan favorite to win the entertainer of the year!!!!!!!! Carrie is on fire!!!
What have Faith and Martina done this year? Martinas tour is not even selling out. They gave upgraded tickets to Martina in Dallas from the lawn to actual seats cause they didnt sell.
Our girl Carrie needs on the ballot or she is robbed.
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Jill aka Ethel
Carrie Underwood~Setting The Bar High For All Women In Country Music
Thank you for my set Clay! Saw And Met The Cast Of Wicked On 10/07/06 And 11/26/06!I Met Carrie On March 22nd!!!! Saw Carrie At Her Fan Club Party In Nashville On 6/03/08! Met Carrie AGAIN October 6th!
