Country Categories:
Best Country Solo Performance
Jason Aldean, “Dirt Road Anthem”
Martina McBride, “I’m Gonna Love You Through It”
Blake Shelton, “Honey Bee”
Taylor Swift, “Mean”
Carrie Underwood, “Mama’s Song”
Noteworthy Omissions: Miranda Lambert (“Heart Like Mine)”; Brad Paisley (“This is Country Music”); George Strait (“Here For a Good Time”); Keith Urban (“Without You”)
Not a bad year to combine the vocalist categories, as even the high-profile omissions aren’t particularly noteworthy.
If past awards are any indication, this is a race between Swift and Underwood.
Best Country Duo/Group Performance
Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson, “Don’t You Wanna Stay”
Kenny Chesney with Grace Potter, “You and Tequila”
The Civil Wars, “Barton Hollow”
Thompson Square, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not”
Noteworthy Omissions: The Band Perry (“You Lie”); Zac Brown Band (“Colder Weather”); Alison Krauss and Union Station (“Paper Airplane”); Lady Antebellum (“Just a Kiss”);
Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood (“Remind Me”); Rascal Flatts (“I Won’t Let Go”); Sugarland (“Little Miss”)
A lot of Grammy staples didn’t make the cut, including several previous winners in the category. With only four nominees, it’s quite a coup that the Civil Wars slipped in there!
