pblloyd's Blog

Last night, country music had their "super bowl", the CMA Awards and here is my take on it.
Best Performance--No doubt, hands down, the ageless Eagles delivered a powerful performance that deserved the standing ovation they got.  The Eagles are like a fine wine, they just get better with age.  Not a bad performance for a group that had never sung at an awards show before.  Also, great performances came from Carrie Underwood (no surprise), George Strait (who showed everyone how it's done), and a beautiful duet with LeAnn Rimes and Reba McEntire.  Other solid performances were turned in by the sassy Miranda Lambert and the next superstar of the industry, Josh Turner.
Worst Performance--I can't believe I'm saying this, but the worst performance of the night was turned in by Rascal Flatts and Jamie Foxx, who collaborated on a song that was beautiful, but way out of Rascal Flatts' lead singer's vocal range.  He simply could not reach those high notes when he had to and he was off-key a few times during the song.  Jamie Foxx saved the day to an extent, but it was obvious that it wasn't Rascal Flatts' best performance.  I have said this before, but never in a blog and so I'll say it now.  Rascal Flatts needs to lower the starting notes on some of their songs or their lead singer is going to throw his voice out.  They had better be careful.
Most Moving Performance--Brooks and Dunn performed a brand new song entitled, "God Must Be Busy".  It was an amazing song sung by the best battle-tested act in country music except for George Strait.  Also, Sugarland's performance of their hit single, "Stay", drew a standing ovation because of the beauty of the song and its simplicity...one guitar and Jennifer Nettles' voice.  What more do you need?
Most Surprising Winner--Sugarland winning Duo of the Year, snapping the stranglehold Brooks and Dunn had on the award for so many years.  It's true that Sugarland has had a great year, but Brooks and Dunn hasn't lost a step.  I knew Sugarland's time would come, but I didn't know it would be this year.  The torch has been passed.
Most Surprising Nomination--Dixie Chicks for Group of the Year.  They have said repeatedly that their genre of music is no longer country.  So why do people keep nominating them for country awards?  Also, the fact that they didn't win last night shows that their multiple Grammy awards earlier this year is a distant memory.
Final Thought--I noticed that the reaction for Carrie Underwood is not as strong as it is for other acts.  Why is that?  There were standing ovations everywhere for performances and award winners, but nothing forthcoming for Carrie.  Is it jealousy?  I seem to recall similar reactions a while back to a man named Garth.  There's a lot of similarities.  Carrie Underwood has had major success in such a short period of time and maybe these seasoned veterans are a little hot under the collar because they may feel she hasn't paid her dues.  I suggest that the country music scene get used to Carrie Underwood.  If she continues at the rate she's going, she will be untouchable and unstoppable.
Good job, country music, on an entertaining CMAs.