2015 CMT Music Awards Winners & Highlights

Several events take place the week of CMA Music Festival, yet the party doesn't get it's start until the CMT Music Awards airs LIVE. On Wednesday June 10th the red carpet rolls out at the Bridgestone Arena where country music and it's stars come out for the FAN voted awards show. Low and behold massive FGL, Carrie Underwood fans prevail earning Underwood and Florida Georgia Line the night's top winners. This doesn't come as a shock to the nationwide viewing audience. It was though a night of modern country at it's finest, today's generation of fans and all their glory. What could be the worst were the performances of the night with very few stand outs in mind. Reba returned to the performing stage in 10 years and didn't disappoint claiming the night's biggest highlight performing her single "Going Out Like That". She commands the stage. Zac Brown Band gave a performance that left me wanting more performing "Homegrown". The band does no wrong when it comes to country simplicity. Where as other performances either fell flat or were run of the mill mediocre at best. Hosting together for the first time Erin Andrews and Brittany Snow made up for lame puns or jokes, however one was evident to the Tomato reference leaving women cheering. It was a woman's kind of night for Underwood and Lambert who won for collaborative video of the year for "Something Bad", Lambert is currently on tour and wasn't there to accept. Underwood graciously accepted for Lambert. The two hour telecast that ran 10 minutes over though left nothing to the imagination. To sit through a two hour show with only a couple performances that were worth watching was a complete snooze fest at best. Take it as you will.


CMT Music Awards WINNERS List
Video Of The Year "Something In The Water" Carrie Underwood

Male Video of The Year "Play It Again" Luke Bryan

Female Video of The Year  "Something In The Water" Carrie Underwood

Group Video of The Year "Bartender" Lady Antebellum

Duo Video of The Year "Dirt"  Florida Georgia Line

Breakthrough Video of The Year  "Leave The Night On"  Sam Hunt

Collaborative Video of The Year "Something Bad" Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood

CMT Performance of The Year  "Turn The Page" Jason Aldean and 
Bob Segar  (CMT Crossroads)

CMT Music Awards: Highlights and Winners

The 2014 CMT Awards aired live on CMT Wednesday evening kicking off  CMA Music Fest week. Starting the show with a performance from Florida Georgia Line, Luke Bryan and  ZZ Top  might have ruined it for traditional country fans all together who still prefer old school country to the modern day country pop sound. Hosting the show as a solo act this year Kristen Bell had snappy come backs and hijinks, some didn't fly so well, though at times found her groove. The night's highlighted performances were many including Little Big Town's performance of their brand new single "Day Drinking", the romping summer themed song gives last years hit Pontoon a  sequel and this is it.Flying paint drenches on the performance and the crowd all together making it the most memorable performance of the evening. It was a night for Eric Church's take no BS attitude jived the larger than life crowd and his fellow peers. "That's Damn Rock N' Roll" is a reminder of  the days of Johnny Cash and Johnny Paycheck who made a mark in country music history. Keith Urban took a more intimate approach with his performance of "Cop Car" with The Bluebird Cafe back drop taking us where it all began performing at night clubs. The most influential moment was the CMT Impact Award, Carrie Underwood was honored to present to Alan Jackson who has given fans more than 50 singles to date, the performance tribute from Lee Ann Womack and Kacey Musgraves was a match made in heaven, "Livin' On Love" couldn't sound better than Alan performing it himself. True country came alive. Jennifer Nettles returned to the CMT Music stage this year with Hunter Hayes and R&B singer John Legend, the moving ballad "All Of Me" struck a cord in all of us. As much as there were performances there was less time for acceptance speeches. The only female in the category for Breakthrough Artist Cassadee Pope looked dim, however took the buckle by surprise and was floored by the win. Female empowerment couldn't look better from a female country artist these days and Blake Shelton was estatic for her. Brantley Gilbert was flying high with his performance of "Bottoms Up" the number 1 song in country music  soared through the crowd showing his love and appreciation to fans took a leap, a perfect back flip. What a bold move. As if that wasn't enough Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood strutted their high rising stilettos and big hair giving rock n' roll a good name with their performance of "Something Bad". To top off the last of the performances Blake Shelton takes us outside downtown Nashville with "Boys 'Round Here", the city lights were bright and the crowd was partying hard. Country music lit up the night with the largest crowd to date for CMA Music Fest week. Knowingly thinking all of the United States were in attendance.
For more from the 2014 CMT Music Awards visit the official page for performances, acceptance speeches, the Wonder Wall photo booth and so much more. CMT: CMT Music Awards 2014




Winners

Group Video of the Year  "Done" The Band Perry

Breakthrough Video of the Year   "Wasting All These Tears On You" Cassadee Pope

Male Video of the Year   "Doin' What She Likes"  Blake Shelton

CMT Performance of the Year   "Oh No/Night Long"  Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie ( from 2013 CMT Artists of the Year)

Collaborative Video of the Year  "This Is How We Roll"  Florida Georgia Line featuring Luke Bryan 

Female Video of the Year  "Automatic"  Miranda Lambert

Duo Video of the Year  "Round Here"  Florida Georgia Line

Video of the Year  "See You Again"  Carrie Underwood

49th Annual ACM's Winners and Highlights

It was country music's night to shine, though fell flat at times from lackluster  performances from Florida Georgia Line and Brett Eldredge. Aside from the less than stellar, hosts of the 49th annual Academy Awards Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan give their hosting chops something to talk about from their brotherly banter to their hair raising opening segment Bryan exclaims " this is not a head and shoulders commercial everyone". after a confetti filled room covers the audience to applauding Carrie Underwood for her Live Sound of Music telecast this past year bringing them to think what if Vince Gill and Reba McEntire for Annie Oakly and what not, and what about all these states legalizing marijuana. Aside from wanting to out do Ellen Degeneres' Oscars selfie, Shelton and Bryan take one of the two of them.
Much highlighted performances of the evening came from the duet and collaboration of Blake Shelton and Gwen Sebastian "My Eyes" Shelton's brand new single out now. This pairing sparkled. Brad Paisley performed his new single "River Bank" poolside at the Mandalay Bay Resort. It was though  Tim McGraw's performance with wife and female artist Faith Hill, McGraw's newest single "Back At Mama's" the captivating vocals were effervescent and tender. Toby Keith trail blazed his performance of "Shut Up and Hold On", the traditional country rock sound and vocals sailed smoothly as the true professional he is. Miranda Lambert's "Automatic" performance was a brand new high for the lean and trim Lambert who's year continues to flourish.
With much to be said it is the last year country music will see George Strait perform as he plans to retire before the end of the year,which leads him to win Entertainer of the Year. It isn't country without Garth Brooks who presented The Lifetime Milestone Achievement Award to legendary Merle Haggard who turns 77 today. The crowd wishes Merle a happy birthday with song. Much of the night's highlights rang true from those we grew up listening to classics and with today's new generation of country music more will see and hear a sound all too different. Country is still country when you truly listen to the musicality of a song, that is country.

All Winners Listed


Vocal Event of The Year  Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert "We Were Us"
producers: Nathan Chapman and Keith Urban
record labels: Capitol Records Nashville, Hit Red Records, and RCA Nashville

Vocal Duo of The Year  Florida Georgia Line

New Artist of The Year  Justin Moore

Single Record of The Year  Mama's Broken Heart - Miranda Lambert
producers: Chuck Ainlay, Frank Lidell and Glen Worf
Record Label: RCA Nashville

Song of The Year  I Drive Your Truck - Lee Brice
songwriters: Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington and Jimmy Yeary
publishers: Beattyville Music (BMI), Emi Blackwood Music,Inc (BMI), Great Day At This Music (BMI),Happy Tears Music (ASCAP), Vistaville Music (ASCAP), Watch This Girl Publishing (BMI)

Male Vocalist of The Year - Jason Aldean
Female Vocalist of The Year - Miranda Lambert

Vocal Group of The Year - The Band Perry

Video of The Year  - Highway Don't Care - Tim McGraw featuring Taylor Swift and Keith Urban
producers: Tameron Hedge, Chandra LaPlume
director: Shane Drake


Album of The Year - Same Trailer Different Park -Kacey Musgraves
producers: Luke Laird,Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves
record label: Mercury Records

Entertainer of The Year - George Strait
Night Club of The Year  Billy Bob's Texas - Fort Worth, TX



For the entire list of winners visit +ACM - Academy of Country Music official website
Academy of Country Music - Winners

Country Music Reigns The Grammy's

Of all award shows the Grammy's bring out the best of the best or the worst of the worst in all music genre's, so who sparkled and fizzled at the 56th annual Grammy Awards Sunday January 26th? Country music pulled the reigns,  the nights best performances came from country music itself, Keith Urban performing his newest single "Cop Car", Taylor Swift's performance of "All Too Well" received a standing ovation that left me applauding the young star, Swift's on stage presence and conviction was inviting to watch.  Icon country stars Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Merle Haggard and Blake Shelton giving audiences a traditional collaboration of "Mama's Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys" and "Okie From Muskokie". Miranda Lambert and Billy Joel Armstrong paid tribute to the late Phil Everly who passed earlier this past year performing "When Will I Be Loved". The big highlight came from Kacey Musgraves who gave a performance so proud country music is singing on.
Hunter Hayes may have just entered new territory performing a brand new song anyone of any age can relate to. The hits and misses of the Grammy's might have been a blur if you didn't catch them in the 3 hour live telecast.
The nights winners surprised me in more ways than any other predictable awards show. I can honestly say have never heard of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis who were the night's top winners, among "Royals" singer Lorde. Country music saved the Grammy's this year. Thank you Country music!
For the entire list of winners in the country music, Americana,  & bluegrass categories get them here, for all winners visit Grammy.com
Grammy.com | The Official Site

Winners

Best Country Album  Same Trailer Different Park  Kacey Musgraves

Best Country Solo Performance  Wagon Wheel Darius Rucker

Best Country Duo/Group Performance  From This Valley The Civil Wars

Best Country Song  Merry Go Round   Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves and Josh Osborne, songwriters (Kacey Musgraves)

Best American Roots Song  Love Has Come For You  Edie Brickell and Steve Martin, songwriters (Steve Martin and Edie Brickell)

Best Americana Album  Old Yellow Moon Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell

Best Bluegrass Album The Streets of Baltimore  Del McCoury Band 

Best Folk Album  My Favorite Picture of You  Guy Clark

ACA Winners, The Nights Highlights and More: Predictable

As predictable as it can be the 4th annual American Country Awards had it's hits and misses of the night in Tuesday night's live broadcast from the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, NV. Hosts Trace Adkins and Danica Patrick gave a romping night of banter, humerous laughable moments from dressed Vegas showgirls to getting caught race car driving through the Vegas strip from an Elvis imposter posing as a police officer. The nights most highlighted moments sure entertained and brought the audience to their feet. LeAnn Rimes tribute to Pasty Cline didn't leave a dry eye in the house. The emotional performance celebrated Cline's short lived success in country music, it left a staple on Rimes and many others in today's country. The medley included Crazy, Walkin' After Midnight,If You Got Leaving On Your Mind and Sweet Dreams. Performances from Lady Antebellum, Randy Houser, Kellie Pickler and Thomas Rhett were an authentic  mix of traditional and contemporary country as it's stand outs of the night. They may have a way with fans hearts, though Florida Georgia Line and Luke Bryan ran the show as they were the main attraction, yes it's a fan voted awards show, go figure. Don't shoot the messenger, country music fans are awesome, some however are quite the opposite. In what was memorable of the awards given was presented to Taylor Swift from Olivia Newton John, the ACA World Wide Artist is truly fitting as Swift continues to tour internationally giving back to fans in all countries. Brad Paisley was presented the Video Visionary Artist Award, Paisley is a true visionary and so as it is suitable for the musician. Much of the night was boring though at times interesting as it was. The predictability factor kind of left me wanting to see more in the two hour broadcast.It didn't leave any unpredictable moments, it was simply run of the mill. I say what happens in Vegas should stay in Vegas.
What are your thoughts of the ACAs?




Winners

Artist of The Year Luke Bryan

Artist of The Year: Male  Luke Bryan

Artist of The Year: Female  Miranda Lambert

Artist of The Year Group  Lady Antebellum

Artist of The Year: Breakthrough Artist  Scotty McCreery

Artist of The Year:  New Artist  Florida Georgia Line

Album of The Year:  Based On A True Story Blake Shelton

Single of the Year: Florida Georgia Line "Cruise"

Single of The Year: Male  Blake Shelton "Sure Be Cool If You Did"

Single of the Year: Female  Miranda Lambert "Mama's Broken Heart"

Single of the Year: Group  Lady Antebellum "Downtown"

Single of the Year: New Artist  Florida Georgia Line  "Cruise"

Single of the Year: Breakthrough Artist  Lee Brice  "I Drive Your Truck"

Single of the Year: Vocal Collaboration  Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban  "Highway Don't Care"

Touring Artist of The Year  Luke Bryan

Great American Country - Music Video of the Year
Blake Shelton "Sure Be Cool If You Did"

Music Video of the Year: Male Blake Shelton "Sure Be Cool If You Did"

Music Video of the Year: Female  Carrie Underwood  "Blown Away"

Music Video of the Year: Group or Collaboration
Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban  "Highway Don't Care"

Music Video of the Year:  New Artist  Florida Georgia Line  "Cruise"

Song of the Year:  Highway Don't Care" written by, Mark Irwin, Josh Kear, Brad Warren and Brett Warren) performed by Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban

Most Played Radio Track Florida Georgia Line "Cruise"

Most Played Radio Track: Male  Randy Houser  "How Country Feels"

Most Played Radio Track: Female  Miranda Lambert  "Mama's Broken Heart"

Most Played Radio Track: Group  The Band Perry "Better Dig Two"

Most Played Radio Track: New Artist  Florida Georgia Line "Cruise"

CMA Winners and Highlights

The 47th annual Country Music Awards may have had it's hits and misses of the night though in country music fashion hosts Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood continue to give a show full of parodies and jokes that no one can contain from busting a gut, from Obama Care, to twearking, feuding duels and Duck Dynasty.  From several costume changes Underwood grabbed attention while Paisley gives corny new meaning. Paisley and Underwood are a fitting match when it comes to hosting the CMA's and in it's 6th consecutive year I say the Country Music Association will bring these two back together in 2014.
Of the night's performances some were less than desired though the highlights out weighs them. Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert team up to perform "We Were Us" Urban's newly released single to country radio. The budding duo's vocals were crisp and refreshing, the vibes and chemistry was spot on. Lady Antebellum debuted their new single "Compass", the light, fun upbeat song has it's infusion of country folk and blues aside from the country pop crossover appeal, still it doesn't disappoint. Little Big Town performed their newly released single "Sober" from their hit album Tornado, the harmonious vocals showcase a light atmosphere starting the performance acapella, Jimi, Karen, Kimberly, and Phillip bring such freshness to country music. Of the night's collaborative efforts Taylor Swift with Vince Gill and Alison Krauss were well matched, the acoustic performance of "Red" had an old time flare of traditional country. As that wasn't enough newly inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame Kenny Rogers is this years Lifetime Achievement Award honoree. Rogers career has spanned over the past decade performing for fans across the globe and continues to bring the light of music into homes today. With performances from Jennifer Nettles, Rascal Flatts and Darius Rucker the gambler lives on. They say real country isn't dead it only lives on and it did with a special performance and tribute to the late great George Jones, "He Stopped Loving Her Today" was  performed by George Strait and Alan Jackson. Yet the night wasn't complete without Taylor Swift receiving the Pinnacle award. Swift's career began at 16 and since then has shaped and changed the way of country music today, her influence, positivity, charitable efforts and raising awareness is Taylor Swift. The humbled Swift sincere speech of appreciation was felt by her fellow artists and peers. There is much to be said of the 47th Annual CMA Awards and I for one see talent and passion in an artist or act. If they don't have it don't flaunt it.



Many congratulations to this years winners, get the full list below and I'll see you there next year at the 48th Annual CMA's.



Winners List

Musical Event of The Year  "Highway Don't Care" Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban

Single of The Year  "Cruise"  Florida Georgia Line

Song of The Year "I Drive Your Truck" written by Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington and Jimmy Yeary - performed by Lee Brice

Vocal Duo of The Year  Florida Georgia Line

New Artist of The Year  Kacey Musgraves

Vocal Group of The Year  Little Big Town

Music Video of The Year  "Highway Don't Care" Tim McGraw,  Taylor Swift and Keith Urban - Directed by Shane Drake

Album of The Year  Based On A True Story Blake Shelton - Warner Bros. Records - Produced by Scott Hendricks

Male Vocalist of The Year  Blake Shelton

Female Vocalist of The Year  Miranda Lambert

Musician of The Year  Mac McAnally

Entertainer of The Year  George Strait




Follow the Country Music Association on G+, Twitter, Facebook and their official website.

The 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards Highlights and Winners

The 48th annual Academy of Country Music awards was a night of hits and misses, stay tune to Country Music City Promotions for all the night's highlights and performances in the coming day and for the full list of winners not presented during the televised program.

The night's festivities include several performances, though some fell short of the most memorable one's most will talk about in years to come. Recieving a standing ovation for his "Like Jesus Does" performance Eric Church delivered with only his guitar and back round vocalist. The stripped down acoustic performance was shearly emotional yet entertaining for the viewing audience.
Though Blake Shelton served as co-host and performed in the opening number of the program with fellow co-host Luke Bryan, Sheryl Crow and Pistol Annies, it was however his unplugged acoustic version of his current single "Sure Be Cool If You Did" that certainly generated a memorable highlight of the night. Miranda Lambert's performance of "Mama's Broken Heart" was clearly an off the wall, full of angst moment, Lambert delivered the goods. 
Tim McGraw brought to the stage his fellow peers Keith Urban and Taylor Swift for "Highway Don't Care", these vocals together are well in synced, matched for McGraw and Swift to Urban's musicality. 
Brad Paisley and John Mayer is quite the pairing, yet tantilizing to the ears, their musicality on Paisley's newest single "Beat This Summer" had a laid back summer vibe.  I'd say Brad Paisley fans were digging the performance.
The nights highlighted moment Garth Brooks and George Straight honoring Dick Clark, performing his #1 hit The Dance, Brooks brought such emotion and sincerity. Together performing "Cowboy Rides Away" Brooks and Straight sound matched as true icons of country music.
As if the highlights of the night would soon fade, not one bit, Jewel took to the stage to perform a medley of "Hands" and the Tori Kelly song "Fill A Heart" written for the Child Hunger program. Jewel's performance was simply breath taking, her piercing notes shine. As some performances lacked emotional connect they sure did pop for the younger fan bases among the crowd, and from the roaring of screams for Carrie Underwood, The Band Perry, Florida Georgia Line and Hunter Hayes I say they got what they wanted and more.
The most memorable award winning moment was in fact for Entertainer of The Year, the fan voted award went to Luke Bryan who was emotionally humbled, shed several tears before his acceptance speech, it was a well deserved win for Bryan.
The 48th annual Academy of Country Music Awards certainly gave audiences young and old alike a little everything for the fans.


Winners List

Song of The Year Miranda Lambert  "Over You" writer/composer Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton

Single Record of The Year Miranda Lambert "Over You"  Producers Chuck Ainlay, Frank Liddell, and Glen Warf

Vocal Group of The Year  Little Big Town

Vocal Duo of The Year  Thompson Square

Vocal Event of The Year  "The Only Way I Know" Jason Aldean with Luke Bryan and Eric Church

New Artist of The Year  Florida Georgia Line

New Female Artist of The Year  Jana Kramer

New Vocal Duo or Group of The Year  Florida Georgia Line

Video of The Year  Little Big Town

Album of The Year  Eric Church  Chief  produced by: Jay Joyce

Male Vocalist of The Year  Jason Aldean

Female Vocalist of The Year Miranda Lambert

Entertainer of The Year  Luke Bryan


Off Air Winners

Casino of The Year  Red Rock Casino and Resort  Las Vegas, NV

Night Club of The Year  Joe's Bar  Chicago, IL

Venue of The Year  Ryman Auditorium  Nashville, TN

Promoter of The Year  Ed Warm - Joe's Bar

Don Romeo Talent Buyer of The Year  Jerry Hufford  - Buck Owens' Crystal Palace 

Audio Engineer of The Year  Chuck Ainlay


For more winners visit the +ACM - Academy of Country Music official website here
ACM - Academy of Country Music - ACM Country - WINNERS