CMA Nominees & more

I know I'm a day late with the blog, but I have some good excuses.  You pick the best one: 

A.  I was on vacation

B.  Monday was holiday

C.  I forgot yesterday was Monday

D. All of the above

The 2011 CMA nominees were announced this morning and there were a few surprises, but for the most part the list looks pretty much like I thought it would.  I was surprised when I didn't see George Strait's name in the Male Vocalist of the Year category and equally surprised to not see Kenny Chesney up for Entertainer of the Year.  Oh yeah, and seeing Eric Church up for New Artist.  Even though Eric is one of my favorite artists, he's hardly a new artist.  We've been over this already:  http://wxbmnewsandnoteswithryanandrew.blogspot.com/2011/02/and-winner-is.html 

Here are your nominees with my pick in bold print:

Entertainer of the Year

Jason Aldean

Brad Paisley

Blake Shelton

Taylor Swift

Keith Urban

Female Vocalist of the Year

Sara Evans

Miranda Lambert

Martina McBride

Taylor Swift

Carrie Underwood

Male Vocalist of the Year

Jason Aldean

Kenny Chesney

Brad Paisley

Blake Shelton

Keith Urban

New Artist

Eric Chruch

The Band Perry

Luke Bryan

Thompson Square

Chris Young

Vocal Group

Lady Antebellum

Little Big Town

Rascal Flatts

The Band Perry

Zac Brown Band

Vocal Duo

The Civil Wars

Montgomery Gentry

Steel Magnolia

Sugarland

Thompson Square

Album of the Year

It's All About Tonight - Blake Shelton

My Kinda Party - Jason Aldean

Speak Now - Taylor Swift

This Is Country Music - Brad Paisley

You Get What You Give - Zac Brown Band

Single of the Year

A Little Bit Stronger - Sara Evans

Colder Weather - ZBB

Don't You Wanna Stay - Jason Aldean/Kelly Clarkson

Honey Bee - Blake Shelton

If I Die Young

Song of they Year

Colder Weather - ZBB

Dirt Road Anthem - Jason Aldean

If I Die Young - The Band Perry

Mean - Taylor Swift

You & Tequila - Kenny Chesney/Grace Potter

Musical Event of the Year

As She's Walking Away - ZBB w/Alan Jackson

Coal Miner's Daughter - Loretta Lynn w/Sheryl Crow & Miranda Lambert

Don't You Wanna Stay - Jason Aldean w/Kelly Clarkson

Old Alabama - Brad Paisley w/Alabama

You & Tequila - Kenny Chesney w/Grace Potter

Music Video of the Year

Honey Bee - Blake Shelton

If I Die Young - The Band Perry

Mean - Taylor Swift

Old Alabama - Brad Paisley

You & Tequila - Kenny Chesney w/Grace Potter

The 2011 CMA award show will be hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, November 9th on ABC.  WXBM will be hosting the annual CMA Award Show Party at Sam's Fun City that night.  We'll have more info on how to get tickets to the party in the next couple weeks on Your Country 102.7 WXBM.

A couple other things in the news this week:  George Strait's new CD "Here For A Good Time" is out today (9/6) and he has another Greatest Hits package called "Icons" that will come out on September 13th. 

Icons tracklist: 

1. Amarillo By Morning

2.  Oceanfront Property

3.  All My Ex's Live In Texas

4.  Love Without End Amen

5.  I Cross My Heart

6.  Check Yes or No

7.  I Just Wanna Dance With You

8.  Living and Living Well

9.  Give It Away

10.  River of Love

Also, George announced he will be taking Martina McBride on tour with him next year.  Dates & cities should be coming soon, and as usual, George will start his 2012 tour in late January.

Blake Shelton has recorded the title song to the remake of "Footloose".  Check it out at The Boot:  http://www.theboot.com/2011/09/06/blake-shelton-footloose/  Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson, Zac Brown Band, Hunter Hayes & other country artist are also featured on the soundtrack.  The movie will be in theaters October 14th. 

Vince Gill will get together with Sting for the newest instalment of CMT's "Crossroads".  Expect that to air some time in November.  When I hear the exact air date, I'll let you know. 

Have a great week and thanks for over 10,500 News & Notes views!!  I really appreciate you taking time to read the blog and thanks for listening to Your Country 102.7 WXBM!