The CMA Awards Show on television is always bizarre. This year was no exception. Some of us have a hard time figuring why we need to be all things to all people. Remember, this is the Country Music Association and they should take this global exposure to promote country acts. It really stings when we accuse the CMA of prostituting the genre that is its namesake. For instance, the final appearance for Brooks & Dunn; why do they need ZZ Top for window dressing? Why does award-winning Jamey Johnson need Kid Rock? Why does Vince Gill need Daugherty? Why does Kenny Chesney need Dave Matthews?

The CMA is trying to broaden “country’s” appeal, we realize that. However, I would have liked to have seen a Joe Nichols, Trisha Yearwood or other working country acts get some of the action. Taylor Swift’s popularity has really gone over the top. Taylor is extremely lucky to have hitched her career to Scott Borchetta. I don’t think any other label executive could have brought this mediocre voice to the top the way Borchetta has. Sugarland continues to impress.  Jennifer Nettles has the most intriguing vocal quality. Jennifer has her own vocal groove going. Brad Paisley continues to rock on in his own humble way. “In Color” wins the Song of the Year, written by Jamey Johnson, Lee Thomas Miller & James Otto. Days after the show, there have been numerous letter-to-the-editor in the Nashville papers about the “death of country music.” We have received several press clippings and e-mails all in the same vein. We agree with most of them.