I Was All Set To Completely Ignore The Grammy Awards, But Then..

I just heard that KSON, San Diego, morning cohost Cliff Dumas has been chosen to voice the 2009 radio pre-Grammy special. Cliff will work to make something radio-friendly, I am confident.

.. Which is much-needed in the wake of Mike Henry, Bill Stakelin, Randy Kabrich and Bob Neil calls to pay no attention to the RIAA-sponsored record sales promotion event. As a former Radio And Music Awards (1999-2005) winner back when that was on air, I still lean their way in spite of the entreaties of Jerry Delcolliano.

Just ignore the upcoming Grammy Awards. Then, let’s check back with the Grammy broadcast in February to see if there is a different message about radio. If there is not, then radio should ignore the Grammy Awards for the following year. Radio should not acknowledge the Grammy Awards ever again, until the Grammy Awards broadcast acknowledges radio as the primary source for the discovery of music, which is universally understood as fact except to the over-eager Grammy copywriter. Here are the facts as they are known today: The plurality of people discover music on radio. Once they’ve discovered that music via radio, many of those same people download the music from the Internet…often without paying for it. - Mike Henry, Paragon Media Research

The R-M-W's were an attempt to get radio airplay the credit we deserve, spear-headed when Von Freeman was marketing director at KIIS, Los Angeles after an experience backstage at the Grammy Awards in 1998 when the #1 CHR station in the USA felt ignored (the KIIS website contains CMA Awards links but no news of any R-M-A plans for '09).

It is ironic that Canadian Dumas would be named to do the radio pre-Grammy special, since the Radio Music Awards concept continues in Canada to this day.

TV Worth Watching: Tim on SNL, The Amercian Music Awards Sunday

After Tim McGraw hosts NBC’s Saturday Night Live (click to hear some TM humor and promo out-takes), Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts and Garth Brooks each scored a pair of nominations for the American Music Awards, to be handed out Sunday night live on ABC. Also up for recognition Kenny Chesney, Sugarland and Brad Paisley. Taylor Swift will perform during the show. Who KNOWS what she'll do? (Remember when Beyonce and Sugarland dueted on last year's AMA show?)

Sharp programmers and personalities will have clips from the shows in their station's imaging the following morning.

ABC Rules Wednesday Night TV, Thanks To CMA Awards

Overall, ABC averaged a 9.7 rating/15 share for the night, thumping the 7.1/11 for second place CBS. FOX was third with a 5.2/7, followed by the 4.2/7 for NBC. The CW trailed with a 1.9/3.

Among adults 18-49, ABC won easily with a 5.0 rating in the key demographic. CBS and FOX tied for second with a 2.9 rating, leaving NBC's 1.8 rating and The CW's 1.4 rating bringing up the rear.

ABC's CMA coverage swept the night, starting with a 9.5/15 in the 8 p.m. hour. FOX finished second with the 6.5/10 for "Bones." CBS' "The New Adventures of Old Christine" and "Gary Unmarried" averaged a 4.5/7, topping the 3.4/5 for NBC's "Knight Rider." The CW's "America's Next Top Model" was fifth overall, but beat "Knight Rider" in the 18-49 demo.

At 9 p.m. the CMAs gave ABC a 10.0/15, edging the 9.3/14 for "Criminal Minds" on CBS. FOX was third with a repeat of "House," which outdid the 3.8/6 for "Life" on NBC. "Stylista" lost more than half of its lead-in and had a 1.3/2 for The CW.

The CMAs closed with a 9.5/15 for NBC. CBS was second with the 7.6/12 for "CSI: NY," leaving NBC's "Law & Order" in third.

ZapToIt's Ratings information is taken from fast national data, which includes live and same-day DVR viewing. All numbers are preliminary and subject to change.

CMA Congrats to Kenny, Brad, Carrie, Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland and Mac McAnally

The best post-show coverage is at CMT and GAC (both of which had the list of winners right after the show even though it was on ABC-TV). Even a full hour after the show, ABC only had a snarky blog from backstage which did have lots of fun details and fan perspectives.

Winning my award for getting the best immediate post-show info on the internet: CMT. Someone there seems to understand the principle of immediacy in an on-demand world.

CMA Awards On You Tube (II)

Ever wonder what it takes to pull off a worldwide telecast like the CMA Awards?

Find out with the online video series, "CMA Awards All Access Pass - Behind The Scenes," (perfect for posting on your website or blog)

Click to meet the people who bring the set, music, lighting and talent pieces together.

CMA Awards On You Tube: Building the CMA Awards Sets

Ever wonder what it takes to pull off a worldwide telecast like the CMA Awards? Find out with our online video series, "CMA Awards All Access Pass - Behind The Scenes." Each episode brings you backstage to hear from the people who make the show happen, from lighting to staging crews, talent crews, camera operators, producers and more.

In the first episode, which you'll want to post on your website, "Building the CMA Awards Sets," you'll meet the construction crew who creates magic with their awe-inspiring stage elements. (Oh, and make sure and watch Wednesday, November 12, when the 2008 set is finally revealed!)

This Salon Gets Stars Camera-Ready for CMA Awards

Many of the artists on the CMA Awards owe their "camera-ready" look to the hair and makeup wizards of Nashville's Trim Classic Barber and Legendary Beauty, who debuted last year as the event's backstage salon. While about half of those who appear on camera travel with their own entourage, the rest of the nominees, presenters and performers trust their look to the Trim team, whose performance is conceived and executed with the precision of a military operation and the artistry of a symphony orchestra.

They start by researching the looks of their customers as well as the latest trends. Next comes a thorough once-over of their backstage area, next to the green room in the Sommet Center where the CMA Awards event is held.

"We know exactly how many artists we can handle in about eight chairs and four hours," said Melanie Shelley , Trim Owner and Founder. "We know how much lighting we need, how much electricity we'll have for our blow dryers, which artists will bring their own team and which will call on us to create their look."

Planning also involves scheduling appointments for Trim's approximately 25 stylists and assistants on Awards day. They begin at the salon's 12th Avenue location in Nashville near Music Row, from 8 AM until 2 PM, after which they scatter to work with selected artists in their hotels and then regroup at the Sommet Center at 6 PM.

"The CMA Awards is just about the highest-stress environment that a hair and makeup person can work in," Shelley said. "Photo shoots are easy because you can take your time and stand by in case you need to touch anything up. On live TV, there's no retouching. Sometimes you're given just 30 seconds from when somebody shows up, someone does hair, someone else does makeup, you fluff and fix and then they're onstage."

The work continues after the artist leaves the Trim station, from supplying artists with straws so that they don't smudge their lipstick to discreetly checking each superstar's teeth immediately before they make their entrance.

Inevitably, surprises happen, like when a 15-piece ensemble accompanied Keith Urban to his appointment to be made up with a 1940s look, all within 20 minutes of their performance. But that only makes the payoff sweeter. "We scrambled," said head stylist Stephanie Trail , laughing. "We did it. And they looked great. I have to say, it was awesome."

"The 42nd Annual CMA Awards" will be held Wednesday, Nov. 12 at the Sommet Center in Nashville, Tenn. The three-hour gala will be carried live by the ABC Television Network from 8-11 PM/EST, 7-10PM/CST.

How do I know? I read CMA Exclusive.

CMT Distributes Chevy's 5th Annual Country Music Calendar This Year

It features new artist of the year nominees Jason Aldean, Rodney Atkins (pictured), Lady Antebellum and James Otto as well as Heidi Newfield, Rissi Palmer, Joe Nichols, Chuck Wicks, Jypsi, Phil Stacey and NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.

The calendars will also be available at multiple Chevy-sponsored events in conjunction with this year's CMA Awards show to be broadcast live by ABC on Nov. 12. Shot in locations throughout the nation, the 2009 calendar will be distributed via four national magazines -- NASCAR Illustrated, Progressive Farmer, Country Weekly and People -- to reach more than 2 million subscribers beginning Nov. 23.

For the first year, a digital version of the calendar will also be available online at CMT.com.

A Message For You From Tammy Genovese

In case no one has formally invited you to the 2008 CMA Awards, click here.

Lon Helton: "Fishy Flatts Omission?"

Country Aircheck places the daily news updates on their home page for free access, but you need to sign up to see the weekly "Music Edition" archives. That's too bad, because Lon's op-ed this week deserves wide public circulation. Hopefully, popular demand will get him to post it in a public space on his page soon, but meanwhile I want to quote, amplify and second his remarks:

"Judging by the number of calls I received proclaiming it a travesty that Rascal Flatts wasn’t on the final list of nominees for the CMA’s Entertainer of the Year award announced last week, one has to be concerned about the integrity and reputation of the CMA Awards. After all, if the industry wonders about the voting process, what kind of doubt is raised in the minds of the fans?

"The bad news is that for many, Flatts have now joined Tim McGraw and Toby Keith as artists who have been either been snubbed, or, worst case, cheated out of recognition they have earned.

"Let me hasten to add that this piece is not about Rascal Flatts’ exclusion, per se. There are certainly a number of other acts who could have made the final cut in any of the categories. And, there’s no one in any of the categories who don’t deserve to be there. However, the trio’s profile, especially as defined by the number of tickets and CDs they sell, makes them the poster child for what many see as an egregious omission. That high profile is also what puts it on fan’s radar and may well have them scratching their scalps, trying to figure out where this industry has its collective head.

"The one thing that can never happen to either the CMA or the ACM is to have the integrity of their awards process in doubt. Perhaps the biggest fear is that the awards themselves will be diminished in stature by what the public perceives as a glaring error. But far more insidious and potentially damaging is the view from many in the industry that the voting process is flawed and skewed to the mega-labels. Some point out that the commonality among McGraw, Keith and the Flatt’s is their stand-alone label affiliation. The inference is that artists in those situations cannot overcome the perceived block-voting believed to be taking place in major label groups.

"In the spirit of full disclosure, I am the Vice Chair of the CMA’s Awards & Recognition Committee, which is headed by Tim DuBois. As such, I can tell you the CMA, along with some CMA board directors, have examined the balloting with the Deloitte & Touche accountants to make sure there were no irregularities. Everything has been done to insure the integrity of the voting process. There are systems in place that kick-out any blanket votes suspected of being “bartered.” If votes for any artist are outside of certain percentage parameters, they are automatically flagged for closer examination. The fact is, anything can happen in a peer voting system.

"All of that said, the exclusion of Tim and Toby in the past and the Flatts this year simply doesn’t pass the “smell test.” While intense examination of the ballots does not produce a smoking gun, the preponderance of evidence seems to suggest there is, at least, something within the process that puts some artists at a distinct disadvantage.

"Finding a solution won’t be easy. The CMA has enlisted the help of a Vanderbilt professor to help scrutinize the process in the past year. The goal is to make sure the procedures and methodologies are as fair and equitable as possible. For all artists."

-- Lon Helton

CFQX-CBC Join For A CCMA Kickoff Party

CBC-Manitoba and QX-104 packed the house last night in Winnipeg at the Palomino Club for a great start to Canada's Country Music Week '08.

Canada's pubcaster will be broadcasting the entire three hour performance live next week and the Astral country station gave several hundred listeners invitation-only access to some of Canada's fresh new country stars.

Something tells me, we won't be getting much shut eye this weekend in Winnipeg!

CMA Awards Finalists

The announcement of the final nominees for the 2008 CMA Awards will be carried live Wednesday, Sept. 10, on network and cable television from the “Good Morning America” studios in the heart of New York City’s Times Square on the ABC Television Network, and from the Sommet Center in Nashville on a special edition of CMT’s “CMT Insider.”

“The 42nd Annual CMA Awards” will be broadcast live from the Sommet Center in Nashville Wednesday, Nov. 12 (8:00-11:00 PM ET/delayed PT) on ABC.

Miley Cyrus Takes Over The Teen Choice Awards

She not only hosted, but accepted her three awards with a lot of class, as the Jonas Brothers and Gossip Girl added to their trophy cases as well. I'd bet that this was the show to watch on Fox last night for most folks, not - sadly - NBC's Nashville Star.

A nice Gen Y touch: the voting continues AFTER THE AWARDS as fans are encouraged to cast ballots for their favorite moments from the TV show.

Can't Watch The ACM Awards? The LA Times Has You Covered

If you don't mind your minute by minute critique of the event more than a little bit snarky, check out Todd Martens' written play by play, Live at the Academy of Country Music Awards!

It's ACM #10 For Reba

Click for Craig Ferguson's show, to vote for the ACM Entertainer of the Year.

It's An ACM First: Fans Choose The Entertainer Of The Year

As they say: if you don't (click to) vote, don't complain!

How To Win A Crystal Award

Take a lesson from the great folks at WUBE and KUZZ. A&O is proud to be in the same industry with folks like THESE! Bonneville/Cincinnati's GM Jim Bryant and Owens/Bakersfield's GM Mel Owens have put together two amazing teams who know how it's done.

CONGRATS to both of them, making A&O and all country broadcasters proud.

Taylor Swift: Big CMT Video Awards Winner

My Space brought her to the attention of hundreds of thousands and then country radio. Kudos to CMT for a great show last night and for giving Taylor her due following impressive success in multiple media.

Hats off to Westwood One’s George Achaves, Lon Helton and Chuck Aly for being there with pens in hand (I loved their 'bizarre juxtapositions" line which could not have been more true), gettng the best quotes of the night out to radio:

• Snoop Dogg: “I love country music. I’m honored to be here. It’s underrated.”
• Joe Don Rooney: “I’m taking parenting tips from Gary [LeVox]. I’m preparing like any first time father -- sweating bullets, eating a lot. I’m eating for three now!”
• LeAnn Rimes: “Yeah, the prison outfit, thigh highs and garters. We’re kind of every man’s fantasy tonight.”
• Tom Arnold: “[Jewel’s boyfriend] Ty [Murray] shook my hand and I think he broke some bones.”
• Barack Obama: “Four words: Treasury Secretary Hannah Montana.”
• Taylor Swift: “I had these hot pink heels, but they hurt so bad. I walked past Faith and told her how my feet hurt, and she said ‘Take ‘em off.’ I actually accepted my award bare foot, and Faith Hill told me I could.”
• Gary LeVox: “The only reason we’re here tonight is because of the people in that crowd. It’s unfortunate that all award shows aren’t fan voted.”
• Trace Adkins: [Accepting Male Video] “I’d like to thank Country radio for giving me my first three-week No. 1. I’ve never had that before.”
• Donald Trump: [To Adkins] “Lose my number.”

Blake Shelton Campaigns For A CMT Video Award

Blake's video, "The More I Drink" is up for the Comedy Video of the Year award, and this You Tube video also shows his funny side (or is that his desperate side?)

The Grammys Are Still The Grammys When It Comes To Country

A&O buddy Los Angelino Neil Haislop was there all weekend, starting with Friday night's pre-party:

Friday night at Hollywood's Knitting Factory on Hollywood Boulevard, Dierks Bentley put on a pre-awards party that will likely rank high among the various pre-shows this weekend ahead of the milestone Sunday's 50th Annual Grammy Awards show. Bentley is up for 3 Grammys, Best Male Country Vocal Performance, Best Country Song for "Long Trip Alone," and, Best Country Album for Long Trip Alone.

Billed as Dierks Bentley and Friends the show lived up to its name, as Dierks was joined on stage by country and pop luminaries, including Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, and Dwight Yoakam, as well as Pearl Jam lead guitarist, Mike McCready and Haley Williams, lead singer for New Artist nominee Paramore.

After Dierks tore into his high-energy opening set, Miranda Lambert, Grammy nominated for Best Female Country Vocal Performance for "Famous in a Small Town," was first to join him on stage. The crowd welcomed Miranda like a big star and were jumping up and down through the high energy set between two artists that are friends and singing on the same musical page.

After Miranda departed, Dierks told the crowd that he wanted Brad Paisley to join him for the a few songs, "But he's too big a star now to do something like that." Of course, that was Brad's cue to jump on stage, strap on a guitar and fire up the crowd with his guitar licks, humor and vocals. Paisley is also Grammy-nominated 3 times for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals, along with Carrie Underwood, for "Oh, Love," Best Country Instrumental Performance for "Throttleneck" off of his Grammy-nominated album, 5th Gear.

The next surprise guest was Pearl Jam's lead guitarist, Mike McCready. Dierks pretty much laid back on his acoustic and let Mike do his thing. Would've been fun to have kept Paisley out there and let them engage in a friendly dual.

Also, guesting with Dierks was the Tennessee-bred, 18 year-old lead singer for Paramore, Haley Williams. Paramore is up for the overall New Artist Grammy.

Although Paramore ain't country, Haley proved that the country she grew with hadn't left her as she and Dierks traded vocals on some big country standards.

After Dierks finished the show the Hollywood crowd in the trendy club wanted an encore and got it plus the final guest star to help Dierks deliver it, Dwight Yoakam.
Dierks had a ball trading vocals on several cool versions Buck Owens songs. It was a fitting finale to a great show served up one of country's hottest young traditionalists and a few of his friends.

Can't say too much about Dierks' band, especially lead guitarist, Rod Janzen, who held his own with both Brad and Mike McCready Friday night.

cbs.com

The Grammys being the Grammys, nearly all of the Country awards were handed out in the pre-telecast awards presentations where Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley were on hand to accept their awards. Carrie picked up Best Female Country Vocal Performance for "Before He Cheats," which also earned Best Country Song honors.

"You couldn't keep me from actually getting this myself — it's not the same when someone else gets this on your behalf," said Underwood.

After an amazing duet of "Learnin' the Blues" between Alicia Keys and Frank Sinatra (appearing on an old film clip), CARRIE'S BIg performance was the second number of the night, where she delivered a revved up, huge production of "Before He Cheats."

cbs.com

BRAD PAISLEY ALSO PERFORMED...Brad Paisley, who won for Best Country Instrumental Performance on "Throttleneck," turned in a rousing performance of his quirky hit, "Ticks."

And, the Grammys being the Grammys, VINCE GILL won Country Album of the year for his brilliant, multiple disc, These Days, and was presented his Grammy by Beatle, Ringo Star.

THE "BIG" COUNTRY GRAMMY WINNERS..

Best Female Country Vocal Performance
(For a solo vocal performance. Singles or Tracks only.)
Before He Cheats
Carrie Underwood
Track from: Some Hearts
[19 Recordings/Arista Nashville]

Best Male Country Vocal Performance
Stupid Boy - Keith Urban
Track from: Love, Pain & The Whole Crazy Thing

Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals
How Long - Eagles

Best Country Collaboration With Vocals
Lost Highway Willie Nelson & Ray Price

Best Country Instrumental Performance
"Throttleneck Brad Paisley"
Track from: 5th Gear

Best Country Song "Before He Cheats"
Josh Kear & Chris Tompkins, songwriters (Carrie Underwood)

Best Country Album
These Days - Vince Gill

The Grammys being the Grammys, the list of "little" country winners is too long for this post.