Highlights from the American Idol Finale and Congrats to Candice!!!

I have to say I was so thrilled and proud of American on Thursday night when the nation and American Idol viewers crowned the brilliant Candice Glover the season 12 winner. She was the best singer, the most consistent vocalist, and the greatest entertainer and innovator of the season. Obviously she was the right winner and that’s no disrespect to the lovely and talented runner-up Kree Harrison, who should have a big country career ahead of her…. But back to Candice. I am just so thrilled that the right person and my personal favorite finally won for the first time in 6 years. That’s since Jordin Sparks ya’ll! (In case you’re wondering I think David Archuleta, Adam Lambert, Crystal Bowersox, Pia Toscano and Jessica Sanchez should’ve won their respective seasons as the best vocalists, but that’s just me.)

For further proof of Candice’s brilliance, check her out dueling with Oscar and Grammy winner Jennifer Hudson on “Inseparable” below. It was the stunning highlight of the finale broadcast and let me tell you, it was even better live!

Candice Glover/Jennifer Hudson “Inseparable”

And while Candice had the best number of the night with that one, there were some other great collaborations. First I loved the duet from third place finalist Angie Miller (who is due to sign her record deal this week too) and Grammy nominated Idol alum  Lambert on “Titanium”. It was beautiful and the harmonies were amazing…. Angie followed that up with the raucous duet with Jessie J on “Domino” that was awesome too. Seriously Jessie J is incredible.

Angie Miller/Adam Lambert “Titanium”

Angie Miller/Jessie J “Domino”

Another shocker favorite performance for me was from 5th place finisher Janelle Arthur who rocked some serious hair-ography with The Band Perry on their current hit “Done”. It was so good.

Janelle Arthur/The Band Perry “Done”

So, those were my favorite moments from a good, not great finale. (Seriously, what was up with all the lip synching superstars, the horrible boys number and a strange Frank Valli?)… But, I am thrilled a woman finally won and an amazing one at that. I have high hopes for Candice’s career and I think she, Kree and Angie all have a great shot at success. You can buy all three ladies debut singles on iTunes now. I sure did. =)
So, that’s it for season 12 of American Idol. I loved all the girl power this season and congratulations to Candice! Let’s hope next year, we get another great winner along with some new theme nights and better judges too. (Sorry Nicki was a mess. Mariah was lovely but long-winded and buh bye to the Dawg Randy Jackson after way too long on the panel.) In the meantime, please enjoy Candice Glover’s first official hit “I Am Beautiful” below.

Candice Glover “I Am Beautiful”

My Big Bold Grammy Winner Predictions

I think predicting who wins three of the big Grammy Awards this year is pretty much like taking candy from a baby. (Ooooh, I love candy… oops, sorry I got sidetracked)… You see Adele is nominated for 6 awards and 3 of them are the biggies: Record, Song and Album of the Year and she has them in the bag. And I’d say deservedly so. Her album, 21, is a colossal global smash not to mention critically acclaimed and her singles “Rolling in the Deep” and “Someone Like You” are already classics. So, saying she is going to win this year is pretty darn obvious, but it’s true. The question is who else will be picking up some hardware at Sunday’s Grammy Awards on CBS. With that said, take a look at my predictions in the big 4 categories, the pop field and a few other select competitions. (Remember they combined several categories this year~ all female and male solo vocal competitions are now just “Solo” vocal, etc. So, it’s a pretty interesting race)…. And watch the show Sunday night with performances by nominees Kelly Clarkson, Jason Aldean, Rihanna, Coldplay, Katy Perry and more plus the return of Adele to the stage after her vocal surgery.

My Big Bold 2012 Grammy Winner Predictions~

Album of the Year:
21- Adele
Born This Way- Lady Gaga
Doo Wops & Hooligans- Bruno Mars
Loud- Rihanna
Wasting Light- Foo Fighters
Will & Should win: Adele

Record of the Year (award to artist and producer):
“The Cave”- Mumford & Sons
“Firework”- Katy Perry
“Grenade”- Bruno Mars
“Holocene”- Bon Iver
“Rolling in the Deep”- Adele
Will & Should win- “Rolling in the Deep”- Adele

Song of the Year (award to songwriters)
“All of the Light”- Kanye West
“The Cave:- Mumford & Sons
“Grenade”- Bruno Mars
“Holocene”- Bon Iver
“Rolling in the Deep”- Adele
Will & Should win– “Rolling in the Deep”- Adele

Best New Artist:
The Band Perry
Bon Iver
J. Cole
Nicki Minaj
Skrillex
Will win: Bon Iver
Should win: Nicki Minaj
Spoiler: The Band Perry

Best Pop Album:
21- Adele
Born This Way- Lady Gaga
Doo Wops and Hooligans- Bruno Mars
The Lady Killer- Cee Lo Green
Loud- Rihanna
Will & Should win: 21- Adele

Best Pop Solo Performance:
“Firework”- Katy Perry
“Fuckin’ Perfect”- Pink
“Grenade”- Bruno Mars
“Someone Like You”- Adele
“You and I”- Lady Gaga
Will & Should win: “Someone Like You”- Adele

Best Pop Performance Duo/Group or Collaboration:
“Body & Soul”- Tony Bennett & Amy Winehouse
“Dearest”- The Black Keys
“Moves Like Jagger”- Maroon 5 & Christina Aguilera
“Paradise”- Coldplay
“Pumped Up Kicks”- Foster the People
Will & Should win: “Body & Soul”- Tony Bennett & Amy Winehouse
~spoiler: “Moves Like Jagger”- Maroon 5 & Christina Aguilera

Best Dance Album:
4X4=12 – Deadmau5
Body Talk- Robyn
Cut Copy- Zonoscope
Nothing but the Beat- David Guetta
Scary Monsters & Nice Sprites- Skrillex
Will win: Skrillex
Should win: Robyn
~spoiler: David Guetta

Best Dance Recording:
“Barbra Streisand”- Duck Sauce
“Call Your Girlfriend”- Robyn
“Raise Your Weapon”- Deadmau5
“Scary Monsters & Nice Sprites”- Skrillex
“Sunshine”- David Guetta
Will & Should win: Robyn
~spoiler: Skrillex

Best Rock Vocal Performance:
“The Cave”- Mumford & Sons
“Down by the Water”- The Decemberists
“Every Teardrop is a Water Fall”- Coldplay
“Lotus Flower”- Radiohead
“Walk”- Foo Fighters
Will win: Foo Fighters
Should win: Mumford & Sons
~Spoiler: Coldplay

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration:
“All of the Lights”- Kanye West w/Nicki Minaj
“I Need a Doctor”- Eminem w/Dr. Dre & Skylar Grey
“I’m on One”- Drake w/various artists
“Motivation”- Kelly Rowland w/Lil Wayne
“Party”= Beyonce w/Andre 3000
“What’s My Name”- Rihanna & Drake
Will win: “All of the Lights”
Should win: “What’s My Name”
~spoiler: “Motivation”

Best Country Solo Vocal Performance:
“Dirt Road Anthem”- Jason Aldean
“Honey Bee”- Blake Shelton
“I’m Gonna Love You Through It”- Martina McBride
“Mama’s Song”- Carrie Underwood
“Mean”- Taylor Swift
Will win: Blake Shelton
Should win: Carrie Underwood
~spoiler: Martina McBride (she’s never won!)

Best Country Vocal Performance Duo/Group or Collaboration:
“Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not”-Thompson Square
“Barton Hollow”- The Civil Wars
“Don’t You Wanna Stay”- Jason Aldean & Kelly Clarkson
“You and Tequila”- Kenny Chesney & Grace Potter
Will & Should win: Jason Aldean & Kelly Clarkson
~spoiler: The Civil Wars

My Big Bold Grammy Nomination Predictions!

Tomorrow night CBS will air their live Grammy nomination concert featuring performances by former winners Lady Gaga, Sugarland, Rihanna, and Usher who are all likely to hear their names in this year’s list of contenders. Also performing are likely nominees Jason Aldean (who could wind up with 5 nominations alongside duet partner Kelly Clarkson), The Band Perry and Ludacris. But the one name you are likely to hear more than any other is Adele who should be the front-runner for all the big categories and could wind up with at least 7 nods (Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Pop Album, Pop Solo, Pop Collaboration, and Short form Music Video). Other acts who could wind up with multiple nominations include Tony Bennett (with the late Amy Winehouse) in the General and Pop Fields,  Kanye West, Nicki Minaj and Jay Z in the rap categories, Beyonce v. former band mate Kelly Rowland in R&B, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars in Pop, Robyn in Dance and Aldean, Taylor Swift, The Band Perry and Brad Paisley in Country.
There are some interesting changes this year too that should impact the categories. They combined the Male and Female categories into one Solo category in each field along with combining the Group and Collaboration categories into one contest for Vocal Duo, Group or Collaboration. Because of these changes, I think there may be 6 acts in several of these categories. But enough of my babbling… Take a look at my predictions for the Big 4 categories and the Pop Field and check back tomorrow for the full list of nominees.

My Big Bold Grammy Nomination Predictions~

Album of the Year:
Adele- 21
Jason Aldean- My Kinda Party
Tony Bennett- Duets II
Lady Gaga- Born This Way
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy- Kanye West
~spoilers: The Union- Leon Russell & Elton John, Doo Wops & Hooligans- Bruno Mars, So Beautiful or So What- Paul Simon, Speak Now- Taylor Swift

Record of the Year
“Rolling in the Deep”- Adele
“Firework”- Katy Perry
“Don’t You Wanna Stay”- Jason Aldean & Kelly Clarkson
“Grenade”- Bruno Mars
“Pumped Up Kicks”- Foster the People
~spoilers: “Fuckin’ Perfect”- P!nk, “Moves Like Jagger”- Maroon 5 w/Christina Aguilera, “Super Bass”- Nicki Minaj, “The Lady is a Tramp”- Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga

Song of the Year:
“Rolling in the Deep”- Adele
“Firework”- Katy Perry
“Fuckin’ Perfect”- Pink
“Don’t You Wanna Stay”- Jason Aldean & Kelly Clarkson
“Pumped Up Kicks”- Foster the People
~spoilers: “Back to December”- Taylor Swift, “Grenade”- Bruno Mars, , “Paradise”- Coldplay, “All of the Lights”- Kanye West, “You and I”- Lady Gaga

Best New Artist:
The Band Perry
Bon Iver
Foster the People
Jessie J
Nicki Minaj
~spoilers: The Civil Wars, Christina Perri, LMFAO

Pop Solo Performance:
“Someone Like You”- Adele
“Mr. Know It All”- Kelly Clarkson
“You and I”- Lady Gaga
“Grenade”- Bruno Mars
“Firework”- Katy Perry
“Fuckin’ Perfect”- Pink
~spoilers: “Best Thing I Never Had”- Beyonce, “So Beautiful or So What”- Paul Simon, “Jar of Hearts”- Christina Perri

Pop Performance Duo, Group or Collaboration:
“Need You Now”- Adele & Darius Rucker
“Body & Soul”- Tony Bennett & Amy Winehouse
“Paradise”- Coldplay
“Moves Like Jagger”- Maroon 5 w/ Christina Aguilera
“Pumped Up Kicks”- Foster the People
~spoilers: “E.T.”- Katy Perry w/ Kanye West, “The Lady is a Tramp”- Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga, “For the First Time”- The Script, “Give You Everything Tonight”- Pitbull w/ Ne Yo, Nayer & Afrojack,

Pop Album:
21- Adele
Born This Way- Lady Gaga
Doo Wops & Hooligans- Bruno Mars
The Union- Leon Russell & Elton John
So Beautiful or So What- Paul Simon
~spoilers: Femme Fatale- Britney Spears, Loud- Rihanna, The Ladykiller- CeeLo Green

* One interesting note~ Lady Gaga’s record company did NOT submit the single “Born This Way” for Record or Song of the Year or any single in the Dance categories. I think they screwed up big time. They did submit “Judas” and “You and I” in the Record and Song categories but those will have to fight hard to grab a nod…

Taylor Swift and Adele win Big at a very Boring American Music Awards

For the past few years, ok like the past decade, the American Music Awards have become more and more irrelevant. The fan voted awards rarely have recognized the artists with the most merit and the performances have gotten pretty bad with each passing year. This year there were few exceptions. For every great winner (yay for 3 trophies for Adele and Bruno Mars beating Justin Bieber), there were several ridiculous winners (Taylor Swift for Artist of the Year? Vomit!… And Hot Chelle Rae for New Artist over the Band Perry, are you kidding?). But I should know better than to have any high expectations for this mess of a show. And of course, I don’t have to put myself through it, but I guess I’m a glutton for punishment. At least there were two great highlights~ Katy Perry giving perhaps her best live performance ever on a beautiful version of her latest single “The One That Got Away” and Kelly Clarkson delivering a brilliant Big Band version of her latest top ten smash “Mr. Know It All”. If only the other performers would’ve risen to their levels. With that said, here is a list of all the winners and some of my thoughts on the show and the performers. For more on the show itself, head to the AMA site here.

2011 American Music Award Winners~

Favorite Duo or Group: Maroon 5
Female Country Artist: Taylor Swift
Favorite Male Country Artist: Blake Shelton
Favorite Hip Hop Artist: Nicki Minaj
Favorite Soul/R&B Album: Rihanna, Loud
Favorite Country Band: Lady Antebellum
Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album: Nicki Minaj, Pink Friday
Special Award (for being the first woman to have five #1 singles from one album) : Katy Perry
Favorite New Artist: Hot Chelle Rae
Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist: Casting Crowns
Favorite Adult Contemporary Artitst: Adele
Favorite Alternative/Rock Artist: Foo Fighters
Favorite Latin Artist: Jennifer Lopez
Favorite Soul/R&B Female: Beyonce
Favorite Soul/R&B Male: Usher
Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist: Adele
Favorite Country Album: Taylor Swift, Speak Now
Favorite Pop/Rock Album: Adele. 21
Favorite Pop/Rock Female: Adele
Artist of the Year: Taylor Swift

And some quick thoughts on the show…

Nicki Minaj: one of the better performers of the night, but get some shoes you can walk in girl! And am I the only one who thought she was British for some reason?
Justin Bieber: that was the most horrifyingly awful Christmas Caribbean song I’ve ever heard… and yes, you’re still incredibly annoying
Enrique Iglesias: what’s up with the crazy eyes?
One Republic: stick to producing and writing Ryan Tedder~ you’re good at that. Singing live? Not so much.
Mary J. Blige: thanks for bringing a little class to the proceedings
The Band Perry: why is the hair on the band members so scary? It’s like they all just escaped some brainwashing cult in the midwest. Something is off about these kids. But kudos for nice vocals on your song.
Christina Aguilera: oh gurl. You can sing…. but wow, do you need a new stylist. I mean appreciate a lady with curves, but just wear something that accentuates you in the right places. (P.S. I’m very proud of myself for being polite here. lol)
Chris Brown: yup, you still suck and you will never be Michael Jackson.
Jennifer Lopez: ok that was some awful lipsynched car commercial crap. But you’re pretty…
Will.I.Am: um, no you’re not
Taylor Swift: the fake humble act is not becoming or believable… you need to take a loooooooooooooooooong break.

Now, to end things on a positive note, check out Kelly Clarkson’s fantastic performance of “Mr. Know It All” big band style below.

Kelly Clarkson “Mr. Know it All” (Live on the AMAs)

Jason Aldean, Taylor Swift and the Band Perry reign at a messy CMA Awards

Taylor Swift surprised last night on the CMA Awards. No, she didn’t actually sing good live~ in fact, she was terrible. However, she surprisingly won Entertainer of the Year for a second time over a field of boys, and after she had lost in all her other categories. In fact, it was a surprising show because of just how bad it was. Or I should say how bad the performances were. Some were just boring (The Band Perry) while others were awful (Swift and a shocking flat and pitchy Sara Evans and Faith Hill) and the less said about Blake Shelton’s disastrous “Footloose” show opener (featuring a brief odd cameo by Kenny Loggins), the better. Plus, the direction of the show and the sound mixing were off all night… On the bright side, hosts Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood were adorable and they sang a lovely duet. The other highlight was a performance by winners Sugarland with Matt Nathanson on their song “Run”. Now, that’s how you sing people!
Check out all the winners below led by The Band Perry and Jason Aldean with two apiece and for more on the show, head to the CMA website here. (And a special shout out to my Kelly Clarkson who picked up her first CMA Award, becoming the second former American Idol to do so after Underwood’s multiple wins, for Vocal Event of the Year with Aldean).

CMA Award Winners:
Music Video: Kenny Chesney feat. Grace Potter, “You and Tequila”
Musical Event of the Year: Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson, “Don’t You Wanna Stay”
Song of the Year: Kimberly Perry (songwriter), “If I Die Young”
Single of the Year: The Band Perry, “If I Die Young”
Album of the Year: Jason Aldean, My Kinda Party
Vocal Group: Lady Antebellum
Vocal Duo: Sugarland
New Artist: The Band Perry
Male Vocalist: Blake Shelton
Female Vocalist: Miranda Lambert
Entertainer of the Year: Taylor Swift

And here’s the best performance of the night~
Sugarland with Matt Nathanson “Run”

Jason Aldean and the Zac Brown Band lead the American Country Award Nominations

Last year, Grammy Award winner and one of my faves, Carrie Underwood ruled the inaugural American Country Awards winning 6 trophies and she’s up for four again this year. However, she doesn’t come close to Jason Aldean and the Zac Brown Band who lead this morning’s nominations with 8 apiece for the second ACA’s. Next up were Thompson Square with 7 and Taylor Swift and the Band Perry with 6 apiece. The show will be live on Fox on Dec. 5th hosted by Emmy and Tony winner turned country crooner Kristin Chenowith and country star Trace Adkins. To vote for these awards (and I highly recommend voting for Carrie and my Kelly Clarkson whose duet with Aldean “Don’t You Wanna Stay” is up for two awards), head to the ACA website here and check out all the nominees below.

2011 American Country Award Nominees~
Artist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Lady Antebellum
Taylor Swift
Zac Brown Band

Artist of the Year: Male
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton

Artist of the Year: Female
Sara Evans
Alison Krauss
Miranda Lambert
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

Artist of the Year: Duo or Group
The Band Perry
Lady Antebellum
Rascal Flatts
Sugarland
Zac Brown Band

Artist of the Year: Breakthrough Artist
Eric Church
Eli Young Band
Chris Young
Justin Moore
Jake Owen

Artist of the Year: New Artist
The Band Perry
Scotty McCreery
Jerrod Niemann
The Pistol Annies
Thompson Square

Albums

Album of the Year
Jason Aldean, “My Kinda Party
Kenny Chesney, “Hemingway’s Whiskey”
Brad Paisley, “This Is Country Music”
Taylor Swift, “Speak Now”
Keith Urban, “Get Closer”
Zac Brown Band, “You Get What You Give”

SINGLES

Single of the Year
Billy Currington, “Let Me Down Easy”
Tim McGraw, “Felt Good On My Lips”
Thompson Square, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”
Chris Young, “Voices”
Zac Brown Band with Alan Jackson, “As She’s Walking Away”

Single of the Year: Male
Jason Aldean, “My Kinda Party”
Luke Bryan, “Someone Else Calling You Baby”
Billy Currington, “Let Me Down Easy”
Tim McGraw, “Felt Good On My Lips”
Chris Young, “Voices”

Single of the Year: Female
Sara Evans, “A Little Bit Stronger”
Miranda Lambert, “Heart Like Mine”
Reba, “Turn On The Radio”
Taylor Swift, “Mean”
Carrie Underwood, “Mama’s Song”

Single of the Year: Duo or Group
The Band Perry, “You Lie”
Rascal Flatts, “Why Wait?”
Sugarland, “Stuck Like Glue”
Thompson Square, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not?”
Zac Brown Band, “Colder Weather”

Single of the Year: New Artist
The Band Perry, “You Lie”
Craig Campbell, “Family Man”
The Jane Dear Girls, “Wildflower”
Jerrod Neimann, “What Do You Want?”
Thompson Square, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not?”

Single of the Year: Vocal Collaboration
Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson, “Don’t You Wanna Stay?”
Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter, “You and Tequila”
Brad Paisley with Alabama, “Old Alabama”
Zac Brown Band with Jimmy Buffet, “Knee Deep”
Zac Brown Band with Alan Jackson, “As She’s Walking Away”

TOURING

Touring Headline Package of the Year
Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Toby Keith
Tim McGraw
Brad Paisley
Rascal Flatts
George Strait
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Keith Urban

VIDEOS

Music Video of the Year
Sara Evans, “A Little Bit Stronger”
Jerrod Niemann, “What Do You Want?”
Blake Shelton, “Who Are you When I’m Not Looking?”
Thompson Square, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not?”
Josh Turner, “I Wouldn’t Be A Man”

Music Video: Male
Jason Aldean “My Kinda Party”
Jerrod Niemann “What Do You Want?”
Blake Shelton “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking?”
Josh Turner “I Wouldn’t Be A Man”
Keith Urban “Put You In A Song”

Music Video: Female
Sara Evans, “A Little Bit Stronger”
Reba, “Turn On The Radio”
Ashton Shepherd, “Look It Up”
Taylor Swift, “Back To December”
Carrie Underwood, “Mama’s Song”

Music Video: Duo, Group or Collaboration
Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson “Don’t You Wanna Stay?”
The Band Perry “You Lie”
Lady Antebellum “Hello World”
Thompson Square “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not?”
Zac Brown Band with Alan Jackson “As She’s Walking Away”

Music Video: New Artist
The Band Perry “You Lie”
Craig Campbell “Family Man”
Brett Eldredge “Raymond”
Jerrod Niemann “What Do You Want?”
Thompson Square “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not?”

And here’s the new video from three-time ACA nominees this year Lady Antebellum with “We Owned the Night”

Adele leads the American Music Award Nominations

Grammy winner Adele has had an incredible year with two number one singles (“Rolling in the Deep” and the current chart topper “Someone Like You”) and the best-selling album of the year in America and the world, 21. And things just keep getting better as the singer landed the most American Music Award nominations today with 4 nominations. I’m betting she wins all of them too… She will have some competition from the likes of multiple nominees Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift to name a few. Other artists who grabbed several nods include Bruno Mars, The Band Perry, Jason Aldean, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj and Beyonce. Take a look at all the nominees below and head to the show page here to vote for all your favorites. Watch the show live on ABC on Sunday Nov. 20th at 8pm.

2011 American Music Award Nominees~

ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Adele
Lady Gaga
Lil’ Wayne
Katy Perry
Taylor Swift

Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist:
Justin Bieber
Bruno Mars
Pitbull

Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist:
Adele
Lady Gaga
Katy Perry

Favorite Pop/Rock Band/Duo/Group:
LMFAO
Maroon 5
OneRepublic

Favorite Pop/Rock Album:
Adele, 21
Lady Gaga, Born This Way
Rihanna, Loud

Favorite Country Male Artist:
Jason Aldean
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton

Favorite Country Female Artist:
Sara Evans
Miranda Lambert
Taylor Swift

Favorite Country Band/Duo/Group:
The Band Perry
Zac Brown Band
Lady Antebellum

Favorite Country Album:
Jason Aldean, My Kinda Party
The Band Perry, The Band Perry
Taylor Swift, Speak Now

Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist:
Lil’ Wayne
Nicki Minaj
Kanye West

Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album:
Jay-Z and Kanye West, Watch the Throne
Lil’ Wayne, Tha Carter IV
Nicki Minaj, Pink Friday

Favorite Male Soul/R&B Artist:
Chris Brown
Trey Songz
Usher

Favorite Female Soul/R&B Artist:
Beyonce
Rihanna
Kelly Rowland

Favorite Soul/R&B Album:
Beyonce, 4
Chris Brown, F.A.M.E.
Rihanna, Loud

Favorite Alternative Rock Artist:
The Black Keys
Foo Fighters
Mumford & Sons

Favorite Latin Artist:
Enrique Iglesias
Jennifer Lopez
Pitbull

Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist:
Casting Crowns
Toby Mac
Third Day

Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist:
Adele
Bruno Mars
Katy Perry

Sprint New Artist:
Foster the People
Hot Chelle Rae
The Band Perry
Thompson Square
Marsha Ambrosious
Miguel
LMFAO
Wiz Khalifa

And here’s a little Adele treat for you. Enjoy a live version of her song “Set Fire to the Rain” which continues to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 despite not being an official single. (Watch for it to be announced as the third single in the coming weeks).
Adele “Set Fire to the Rain” (live)

Adele Gooses Gaga on the Charts

The battle of the pop music titans continues again this week as Grammy winners Lady Gaga and Adele keep fighting for the top and this week, the British beauty wins out. Grabbing a 10th week at # 1 on the Billboard Album charts, Adele’s 21 boots out Gaga’s Born This Way after two weeks in the pole position. Adele also rules the roost on the Hot 100 singles charts for a 6th week with “Rolling in the Deep”. Gaga is down further with “The Edge of Glory” which rises to # 6 and could make a charge for the top in a couple of weeks… Now, these two ladies may make the most noise on the charts, but a surprise entry by a bunch of Mormons is the biggest shocker. Yes, the original cast recording of the new 9 time Tony winning Best Musical, The Book of Mormon, makes huge news re-entering the chart at # 3. It marks the first time a Broadway cast album hit the top ten since Hair back in 1969. For more on this accomplishment, head to Billboard here. Other big album debuts this week come from rapper Tech N9ne, rockers All Time Low and country singer Ronnie Dunn (formerly of Brooks n’ Dunn)… Speaking of country, the biggest male country singer of 2011, Jason Aldean landed his first top ten hit on the Hot 100 this week with “Dirt Road Anthem” at # 9 spurred on by big sales after his performance of it with Ludacris on the CMT Awards. It helps his current album stay in the top ten, which is also getting a boost from his amazing former # 1 country duet with Kelly Clarkson “Don’t You Wanna Stay” which is now in the top 20 on the AC and Hot AC charts. That song might even return to the Hot 100 due to its new pop chart popularity much like The Band Perry’s “If I Die Young” which is enjoying new crossover success (after hitting # 19 on the Hot 100 and # 1 on the country charts) as it re-enters at # 46. For more on the Billboard singles charts, head here and check out the new top tens below.

Top Ten Albums:
1. 21- Adele (last week~ 2)
2. Born This Way- Lady Gaga (lw~ 1)
3. The Book of Mormon- Original Cast Recording (Re-Entry)
4. All 6’s & 7’s- Tech N9ne (debut)
5. Ronnie Dunn- Ronnie Dunn (debut)
6. Dirty Work- All Time Low (debut)
7. My Kinda Party- Jason Aldean (lw~8)
8. This is Country Music- Brad Paisley (lw~ 6)
9. Now 38 Compilation- Various Artists (lw~ 7)
10. Codes & Keys- Death Cab for Cutie (lw~ 3)

Top Ten Singles on the Hot 100:
1. “Rolling in the Deep” –Adele (last week~ 1)
2. “Give Me Everything”- Pitbull w/NeYo, Nayer & Afrojack (lw~ 2)
3. “Party Rock Anthem”- LMFAO (lw~ 6)
4. “E.T.”- Katy Perry w/Kanye West (lw~ 3)
5. “The Lazy Song”- Bruno Mars (lw~ 4)
6. “The Edge of Glory”- Lady Gaga (lw~ 7)
7. “On the Floor”- Jennifer Lopez w/Pitbull (lw~ 5)
8. “Just Can’t Get Enough”- Black Eyed Peas (lw~8)
9. “Dirt Road Anthem”- Jason Aldean (lw~ 23)
10. “Super Bass”- Nicki Minaj (lw~ 11)
Hot 100 Debuts-
36. “Monster”- Paramore
46. “If I Die Young”- The Band Perry (Re-entry… previously peaked at # 19)
59. “Remind Me”- Brad Paisley & Carrie Underwood
78. “Heartless”- Dia Frampton (From The Voice)
97. “You”- Romeo Santos

Jason Aldean leads the CMT Music Award Nominations

It seems like we just had a country music award show like last week. Well, it wasn’t last week, but a few weeks ago was the Academy of Country Music Awards, and today we have more country award news. This morning the nominations for the CMT Music Awards honoring the best in Country music videos were announced. Leading the way is the breakout country crooner of the year Jason Aldean who received noms for his videos “My Kinda Party” and “Don’t You Wanna Stay”, his duet with Kelly Clarkson. Joining her fellow Idol as a nominee is Carrie Underwood who grabbed two nods for her video “Undo It”. Landing three nominations apiece were Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum, Zac Brown Band, The Band Perry, Rascal Flatts and Miranda Lambert. Take a look at the list of the nominees below and watch the show on CMT on June 8th.

2011 CMT Music Award Nominees

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video of the year; awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration) and the video director.? Final nominees announced during live telecast, with final voting held online at CMT.com during the show.
• Jason Aldean – “My Kinda Party”
• Kenny Chesney – “The Boys Of Fall”
• Lady Antebellum – “Hello World”
• Miranda Lambert – “The House That Built Me”
• Rascal Flatts – “Why Wait”
• Sugarland – “Stuck Like Glue”
• Taylor Swift – “Mine”
• The Band Perry – “If I Die Young”
• Carrie Underwood – “Undo It”
• Zac Brown Band – “Colder Weather”

MALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a male artist; awarded to the artist
• Jason Aldean – “My Kinda Party”
• Kenny Chesney – “The Boys Of Fall”
• Toby Keith – “Bullets In The Gun”
• Blake Shelton – “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking”
• Keith Urban – “Without You”

FEMALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a female artist; awarded to the artist
• Sara Evans – “A Little Bit Stronger”
• Miranda Lambert – “The House That Built Me”
• Reba – “Turn On The Radio”
• Taylor Swift – “Mine”
• Carrie Underwood – “Undo It”

GROUP VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a group; awarded to the artists
• Lady Antebellum – “Hello World”
• Little Big Town – “Little White Church”
• Rascal Flatts – “Why Wait”
• The Band Perry – “If I Die Young”
• Zac Brown Band – “Colder Weather”

DUO VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a duo; awarded to the artists
• Steel Magnolia – “Last Night Again”
• Sugarland – “Stuck Like Glue”
• The Civil Wars – “Barton Hollow”
• The JaneDear Girls – “Wildflower”
• Thompson Square – “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”

USA WEEKEND BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video from an artist’s major breakthrough album; awarded to the artist (male, female, or group/duo)
• Lee Brice – “Love Like Crazy”
• Aaron Lewis – “Country Boy”
• Jerrod Niemann – “Lover, Lover”
• The Band Perry – “If I Die Young”
• Thompson Square – “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”

COLLABORATIVE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video that featured a special collaborative appearance by artists; awarded to the artists (individual, group or duo)
• Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson – “Don’t You Wanna Stay”
• Justin Bieber feat. Rascal Flatts – “That Should Be Me”
• Kid Rock feat. Sheryl Crow – “Collide”
• Aaron Lewis feat. George Jones and Charlie Daniels – “Country Boy”
• Loretta Lynn, Miranda Lambert and Sheryl Crow – “Coal Miner’s Daughter”

CMT PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
Musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on CMT; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo)
• Martina McBride and Train – “A Broken Wing” from CMT CROSSROADS: TRAIN AND MARTINA MCBRIDE
• Reba – “If I Were A Boy” from UNPLUGGED: REBA
• Darius Rucker and Adele – “Need You Now” from 2010 CMT ARTISTS OF THE YEAR
• Keith Urban and John Mayer – “Sweet Thing” from CMT CROSSROADS: JOHN MAYER AND KEITH URBAN
• Zac Brown Band and Jimmy Buffett – “Margaritaville” from CMT CROSSROADS: JIMMY BUFFETT AND ZAC BROWN BAND

BEST WEB VIDEO OF THE YEAR (New for 2011)
Best video created primarily for internet streaming; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo)
• Jason Aldean – “My Kinda Party” (Live From The CMT Webcast)
• Luke Bryan – “It’s A Shore Thing”
• Lady Antebellum – “Stars Tonight”
• Blake Shelton – “Kiss My Country Ass”
• Taylor Swift – “Mine” (Live from the Speak Now Album Release Party)

VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Best video director of the year; awarded to the director for his or her body of work from the past year
• Deaton Flanigen (award eligible videos include: Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow’s “Collide” and the JaneDear Girl’s “Wildflower”)
• Trey Fanjoy (award eligible videos include: Miranda Lambert’s “The House That Built Me” and Blake Shelton’s “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking”)
• Chris Hicky (award eligible videos include: Carrie Underwood’s “Undo It” and Keith Urban’s “Without You”)
• David McClister (award eligible videos include: The Band Perry’s “If I Die Young” and LeAnn Rimes’ “Swingin’”)
• Roman White (award eligible videos include: Lady Antebellum’s “Hello World” and Kellie Pickler’s “Makin’ Me Fall In Love Again”)

And here’s Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson with my fave song of the year and a nominee for the CMT’s “Don’ You Wanna Stay”

Lil Wayne takes down the Country Crew

Rapper Lil Wayne made an impressive leap from # 16 to the top of the charts this week as his album, I Am Not a Human Being, finally got a full release in stores. Previously the album peaked two weeks ago and has only been available through digital retailers, but with physical copies hitting the shelves, he moved another 125,000 units to hit # 1. Wayne prevented former Hootie and the Blowfish singer Darius Rucker’s second country album from hitting the top as it landed at # 2 with 101,000 copies. It does lead the country album charts though. In fact, there’s a whole lot of country in the top ten with albums by Rucker, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, The Zac Brown Band and a debut from The Band Perry at # 4. Other debuts in the top ten this week came from Nickelodeon teen group Big Time Rush plus Sufjan Stevens and All That Remains. For all your chart needs, head to Billboard here. And check out the new top ten below.

Official Billboard Results for Week of October 11, 2010

1. Lil Wayne- I Am Not a Human Being (last week~ 16)
2. Darius Rucker- Charleston, SC 1966 (debut)
3. Big Time Rush- BTR (debut)
4. The Band Perry- The Band Perry (debut)
5. Eminem- Recovery (lw~ 4)
6. Kenny Chesney- Hemingway’s Whiskey (lw~ 2)
7. Sufjan Stevens- Age of Adz (debut)
8. Zac Brown Band- You Get What You Give (lw~ 5)
9. Toby Keith- Bullets in the Gun (lw~ 1)
10. All That Remains- For We are Many (debut)