Saving Country Music’s 2016 ACM Awards LIVE Blog
Welcome ladies and gentlemen to Saving Country Music’s Official 2016 ACM Awards LIVE blog, where we will smack talk, celebrity shame, and hopefully see some positive moments to share with each other to try and get through yet another mainstream country music awards show sham together. Fair warning that you may see the occasional swear word or grammatical flub as the timeline unfolds because this is all about working without a net and letting the free form consciousness flow as the presentation unfolds right before our very eyes. And as always, feel free to pipe up with your observations below in the comments.
See a Complete Preview of the 2016 ACM Awards, Including Nominees and Performers
Saving Country Music’s 2016 ACM Awards Picks and Prognostications
Everyone straight on the rules? Then touch gloves, head to your respective corners, and be ready to come out swinging.
All times Central time.
– – – – – – – – – – – – –
WINNERS:
- Entertainer of the Year – Jason Aldean
- Album of the Year – Chris Stapleton
- Song of the Year – Chris Stapleton
- Male Vocalist of the Year- Chris Stapleton
- Female Vocalist of the Year – Miranda Lambert
- Vocal Group of the Year – Little Big Town
- Vocal Duo of the Year – Florida Georgia Line
- Single of the Year – Thomas Rhett “Die a Happy Man”
- Video of the Year – Eric Church’s “Mr. Misunderstood”
10:23: SUMMARY: Welp, to be the master of the obvious, it was a huge night for Chris Stapleton, arguably an even bigger night than the CMA’s last November since he also walked away with Song of the Year. Where this stops, nobody knows, but it is forcing a lot of folks to reassess their feelings on country music these days. The last question left is if radio will still be a big holdout for Stapleton, or will it finally acquiesce to him and artists like him after his dominance. In November this was all a shock. Now it is expected. I’m sure I’ll have more to say about this in the coming days.
The win for Jason Aldean is no footnote. It is massive for him, and will likely be his career’s crowning achievement. It’s easy to say he doesn’t deserve it, but he’s been selling out arenas and stadiums for years, so it shouldn’t be surprising it happened. If anything, it’s surprising it took this long. But Aldean’s personal life and other flubs have kept him from the top tier previously. Not any more.
It’s still quizzical why Miranda Lambert continues to win over Carrie Underwood for Female Vocalist of the Year. Miranda performing a ZZ Top song was her admitting she’s been struggling at radio lately, while Carrie has had some success. No offense to Miranda, but it seems so “Automatic” to her that the award has almost lost its luster.
10:09:
10:06: THANK YOU to everyone for stopping by, following along, tweeting, retweeting, liking, following, sharing, commenting, especially commenting, I will catch up on them momentarily. It’s been a busy night, controversy was stirred, but it wouldn’t be any fun otherwise. I will compose some final thoughts, and then we’ll be out of here. THANKS! (even you Studley Dudley)
10:03: Wow, big shock for Jason Aldean to take the night’s top prize. Like he said, he’s been “rough around the edges,” and that has left him on the outside looking in many times before for this award. Also appreciate this means Luke Bryan won NOTHING tonight. Neither did Sam Hunt, and a long list of others.
10:00: Blackface comedian Jason Aldean wins the ACM for Entertainer of the Year
9:57: WINNER – Jason Aldean wins Entertainer of the Year.
9:56: Tom Hiddleston who is playing Hank Williams in the new biopic will hand out Entertainer of the Year.
9:55: Chris Stapleton has won 6 of the 7 country awards he’s been nominated for, and 8 of the 10 awards including the Grammy Awards.
9:54: Wow, and now we watch Chris Stapleton shill for Ram Trucks. Hey, everyone’s gotta get paid.
9:52: Great performance by Stapleton. We’re watching country music history folks.
And now we get to watch Luke Bryan win Entertainer of the Year …again.
9:50: “Fire Away” is an excellent choice to showcase Chris Stapleton’s talents out of the shadow of Justin Timberlake, and now standing on his own two feet as a bona fide superstar.
9:47: Of course this Florida Georgia Line performance is terrible, but I can’t help but look at Brian Kelley and not think that years from now, he’s going to be flamethrowing all the stuff he’s done with Florida Georgia Line.
9:40: Catching hell on Twitter for my Dolly Parton joke. Goodness, like Dolly Parton hasn’t been joking about the same thing for 40-something years. Dierks told a joke before introducing her. Dolly loves this stuff, and she talks about it all the time. If you think Dolly Parton would be offended by a boob joke, you don’t know Dolly Parton.
9:37: Trying to mentally block out Katy Perry, but happy to see they’re giving Dolly Parton an extended time slot to bring some classic country to the stage.
9:32: There’s more silicone on the ACM stage right now than in your local Ace Hardware’s paint department. #DollyandKaty
9:31: Katy Perry: The poor award show’s Taylor Swift.
9:29: Once again, it’s a non-country performer who actually desses appropriately for a country music awards show, even though in Katy Perry’s case, it’s all camp.
9:27: Obviously, Stapleton’s wins are huge. I’m not sure we all know what we are witnessing, and what it means to country music.
9:20: WINNER The ACM Male Vocalist of the Year goes to Chris Stapleton!
9:18: And what exactly is the cultural tie-in, or current relevancy of taking performance slots away from other to play “Tush” on a country awards show? Love Gibbons, but clueless of what that’s all about, except that Miranda doesn’t have a current single.
9:15: Billy Gibbons has no idea who any of these A-holes are he’s playing for. They gave him $10,000, wheeled him out on stage, and told him this was a guitar convention.
9:12: Your Saving Country Music Alternative Female Vocalist of the Year is Margo Price!
9:10: By the way, your Saving Country Music Alternative Group of the Year is Mike and the Moonpies!
9:08: Thomas Rhett is trying to have a Eric Church moment, but from the faux hawk to the boring song, he’s more like a young Randy Houser.
9:07: I’d “Die a Happy Man” if I never heard another Thomas Rhett song the rest of my life. #dadjoke
9:05: Country music used to be three chords and the truth. Now it’s some dude dressed in white playing a plastic piano with a drum machine. What the hell is this Sam Hunt?
9:03: Miranda Lambert says some words about how she’s happy to see so many new female artists singing their own songs.
9:02: Miranda Lambert wins the ACM for Female Vocalist of the Year. And water is wet.
9:00 – Carrie Underwood is an excellent singer, and she’s usually the bright spot of award shows, but that song does nothing for me. She got a Standing O, so what do I know.
8:59: Oh great, the floor drums—the most overdone bit in music awards show history.
8:57: Why is Carrie Underwood’s outfit reminding me of the crazy computer woman from Super Man III?
8:53: Look, I’m really happy they at least mentioned Joey Feek, but if you are going to PROMOTE it as part of your show, then you better spend more than 30 seconds, and NOT screw it up by talking over the scant presentation you put together. DON’T blame Darius Rucker or Martina McBride. This was on the ACM’s. Been technical hiccups all night.
8:51: Little Big Town, “Thanks Chris Stapleton for not being a group.”
8:50: WINNER Little Big Town wins Vocal Group of the Year.
8:48: That’s your Joey Feek tribute ACM’s ? Super lame.
8:47: Great, they fuck up the Joey Feek tribute.
8:46: Notice there are NO musicians playing anywhere, at all? Country music in 2016 folks.
8:45: Can’t say I blame Charles Kelly for ditching the puppeteer and the oompa loompa from Lady Antebellum. But this song blows.
8:41: Not sure Tim McGraw’s performance had the impact he was hoping for, but I’m not going to snark it. He tried to do something different and create a moment, and you can’t blame him for that.
8:39: “Wait, you want me to actually wear my fireman suit on stage like one of The Village People or something?”
8:37: I really like McGraw’s “Humble and Kind,” despite the obviously cheese. It reminds me a lot of a late-era Don Williams song. Tim McGraw’s one of the last guys with the guts to release a song that actually says something to country radio.
8:35: How Tim McGraw’s hat travels, no joking.
8:34: Aww, Kelsea Ballerini and Nick Jonas: two performers who think Kenny Chesney invented country.
8:33: Get back to me when you’ve got some hair on your balls Nick Jonas.
8:31: Ouch, Kelsea missing some notes. Why exactly is she getting enough time to perform a medley when Kacey Musgraves and Maddie & Tae were seated 20 rows back?
8:30: Kelsea Ballerini looks like she’s perpetually has a Smartie stuck up her nose.
8:22: Since they gave out this award pre-telecast to Florida Georgia Line:
Your Saving Country Music Alternative Vocal Duo of the Year is The Cactus Blossoms!
8:21: Someone mentioned Trombone Shorty was on stage and Sam Hunt thought they meant someone was getting a rusty trombone on stage.
8:20: Security! Actual musicians on stage!
8:18: Urban is actually a great picker, at least technically speaking. So he fake plays to a backing track to a song that leans on electronic doo dads.
8:17: Ha! Keith, you forgot to pretend to play those last few notes of the solo. Get this bullshit off my television.
8:16: Wow, this new Keith Urban song is terrible. So electronic. No way he’s playing that banjo.
8:10: All these wins for Stapleton is making it hard to let the hate flow tonight.
8:09: Little victory: Bobby Bones didn’t even get any face time.
8:08 – You’re no Justin Timberlake, Brett Eldredge. Don’t even try.
8:05: And once again we get to see Dave Cobb on a major mainstream awards show stage. That’s how far we’ve come.
8:04: Chris Stapleton: “Garth Brooks just gave me an award!” And it was Ottawa, not Iowa, but who cares, CHRIS STAPLETON JUST WON *ANOTHER* ALBUM OF THE YEAR AWARD.
8:01: WINNER YES! YES! YES! The ACM Award for Album of the Year goes to Chris Stapleton’s “Traveller.”
7:58: “Lights Come On” is self-affirming, self-worshiping dreck. Contrast that with Bob Seger’s “Turn The Page” about road life.
7:57: This new Jason Aldean song is insufferable.
7:51: Doesn’t Chase Rice have a barely legal to heavy pet right now?
7:50 – WINNER Thomas Rhett wins Single of the Year for “Die A Happy Man”
7:48: What I want to know is who will win the Best Fake Tan tonight? Jana Kramer, Luke Bryan, or Jake Owen?
7:46: Cam is fine. I’m still a little on the outside looking in to why “Burning House” is so special, but this is certainly the best performance of the night so far.
7:44: Just appreciate that Dierks Bentley is on record basically saying that “Somewhere On A Beach” is a bad song. Boring, uninspired performance.
7:41: Eric Church puts actions behind his words by paying tribute to Lemmy, David Bowie, Glenn Frey during his set. Possibly a good excuse to put turntables on a country awards stage. Let’s see how many passed country greats get paid tribute tonight.
7:40: They just played Lemmy on the ACM Awards. They just played Lemmy on the ACM Awards.
7:38: “Record Year” is not the best song on “Mr. Misunderstood,” but after all the other crap we’ve been exposed to so far, this is not bad.
7:35: Stapleton said, “‘You’ve got to be kidding me. I thought sure we were going to get girl crushed on this one.” I guess there is an award “Girl Crush” won’t win. That speaks to the power Stapleton is wielding in country at the moment. It will be interesting to see how country radio reacts to the win, and if it will push “Nobody To Blame” into the Top 5.
7:32: So Wal-Mart is fighting hunger? That’s rich. How, by putting local stores and growers out of business and creating food deserts throughout the country as they stifle any and all competition?
7:31: I thought Chris Janson was busy starring in Geico commercials as a caveman.
7:30: Never too late to take up day trading Chris Young. So generic.
7:28 DID NOT SEE THAT coming. This could be a HUGE night for Stapleton. Who ever thought he’d win Song of the Year, especially for that number? Not that it doesn’t deserve it considering the field.
7:27: WINNER YES! Chris Stapleton wins the ACM for Song of the Year for “Nobody To Blame”! Eat that country radio!
7:26: Von freaking Miller is the most authentically dudded up guy in the entire arena.
7:25: Good, Von Miller. Maybe he can carry this lame broadcast on his back like he did a lame Peyton Manning through the playoffs.
7:24: Appreciate this: The entire opening skit was basically about Chris Stapleton. That’s how far we’ve come friends.
7:22: So apparently the big silence during Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley’s part in the opening skit was because he called Luke Bryan an asshole on live network TV. Why do I all of a sudden have new esteem for Charles Kelley?
7:20 From Wheeler Walker Jr.: “Kenny Chesney is singing a song called “Noise”. I’d rather listen to the noise of my grandpa taking a shit.”
7:19 Wow, Taylor Swift, eat your heart out. Can’t remember a more off-key performance in quite a while. “Noise” is right there Kenny.
7:17 Yikes! Someone shove a sandy Panama Jack flip flop in Kenny Chesney’s pie hole. Now I know why he usually prefers to lip sync.
7:15 Thank God Old Dominion only gets 45 seconds on the short bus stage. Never a good sign when a “country” band has a Nord keyboard on stage.
7:14 Look on Stapleton’s face: “Kill me now.”
7:12 Okay, kind of a funny bit about who knew Chris Stapleton first. Nonetheless, mainstream country artists make bad fake hipsters.
7:10 Wow, this monologue is godawful.
7:08 Shit, and I thought we we’re going to be spared seeing Blake Shelton every other segment tonight.
7:06 The girl in Blake Shelton’s “Came Here to Forget” video was supposed to be on stage too but it’s past her bedtime. #15getsyou20
7:05 Wow, this presentation is super wonky so far. Let’s hope the wheels come completely off.
7:04 Ha! Where’s the one Luke, where is it ?! First song, and a massive flub already. So paint by the numbers.
7:02 What are those symbols on Luke Bryan’s hat?!? It’s like Led Zepplin’s ZOSO symbols for fake-tan having, Gomer Pyle-impersonating Georgia bad song-singing doofuses.
7:00 Here we go!
6:59 Luke Bryan is scheduled to open the show with “Huntin’ Fishin’ Hurtin’ Destroyin’ Country Music Every Day” to start the show.
6:57 Sensing a very palpable disconnect with the awards this year like I’ve never sensed before. With so many other things going on tonight, the Presidential election and other stuff, the ACM’s just feel like an afterthought. We’ll see if they can tantalize American to watch en masse.
6:52 Unconfirmed, late-breaking word that Chris Stapleton will be performing LAST. That means nobody has the daunting task of attempting to follow him, and it also sets up the possibility that they want to put the night’s biggest winner in the biggest spot.
6:50 So a bunch of awards have already been doled out, more than I have ever seen before a telecast has started. Here’s a run down:
- New Male Vocalist of the Year Chris Stapleton
- New Female Vocalist of the Year Kelsea Ballerini
- New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year Old Dominion
- Vocal Duo of the Year Florida Georgia Line
- Video of the Year Eric Church’s “Mr. Misunderstood”
Also Dave Cobb won for Producer of the Year, and Ross Cooperman for Songwriter of the Year.
Golddust
April 3, 2016 @ 7:05 pm
Still wondering who told Sam Hunt he was country …
albert
April 3, 2016 @ 9:15 pm
apparently the radio stations…..
S.
April 3, 2016 @ 7:05 pm
Sam is so white, he’s wearing all white. I now officially give him the “Whitest American” Award
jonnie tuffshit
April 3, 2016 @ 7:13 pm
Now that’s funny
Robyn Randle
April 3, 2016 @ 8:22 pm
Lmao! Well, did ya notice he “formed” his “flat bill” for the show? Could have been worse!
jonnie tuffshit
April 3, 2016 @ 7:06 pm
Well there ya go another Sammy song
WOCKA
April 3, 2016 @ 7:15 pm
Make it Sammy Kershaw for me.
Big Red
April 3, 2016 @ 7:06 pm
I think I could play the piano in this song. And I don’t know how to play the piano!
albert
April 3, 2016 @ 7:06 pm
hey its mr ” HUNT” for the song …..fire up the loop machine and see what happens . shit singer , shit , forgettable song …..nice shiny white piano with HUGE product placement for ROLAND .
Ghost of Country Past
April 3, 2016 @ 7:07 pm
Real country music singers have something else to drink away their pain about: Sam Hunt songs.
albert
April 3, 2016 @ 7:13 pm
the good news is that first they’d have to actually remember a hunt song ……man that was a new low for even hunt.
Ghost of Country Past
April 3, 2016 @ 7:19 pm
It’s honestly comical to watch him perform on a “country” music awards show. I was laughing to the point of tears. Then I was crying for real.
albert
April 3, 2016 @ 7:10 pm
labelexec : ” we want a singer that sounds like that guy who had the number one song a while back ”
acm’s: ” hell ….we’ll give you 25 of ’em that sound EXACTLY like that guy …..and they all use the same drum tracks too …..how’s that mr label exec ?”
S.
April 3, 2016 @ 7:10 pm
Compared to his other songs, Die A Happy Man is a decent song
RedDirtCyclone
April 3, 2016 @ 7:10 pm
I want to find what is appealing with Sam Hunt. I really do. I mean, would he just get lost on Pop Radio and that is why they market him as a “country” singer? I just don’t get it.
Stephanie
April 4, 2016 @ 6:27 am
So I asked a younger coworker, who has a much broader knowledge of current music and pop culture than I do, what in the heck would even kind of justify marketing Sam Hunt as country music. And she told me it was “twangy.” And then I just stood there with my mouth open because I was dumbfounded.
Though, admittedly, I have VERY little knowledge of his music.
darsparx
April 12, 2016 @ 11:15 pm
i’ll give ya the twang in his voice but that’s about all he has going for him that makes him country the rest I’m just scratching my head for. Breakup in a small town really makes me wonder how in the sam hill they consider him country, besides that twang he’s straight up pop…
Kurt
April 3, 2016 @ 7:10 pm
It’s a shame really. I’m not sure if I’m watching country or another pop award night. I guess money ruins everything healthy and pure in this world.
cloudeleven
April 3, 2016 @ 7:12 pm
Seemed like Carrie was trying to impersonate Lady Gaga with that outfit and those goth drummers.
Marc
April 3, 2016 @ 7:15 pm
Oompaa loompa, Chesney invented country…..you sir are on fire.
David
April 3, 2016 @ 7:15 pm
1979
Demolition Disco Night Chicago baseball stadium disc jockey told everybody g
et their records and burn them in a bonfire.
Let’s start a revolution and kill bro country and destroy it
jonnie tuffshit
April 3, 2016 @ 7:17 pm
Miranda is just straight up fucking COOL
albert
April 3, 2016 @ 7:17 pm
zz top karaoke ….miranda wins the dinner for two at denny’s
cloudeleven
April 3, 2016 @ 7:19 pm
“Ouch, Kelsea missing some notes. Why exactly is she getting enough time to perform a medley when Kacey Musgraves and Maddie & Tae were seated 20 rows back?”
HAHA
Farmer83
April 3, 2016 @ 7:20 pm
Hell yeah! Chris is showing them how it’s done!
nascarfan999
April 3, 2016 @ 7:21 pm
I sure hope they fire the director after this terrible show. New hosts wouldn’t hurt either as there is zero chemistry.
Anthony
April 3, 2016 @ 7:21 pm
Female Vocalist of the year is such a joke. Miranda has done nothing this year.
albert
April 3, 2016 @ 7:22 pm
yeah ……you’re absolutely right Anthony ….and that RED WAGON thing was crapahootchie
jonnie tuffshit
April 3, 2016 @ 7:21 pm
Well there ya go let’s watch grass grow again
Studley Dudley
April 3, 2016 @ 7:22 pm
Yes! Preach it brotha.
albert
April 3, 2016 @ 7:21 pm
YESSSSSSSSSSSS !!!!!!
Lil Dale town
April 3, 2016 @ 7:22 pm
Lil bigtown r fabyulus n forty
Big Red
April 3, 2016 @ 7:22 pm
Can someone tell me if Chris Stapleton is authentic? Is he as down to earth and humble as he comes across on the show tonight?
shane
April 3, 2016 @ 7:34 pm
google hum on CBS This Morning. Today’s episode.
Kevin Davis
April 3, 2016 @ 7:50 pm
Yes, he is — by all accounts that I’ve heard. He’s legit.
ElectricOutcast
April 3, 2016 @ 7:23 pm
Anyone else think that it’s Jason Isbell turn to shine next? After Chris Stapleton, what Dave Cobb-person should be next after that?
cloudeleven
April 3, 2016 @ 7:55 pm
I wish it’d be Sturgill Simpson.
Wicket
April 4, 2016 @ 6:48 am
I think it’s important to note that if Jason & Sturgill become part of this parody of music awards, they will be acknowledging the country music industry as credible. That is certainly not in their interest. Chris is already part of that world, so sensing a change they handed him the keys to the kingdom. Traveller is an ok record, but is it really that amazing? I’m not sure. I think it’s way more likely that Dave Cobb & Chris melt into the commercial country world than Sturgill or Jason wanting to be baptized into it.
Mr Jimmy Russell Hunley
April 4, 2016 @ 1:08 pm
Sturgill new album is good. But it’s not country. Anderson East album is good. Besides he is dating miranda. I think it will be anderson East who is also not country. But neither is Sam Cunt.
Ghost of Country Past
April 3, 2016 @ 7:31 pm
It’s good that a TV movie gets more time than Joey Feek…..
Bobbie
April 3, 2016 @ 8:29 pm
I thought the ‘tribute’ to Joey Feek was disgraceful. Her song ‘It’s Important To Me’ was more authentic country than anything on that All Crappy Music show. I’m also shocked that the formerly sweet Carrie Underwood has sold out, too, to the mighty dollar. She is the new Lady GagGag of Country music. Lastly, I find it quite ironic that Walmart would sponsor a Hunger program that has been caused because the greedy Walton family has caused it because they won’t pay a living wage to their employees. I will never watch an ACM show til it goes back country. Chris Stapleton’s wins were the only good moments of the night. SHAME ON ALL OF YOU FOR FORSAKING YOUR ROOTS.
cloudeleven
April 3, 2016 @ 11:55 pm
I’m glad someone else noticed the weird Lady Gaga goth stuff in her performance. I’ve never seen her with that kind of image/performance before.
Tyler
April 3, 2016 @ 7:31 pm
Glad Dierks acknowledged “Somewhere on a Beach” as garbage. His second release, “I’ll be the Moon” is solid though. Dierks continued to be a mixed bag.
albert
April 3, 2016 @ 7:43 pm
everyone vying for radio time is trend-chasing …covering as many basis as they possibly can rather than carving out a unique identity . dierks is all over the map …..even did a ” bluegrass” record . no one in it for $$$$ can leave anything to chance so its trend-chase or sell the farm and move into a bungalo in town .
Tyler
April 3, 2016 @ 7:48 pm
You make a good point. I just hate that Dierks knows how to do it right and feels like he has to pander. Chris Stapleton and Jason Isbell don’t have to try and appeal to everyone.
Stephanie
April 4, 2016 @ 10:20 am
yeah, I think Dierks at this point WANTS to be a Luke Bryan. Ew.
cloudeleven
April 3, 2016 @ 7:57 pm
That’s true, even the Stones went disco in the late 70s.
Mule
April 5, 2016 @ 6:38 pm
…with all of 2 songs.
shane
April 3, 2016 @ 7:31 pm
CS wins are only important if country music RADIO changes.
stinks
April 3, 2016 @ 7:38 pm
country radio is gone for good
Trigger
April 3, 2016 @ 8:51 pm
Radio is only important if they wake up to what the rest of the industry is telling them. Otherwise, they risk becoming irrelevant.
Robyn Randle
April 3, 2016 @ 9:36 pm
Radio better wake up and smell the coffee. More and more people are going to online radio, secondary markets and apps like Pandora. The labels are aware of this and I’m pretty sure this is why we’ve seen a backlash on “Bro Country” via the awards since last November. Thank God!
Orgirl1
April 4, 2016 @ 8:50 pm
I left radio in November after over 20 years of listening to mainstream country. I stream Texas red dirt now- it’s awesome.
Lil Dale town
April 3, 2016 @ 7:32 pm
kelsee ballerina is a total peace of ass
cloudeleven
April 3, 2016 @ 7:53 pm
Tell us how you really feel? haha
Robyn Randle
April 3, 2016 @ 10:43 pm
You do realize your name is “Lil” Dale Town…what exactly does that mean?
Mike
April 4, 2016 @ 9:59 am
Let it go, Robyn. Lil Dale is our resident knockoff of Earl Dibbles Jr.
no body to blam but Lil Dale
April 4, 2016 @ 8:50 pm
Not even close, hoss. Lil Dale is a composite character of gnarly old biker dudes I’ve met in my life. There are previous posts backing that up. For all we know, Earl Dibbles Jr ripped off Lil Dale. Never heard of him before reading an article about him here well after Lil Dale was created.
Golddust
April 3, 2016 @ 7:38 pm
Sure wish Dolly had done this segment by herself. She’s such a breath of fresh air!
albert
April 3, 2016 @ 7:39 pm
OMG …..DOLLY is what’s missing from all of this bullshit …..highlight of this otherwise night of charades
cloudeleven
April 3, 2016 @ 7:40 pm
Wow, Dolly’s written over 3,000 songs?? Well, “I Will Always Love You” was the Dolly Gets Paid song, haha.
ElectricOutcast
April 3, 2016 @ 7:40 pm
Wait did I just see Tracy Lawrence?
the pistolero
April 3, 2016 @ 7:40 pm
Sigh. I really, really want to think that if Stevie Ray Vaughan had lived he wouldn’t be beclowning himself the way Billy Gibbons is tonight.
albert
April 3, 2016 @ 7:46 pm
FGL ….first time I’ve used my mute button all night . they look like escaped cons
nascarfan999
April 3, 2016 @ 7:47 pm
What are FGL wearing, moon boots? They both look about 5 sizes too big.
jonnie tuffshit
April 3, 2016 @ 7:54 pm
Barnam and bailey , dress code
Studley Dudley
April 3, 2016 @ 7:47 pm
And there’s my boys! FGL!
albert
April 3, 2016 @ 7:57 pm
how did they sound studley ? I muted the tv while i folded some laundry
Mike
April 4, 2016 @ 10:04 am
Sign Guy Dudley:
Seek substance abuse counseling immediately. And if you can’t get help at Charter, please, get help somewhere!!!
I understand life has not been so kind to you after ECW folded, but come on, you’re better than this!!
Golddust
April 3, 2016 @ 7:48 pm
Okay, I now totally understand why FGL songs are so over produced. I cringed four times and then muted the sound.
cloudeleven
April 3, 2016 @ 7:51 pm
Looks like FGL went a few rounds with a weed-eater.
jonnie tuffshit
April 3, 2016 @ 7:59 pm
Fuuuunnnny
Trigger
April 3, 2016 @ 8:50 pm
Good one.
ElectricOutcast
April 3, 2016 @ 7:52 pm
Stripped down with practically no theatrics…this is what an Awards Show performance should look like,
albert
April 3, 2016 @ 7:53 pm
damn….whadaya call that table guitar thingy that musician is rubbing in the background for Chris. that thing works good in country music
Lisa Bee
April 3, 2016 @ 7:58 pm
bahahahaha!
Eric
April 3, 2016 @ 11:33 pm
LOL!
The sad thing is that in the entire show, I only heard the steel guitar in 3 of the performances (Thomas Rhett, Chris Stapleton, and I think the Dolly Parton/Kacey Musgraves one).
As low-quality and utterly non-country the performances were, at least the awards themselves compensated for them.
Old man Taylor
April 3, 2016 @ 7:53 pm
FGL autotune
CS. Live microphones and real harmony singing
Golddust
April 3, 2016 @ 8:01 pm
FGL sure didn’t have autotune at first. I cringed three or four times before I muted! Maybe they realized it and fixed!
Martha
April 3, 2016 @ 7:56 pm
Good God almighty, I want to hear more of Morgane Stapleton. A whole album. Let’s make it happen!
Trigger
April 3, 2016 @ 8:49 pm
I think it is. Rumors have her in the studio, or in the studio soon, possibly with Dave Cobb.
Robyn Randle
April 3, 2016 @ 9:01 pm
Although I agree with you that she has a great voice, I believe they need to stick together as a team. I grew up in a guitar case and (in my opinion) it would be the demise of their marriage. I come from a long line of musicians and it’s hard out there. Long live Chris and Morgane Stapleton! They’ve breathed life back into many musicians staying true to their Country roots including my husband. I’m excited to see “What’s Next in Nash”!
Eric
April 3, 2016 @ 11:35 pm
Or you can listen to Chris tell you about how he wants more of her, for himself 😉
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cgDaRL6GM0
nascarfan999
April 3, 2016 @ 7:56 pm
Am I correct in saying the only thing Stapleton didn’t win that he was nominated for was Vocal Event for Hangover Tonight (if we can even count that)?
Trigger
April 3, 2016 @ 8:48 pm
True, and that was a terrible nomination. I wish it would have not been nominated so you could say Stapleton got the perfect sweep.
cloudeleven
April 3, 2016 @ 9:14 pm
Could’ve been worse. I’m surprised they didn’t give it to Luke Bryan and blonde chick from LBT “Home Alone Tonight.”
Golddust
April 3, 2016 @ 8:00 pm
After my ears bleeding listening to FGL’s horrible performance, they were quickly healed by Chris & Morgane Stapleton’s flawless performance. As soon as that hits You Tube, I will be rewatching for sure!!!!
ElectricOutcast
April 3, 2016 @ 8:00 pm
I had a feeling Garth wouldn’t win tonight so I’m not real shocked at it as some might but I don’t think Aldean won EOTY before did he?
Trigger
April 3, 2016 @ 8:47 pm
No, this Jason Aldean’s first Entertainer of the Year, and probably his last. I think the industry thought it was now or never. Chris Stapleton may win the next five in a row for all we know.
cloudeleven
April 3, 2016 @ 8:01 pm
I don’t understand the Entertainer of the Year awards at all. Stapleton not even nominated?
Is it based on radio hits or concert grosses?
nascarfan999
April 3, 2016 @ 8:03 pm
My understanding is Entertainer is about touring. Considering Stapleton hasn’t done any major venue tours it makes sense he would not be nominated. However, if it was solely around touring, one would think Garth would win in a landslide.
Trigger
April 3, 2016 @ 8:45 pm
Entertainer is not solely about touring. It’s about the entire package, including touring.
For the CMA’s next November, I can guarantee you Chris Stapleton will be nominated for Entertainer of the Year.
Camie Jo
April 4, 2016 @ 10:47 am
Carrie Underwood was snubbed. Again. That’s the talk.
I don’t think so. She won earlier in her career and it might just be a once in a lifetime award for most artists. It’s not a popularity contest and just because it’s been awhile doesn’t mean they give it to you again for good behavior. It is the entire package.
It is not “Automatic”.
Studley Dudley
April 3, 2016 @ 8:03 pm
Ok, I’ve been waiting ALL friggin’ night to finally come clean.
I’ve been doing this as Studley Dudley, the egotist troll here on SCM.
Fact is – I know Trigger personally (Kyle) and he knows me and we are buddies. He didn’t know this is actually someone he knows just taking the piss for over a year now. What I’m not going to do is to say who it is, he needs to figure that out. He’s likely going to be mad but have a laugh with me.
I’m done here, I just wanted to have some fun with him but I had to sound real so I said some things that I didn’t intend for the viewership.
I support Kyle and SCM fully and congrats on a great night for Chris Stapleton. May the real country music win.
Old man Taylor
April 3, 2016 @ 8:10 pm
Thank you for your service
Robyn Randle
April 3, 2016 @ 9:15 pm
Oh My Jesus! Lmao! Well, kudos to you for causing me to loose my “social media go off on you cherry”! Tonight is the first night I have EVER said anything to anyone! So glad to know you are a real fan! #StudleyDudleyGotMe #f$*%#
Heavy Metal Cowboy
April 3, 2016 @ 8:05 pm
I made me happy a few days ago when my brother said he likes Chris Stapletons cover of ‘Tennessee Whiskey’, and he IS NOT a fan of country music, and he also just likes Chris Stapleton in general. I then told him to go check out Sturgill Simpson too so I hope he gets around to it.
Pickle
April 3, 2016 @ 8:27 pm
A close freind of mine who HATES COUNTRY MUSIC called me up to say what an amazing album traveler is
albert
April 3, 2016 @ 8:53 pm
pickle …thats cuz if your friend is only listening to commercial ‘country ‘ radio they’ve never heard country music
Stephanie
April 4, 2016 @ 6:37 am
Yeah I’m not sure if I’m wild about hearing the praise from people who admittedly don’t like Country music. Although, while some Country fans complain about how NOT country the album is, I find that if you play it for someone not well versed in country music, they will tell you it’s country as hell.
But yes, I am generally able to win over non-Country fans, who appreciate good music, with at least a few songs from Traveller. (Hell I even got my husband to agree to go see him with me in Milwaukee.) Interestingly, I find it easier to get them to appreciate Traveller than I do your average Luke Bryan fan.
Acca Dacca
May 16, 2016 @ 11:04 am
I think it has more to do with Chris Stapleton blowing the doors off of the mainstream than anything else. It’s one thing to try and recommend what you feel is good music to someone that may or may not be inclined to like it. It’s another when everybody and their brother starts raving about it and makes the outsiders feel like they’re missing something.
Brett Dale
April 3, 2016 @ 8:06 pm
How many tickets does Garth have to sell to win EOYT?? 50 Million, 100 Million.
How can anyone think, Jason is anywhere near the entertainer Garth is???
At Least Chris cleaned up tonight.
albert
April 3, 2016 @ 8:12 pm
No shit eh Brett …..someone threw jason Alldone a bone at Garth’s expense …..probably some label shit .
nascarfan999
April 3, 2016 @ 8:20 pm
On one hand, Garth was so much an entertainer he was on tour during the awards show. On the other, not being there to personally accept had he won probably didn’t sit well. I’d also say (right or wrong) Garth’s complete lack of a current career sways some voters.
Trigger
April 3, 2016 @ 8:41 pm
If Garth had raised any kind of blip in the recorded context, he probably would have won tonight handedly. But right now his studio stuff and radio presence is a mess.
Dragin
April 3, 2016 @ 8:22 pm
You gotta be f****** kidding me…..Jason Aldean wins EOTY. This guy is a has been. Did he announce retirement? Did he suck off the members of the Academy? No F’n way he deserves this award. Even Luke Bryan (whom I cant stand) seems more qualified than this pathetic excuse for a country artist.
Trigger
April 3, 2016 @ 8:40 pm
My guess is the powers that be decided it was now or never for Aldean, and the bloc votes went his way. A similar thing happened for Brad Paisley a few years back at the CMA’s. He probably didn’t deserve it, but it was now or never. Not justifying it at all. I agree Luke would have even been a better choice.
Lorenzo
April 3, 2016 @ 11:36 pm
Paisley did deserve to win entertainer of the year in 2010. Only Lady Antebellum had bigger numbers but they suck so CMA gave it to a guy who had -undoubtly- helped country music. I dare anyone here to say his 2009-2010 singles were bad: American Saturday Night, Welcome to the Future, Anything Like Me were all excellent song. Moreover American Saturday Night was an excellent record. I think it’s quite inappropriate to say Paisley did not deserve it because if there’s a man in the mainstream realm who has always tried to help country music (at least until Wheelhouse) that’s him.
LisaBee
April 4, 2016 @ 11:00 am
Hey Trig, is it possible the academy votes for EOTY were split between Luke Bryan and Garth Brooks, and that split was just enough to give Aldean the win?
Trigger
April 4, 2016 @ 11:57 am
That’s a very interesting theory. When you have votes split between two clear front runners, that’s when you can have a dark horse emerge. But that might be giving the ACMs too much credit for impartial voting. I honestly don’t think that Garth was a strong contender in the voting. I’m not saying he shouldn’t have been. He’s killing everyone in touring at the moment, but I think he needed to do at least something with album sales or radio interest to get folks to consider him for Entertainer of the Year. I think Garth saw “Man Against Machine” as a slight failure, and he doesn’t like failure. Gary Overton let him down, and since touring is going so well, he’s going to ride that train until he feels he’s maxed it out, and then he’ll worry about the studio.
Parth Venkat
April 3, 2016 @ 8:06 pm
Proud to say I have no idea what Aldean even came out with this year! Living in Austin and having Kokefm and kgsr ftw!!!
albert
April 3, 2016 @ 8:07 pm
I think Stapleton’s solo success is overwhelming proof that people are STARVED for something honest and real in country music . They may not know they are …but they feel it when he performs and they understand it in his lyric , his what you see is what you get demeanor and his REAL music band. I’m not a fan of his co-writes for the most part …….but the fact is many of them WERE co-writes and consequently many other lesser ‘talents’ get input and final say if its theri names on the product . It encourages me as a writer to see this kind of authenticity acknowledged so whole-hardheartedly by fans of real country music AND his peers alike . He has an undeniable effect on listener’s on so many levels which DOESN’T rely on neon white teeth and a sculpted physique with rapper moves , affectations and performance choreography.
Anthony
April 3, 2016 @ 8:10 pm
Did the fans vote on Entertainer Of The Year this year?
Trigger
April 3, 2016 @ 8:42 pm
No, they took that out this year.
Anthony
April 4, 2016 @ 8:21 am
They didn’t want Luke monopolizing that award? Its kind of BS cause its like they stripped him of his title. They shouldn’t have changed it until someone beat him out.
the pistolero
April 3, 2016 @ 8:17 pm
Pretty sure Aldean’s gonna be an afterthought tomorrow with all that Stapleton won.
And I look forward to the butthurt from the Sam Hunt fans!
Trigger
April 3, 2016 @ 8:42 pm
Few will be talking about Aldean, just like few talked about Luke Bryan in November. This was Stapleton’s night. Again.
Brett Dale
April 3, 2016 @ 8:17 pm
So a singer who dresses up in Blackface is a better entertainer than Garth Brooks? What were the Acms thinking. I hope Jason Aldean wiped the corner of his mouth before excepting his award.
stinks
April 3, 2016 @ 8:23 pm
lol at these dolts feeling obligated to sing along because the camera is on them.
Tyler
April 3, 2016 @ 9:22 pm
Does anyone else find it ironic that WalMart, who, as part of its new employee orientation, informs its new employees how to apply for government assistance because their pay is so low, is sponsoring an initiative to end hunger in America? Hey, I’ve got an idea! Pay your employees a living wage!
PETE MARSHALL
April 3, 2016 @ 10:54 pm
Miranda Lambert won female vocalist is ridiculous and won vocal duet with sucky song “Smokin and Drinkin” is redundant.
Scott S.
April 3, 2016 @ 11:52 pm
Hey, Mike and the Moonpies got some love. Overdue.
Thanks for watching Trigger. Is rather read about it than watch myself.
Sherry
April 4, 2016 @ 4:20 am
I loved the trio of Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert and Billy Gibbons doing Tush. Miranda deserves some love. Carrie had her time in the spotlight time for New Blood. Checked out Keifer Sutherland’s “Not Enough Whiskey” pretty good don’t care for the hat. Love his sexy raspy voice. He can sing to me anytime. Hell yeah for Chris Stapelton I feel like Waylon and the outlaws have risen up hope to see more.
Mark M
April 4, 2016 @ 6:02 am
Still shocked Church got snubbed for Entertainer over Aldean..
Eric surpassed him in both commercial and critical success this year by setting attendence records on his tour and Mr. Misunderstood cracking several top country albums lists. Where did Aldean even come from?
Awesome for Stapleton by absolutely cleaning house though.
lisa
April 4, 2016 @ 6:34 am
Same here! When I think “entertainer,” I think Eric Church. The guy puts on an amazing show, gives it everything hes got more than anyone I’ve seen before, and is someone who truly takes care of his fans – making sure every show is unique, the surprise album that went out to his fan club first, trying to put a stop to scalpers, hell, even playing a show pretty much solo when his crew was sick last year and going back to play the show again with the full band/crew… oh yeah, and his music actually has substance. I know I’m biased because I’m such a fan, but I just feel like he deserved it so much more this year.
Mark M
April 4, 2016 @ 1:36 pm
I don’t even think its even a feeling. If you take Luke out of the equation, Eric had the most impactful year out of all the nominees.
Amanda
April 5, 2016 @ 7:43 am
I’m completely with you on that. I thought Eric had Entertainer at the CMAs last November….and going into 2016 I was convinced that he could definitely pull it off this year, even without a tour, I thought his handful of dates/brilliant album release strategy/music quality would be enough. But now I’m thinking that Stapelton could easily take Entertainer of the Year come this fall.
And as a longtime Church fan, I want him to receive this validation so bad…then I remind myself that Waylon, George Jones, Tammy Wynette, and a whole slew of others never won Entertainer of the year…and they turned out alright 🙂
bamstrait
April 4, 2016 @ 6:20 am
I’m really happy Chris is shaking thing up in music and awards, it is certainly time for new blood but what I really want is for the same thing to happen in the female category. I am so tired of Carrie and her fraudulent #1’s dominating radio and Miranda repeatedly winning these awards she does not deserve, how does she still win when her last album was released in June 2014?
And Dolly did not need Katy, who looks ridiculous.
PETE MARSHALL
April 4, 2016 @ 9:08 am
Thank god I didn’t watch the so called country music award show anyway I watched WrestleMania 32 instead!
Trigger
April 4, 2016 @ 10:29 am
You weren’t the only one. Ratings were down 26% for the ACM’s this year.
Mike
April 4, 2016 @ 10:20 am
This is something I have been trying to find out for so long. Why is is that Georgia has produced some god awfully crappy music the last 7 or 8 years? I mean, Georgia has gone from Alan Jackson, Marty Stuart, the Allman Brothers, and some other legends to some real trash in Puke Bryan, Florida Georgia Losers, Cole Swindell, Sam Hunt, and Thomas Rhett….just to name a few.
Is it water and air pollution? Or did the state of Georgia collectively decide to go the way of rebellion be mediocrity and banality in country music? Regardless, I cannot put my finger on why. Can someone from Georgia help me out, please????
BEH
April 4, 2016 @ 10:26 am
For your listening pleasure: A side by side cover of Nick Jonas’ amazing guitar solo last night. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WURLT4F0F7g
Pickle
April 4, 2016 @ 1:18 pm
You mean the solo he hit the wrong notes on fucked up
BEH
April 4, 2016 @ 1:29 pm
Yes, the guy in the video (which is actually a very good guitarist) plays along note for every wrong note.
Mike
April 4, 2016 @ 12:14 pm
Chris Stapleton kinda looks like Martin Ain from Celtic Frost!
Greg
April 5, 2016 @ 8:18 am
I did not watch the awards show.I don’t watch unless my favorite singer,Loretta is on.(Like that Terri Clark songs says “I Got better things to do”).
Instead of the awards,I played an old Wilburn Brothers show with Loretta & Ernest Tubb on DVD.I watched that instead.
Katrina
April 6, 2016 @ 7:18 pm
I’m so glad I found this site! I’ve been needing to throw a good hissy fit for a long time now! I’ve always loved country music and my heart is breaking because of the way I see it going! First of all what do u call country rap!? Country + rap=CRAP So why are so many country singers trying to do it!!? Sam Hunt and Florida Georgia line!? If u wanna sing rap, go sing it! But please don’t mess up country music by mixing the two!! Katy Perry needs to stick with pop. Kelsea ballerini needs to go back to Karaoke night with with her Jr high class. I think Chris Stapleton is good…but does he really deserve to win …EVERYTHING!? Why hasn’t the Zach brown band won anything!? They are waaaay better than most of the people in country music these days and they can’t get a break!! It’s turned into a big joke! You only win anything if u are a young hot football player or a skinny young blond with long legs and dimples! All of the real country singers are pushed back and forgotten and replaced by wannabes! It’s heart breaking!!
Katrina
April 6, 2016 @ 8:18 pm
I did like Blakes new song though. It gave me a better understanding of his thang with Gwen Stephanie!….which otherwise I would never understand!!