Big Stages Need Big Stars

I would have hated to be Maroon 5's publicist this week. How do you spin such a poorly received show that was seen by something like 150 million people around the world?

Who in 2019 that's a Nashville or Texas artist could take that stage and get a Bruno Mars kind of positive reaction? Or what three acts could take that stage because, in fairness, Levine had two rap/R&B acts with him.

Maybe Garth with Stevie Wonder or some crazy combination like that. Yes, that would have potential.

A big stage needs a really big act. This past Sunday featured great production/visuals and an empty suit.

Gaga, Mars, MJ and yes, Beyonce, had the juice. McCartney and the Stones are not in the league with mortals. But now, 2019, could you have imagined Ed Sheeran solo or even Taylor Swift doing her current act? Maybe with Taylor, but the wrong football-desired demo. She would have attracted an international audience. That's why Country has not even been seriously considered the last 20 years. Urban, Paisley and the Eagles or some crazy combination ... maybe. With all the politics of the day added in, it may just mean bring back the USC Marching band.

The "experts" keep mentioning maybe it's time for a Country music halftime.

Here's my suggestion: Miami Super Bowl in 51 weeks ... Island/South Florida theme. Pitbull kicks it off with Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett and Gloria with the Sound Machine. Some kind of reggae island moment that they all play on and some big "we are the world" sing-along. Family friendly, name-brand acts with their own demos and audience. Diversity. It has it all ... Order the palm trees and tiki lanterns for the stadium.

Now the Grammys. Another huge stage that needs big stars. The show is seen all over the world. Country will get a little more than its share this year with the Dolly salute, but she is huge in Europe. So Grammy and Dolly won't have a problem.

Plenty of articles on radio and Grammy disconnect. Nationally programmed, streaming-oriented radio has its mission, which may or may not jive with Music Row Publishing types and others.

Stapleton and Musgraves have a checkered history with hit Country radio. That may or may not be deserved.

Kasey Musgraves is a very hip cool artist. She is the real deal. She was a first-class charmer pre-CMA this year. This is her year. Hope she can throw radio a bone soon.

Dolly and Willie are national treasures and both got honored by the Grammys this week. Who's gonna fill their shoes?

I hope the big bosses at the agencies get going with that cross-genre Super Bowl idea. It would work. Hell, have Crockett and Tubbs get back on the linen jackets and do a cameo. Pacino and Scarface, too ... Someone find a sense of humor for this badly comedy-lacking country.