Not The Golden Ticket ... But Still ...

As Nashville explodes in every way measurable, star creation seems to be at low tide. No shortage of wannabes but breakout stars ... not so much. Luke Combs is a recent breakout star. Any others?

Some press/media-created darlings are around but the viral stars like the Central Park moment for boy band BTS this week? Award show stars aplenty, but the ones selling hard tickets few and far between. The older stars sell big tickets and the younger ones not so much. The bosses know reality, but the public not so much. Age ... airplay ... digital ...What's the problem?

One "A"-level act talked this week about how technology has everyone in a confused state. Hard copy sales seem to be gone. So how do you make real money if you are an artist other than concert sales? Songwriters getting rich with digital?

Female missing Country radio is very confusing. At least 10 female artists right now are probably better singers/artists than some of their male opposites. Still crickets ... The media declaring someone a star doesn't mean they are. That goes for radio people and performers.

Luke Bryan called attention to the Idol winners and final 10 contestants. They all are getting great publicity but accomplishing what Kelly and Carrie did when they win isn't possible anymore.

These winners on The Voice and Idol will need to find their unique path way to success with Idol as their college degree. The TV shows give them a push but much more has to happen. Having a radio guy on the show is supposed to guarantee airplay in the future? Or just guarantee publicity for the show?

Has that plan worked?

The finals of Idol and The Voice are always fantastic. Idol will have a bunch of artists representing current Country. Dan & Shay, Carrie, Luke are all performing Sunday night, May 19th.

The Voice wraps on Tuesday May 21st. Taylor Swift and The Jonas Brothers are among the live performers.

The labels are doing their best to get new folks' attention ... Just this week: Key West and Napa Valley pushes. Time will tell.

Anyone notice some Country music media writing about Hank Jr. and studying why he's not in the Country Music Hall of Fame? It is hard to understand based on the facts of the case.

Hopefully politics and political correctness will subside and get this guy in. John Denver is more Country than most artists today. Charlie Rich was a huge hitmaker. And what a voice. You're not going to go camping with these people ... just recognizing their career. It's time to do the right thing.

Google: YouTube ... Brad Paisley ... Fender ... Game of Thrones. That should get you to the video done by the folks at Fender. The custom shop created some Game of Thrones and they are works of art! Watch these guitar shredders take on the theme from Game of Thrones. So cool!! Must see video for all guitar pickers everywhere. The GOT-themed customs sell from $25,000 to $35,000 and obviously limited edition.

Eric Church Nashville stadium show in the week ahead ... Mick Jagger seems reenergized from heart surgery...

CMA Fan Fair week on the horizon. After the NFL draft event, everything looks small.