Is He Still In The Dog House?

The end of the year is racing toward us. The CMA Awards voting is a sure sign, and the 2022 “CMT Artists of the Year” special is another.

Five artists were chosen for collectively dominating the last 12 months in Country music, per the press release from CMT. These five absolutely had a great year: Carly Pearce, Cody Johnson, Kane Brown, Luke Combs and Walker Hayes. But dare I bring up the name Morgan Wallen? He had sold out headlining shows, #1 songs and record-breaking chart numbers. But, you have to dominate the CMT platforms to be eligible. It seems he did not. Guess Mr. Wallen is still in the doghouse with CMT/Viacom.

One woman and four men chosen. It was not a legendary year for females in Country. The young guns dominated in sales, streaming and concert sales. But the Wallen absence … I just couldn’t let that go by.

Taylor Swift blew into town and handled the red carpet at the NSAI Songwriter Awards on Tuesday night (9/20). Lots of pictures and media coverage, including the international Daily Mail. Her black sequin dress by Michael Kors looked like a million dollars, and might have been. Does this award, along with every other, ensure her a spot in the Country Music Hall of Fame? How long will they make her wait?

There’s a new song from Shania Twain, “Waking Up Dreaming.” Will she be given a shot? She was on FOX’s “Monarch” on Tuesday night. Her Vegas residency is done, and a Netflix documentary with a companion album out. It’s the most Shania movement seen in a good while. Will she tour?

Trace Adkins is on FOX (“Monarch”), Reba McEntire’s on ABC’s “Big Sky,” Blake Shelton’s on “The Voice.” Some very visible Country stars getting big attention. Brad Paisley is in some funny Sirius/XM commercials with Alice Cooper and Conan O’Brien.

Brad’s off to Australia playing his first date on September 26th. He’s hitting all the big cities plus New Zealand. Brad has two solo dates at the Wynn in Las Vegas in November. Same room, same thing Garth Brooks did. Just Brad and his guitar. This is a return trip to the Wynn. The bosses were very, very pleased with the first run.

Luke Bryan is getting rave reviews for his latest midwest U.S. Farm Tour. Country artists on the road have been very strong this post-Covid year.

What can be said that hasn’t been said about Garth in Ireland? A TV special was done, but nothing can capture the vibe of those shows. The band, Garth and Trisha Yearwood, the Irish guys who are hard on everybody, all just soared about the Croke Park shows, playing to 400,000 two weekends. Garth says he will go back, but who knows in what form? But he will go back and, yes, he got a tattoo. No, he hasn’t shown it off. Says it’s about his love of Ireland. The stage, the clips, the news coverage … no one gets it done like Garth. No one!

Listened to the Opry last Friday night. On my computer, but wish I had been in my car. Opry, when you are out of town, is just better in your car. Who knows why?

Caylee Hammack sang with Brad Paisley, “Whiskey Lullaby.” Alison Krauss was the duet partner on the record with Brad. He has done the song with most, if not all, of his opening acts. Caylee is the real deal. Such a beautiful voice. You programmers need that voice on your station! Great personality one-on-one too.

Country music has a lot to get me excited about right now. Radio just needs to let it breathe!