At Least Adam Lambert Didn't Go Country

Jimmy Carter in his homebase Nashville.

What a debate this week on the performance of Elvis wannabe Adam Lambert. His porno ballet on the American Music Awards was a watershed moment for American television.

The simulated sex and S&M fun time was shocking even by awards show standards of MTV. A cuss word or two. A same-sex kiss. Adam Lambert on a Disney-owned network knocked those balls out of the stadium.

Janet Jackson's clothing malfunction and Madonna's kiss of Britney now look like Romper Room school in the '50s. Adam Lambert's 15 minutes of fame is at 12 minutes. His music isn't memorable and his look is about all he has.

This "Idol" trip has either been a rocket ship or a black cat dud. Carrie and Kelly and Jennifer Hudson are among the rocket ships. Taylor Hicks and so many others were the duds. Danny Gokey might just make it and I keep rooting for Kellie Pickler. This Adam Lambert is all hat and no cattle. He needs to go to Vegas and just do a Follies or some other half-nude show. His lack of judgment was a door slammer.

On the "Idol" front, Carrie's done great and is still selling. But Carrie was left on the sidelines, as every other act was, by the Taylor Swift air show.

Taylor has almost singlehandedly upstaged the whole town. It has left people with their mouths open. Shania and Garth had similar effects on folks ... but there has been nothing like this.

Taylor is a songwriter first and foremost. Garth never wrote his songs. He was a showman and master marketer. Shania was a close model with the songwriting model, but never had the 24/7 drive Taylor does.

The Internet helped make Taylor a star. That was a first for Music City. Taylor has ruled the Internet ... now is going for the world. You just hope and pray she doesn't overexpose.

Taylor is close to the OD marker now. No one could stand the bright lights this girl is getting. She handles it with style, but wearing out your welcome is the danger.

Right now there is very little the Taylor brains can do about it. The Grammy nominations are close and she will do well. Best Album and who knows what else. The international light will really start shining. Hot for two months. She wins? Maybe ... then what?

Does Taylor tour and then around in June and hide? Or do you try to make as much money as you can and then pull back? Big decisions. They've been smart up to this point ... My money is on Taylor.

2009 is about done ... a few Christmas tours are out. A few acts in the studio. That's about it.

Taylor is ruling the world. Lady A is one of the great success stories of the year. The concert bookers have so many acts on the road in 2010. No one but Kenny can afford to get off the road.

The Internet has continued to rearrange the playing field. Changing public tastes have everyone confused. The future in advertising is so up in the air. There is much to be thankful for on this, Thanksgiving weekend 2009.