Entertainer Of The Year?

Some things in the business are clear. Jay Leno's show is horrible. Taylor Swift's year has been magical. The economy and the big-name entertainment deaths in 2009 have been equally hard to deal with.

2009 has been an off year for most of us, but a few on Music Row have seen the best year of their lives! Brad Paisley and Taylor Swift are certainly two of those. The last 365 have been good for Aussie Keith, too.

As the Grammys get into the nomination process and The CMAs vote on winners, you can reflect a bit. I mostly am ready for 2009 to be gone. It has been a bright light watching how Brad has played the White House, produced a fantastic stage show and recorded some powerful, wonderful music.

Been a bright light, too, seeing how Taylor Swift has handled the fast fame. Fast-track fame is often ugly with growing pains. Taylor, with the exception of the Kanye night, has made it look easy. It is not.

Taylor Swift may get the Album of the Year nomination and win from the Grammys. It is the commercial hit and self-written -- all pluses for that bunch of voters. The crossover hits, the sing-along factor for the concert fans, all considered, she wins the Album of the year at Grammy and probably should at CMA.

The Entertainer of the Year election is more complicated. Chesney was doing his thing, but needed to go sit down. He could win and you could agree easily. Taylor could win and it would honor her for all she has accomplished ... maybe it's too much too soon. But we move faster these days. Urban is real good and if he won, who could complain? Brad Paisley has been the complete performer this year ... host of CMA ... picker at the White House, major concert schedule with many of the videos self-made. His songwriting, video crafting, singing, CDs, guitar playing, he is all around.

It is Brad's turn to win ... Taylor grows and gets it next time maybe.

Chesney is so smart to walk away for a bit ... better that he do it this year. There was too much money to make in bad times. And he did.

Country music has some good new blood. I can't say I like everyone's pop sound, but lots of talented people. (The pop is bad pop and not just a reaction to the group's contemporary leanings.) Hearing country groups do AC/DC and Joan Jett doesn't work for me.

Crystal Gayle getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; this week is COOL!

Miranda Lambert's discussion on hating beach balls at shows is great. I'm in 100 % agreement. It's hardly a big issu,e but they are irritating. Love it that she used a heel to blow one up.

Big & Rich taking more time off? Why not. Take a rest come back in a year or two. Never understood the retiring ... just take a break, then go back.

I'm ready for Fall temps after seeing the Rockies with snow a few days ago. Time for football and the World Series...

Good economic news and a little more hope for better days ... Or we hope to have a portion of the good life Taylor Swift, Keith Urban and Brad Paisley are having these days..