MERRY CHRISTMAS

COUNTRY GRAMMY NODS FOR 2012

Big Night for Country last night at the Grammy Nominations: Live show.

Here's how we shake out.

Best Country Solo Performance

• Jason Aldean - "Dirt Road Anthem"
• Martina McBride - "I'm Gonna Love You Through It"
• Blake Shelton - "Honey Bee"
• Taylor Swift - "Mean"
• Carrie Underwood - "Mama's Song"

Best Country Duo/Group Performance

• Jason Aldean & Kelly Clarkson - "Don't You Wanna Stay"
• Kenny Chesney f/ Grace Potter - "You and Tequila"
• The Cival Wars - "Barton Hollow"
• Thompson Square - "Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not"

Best Country Song (songwriter's award)

• Thompson Square - "Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not"
• Blake Shelton - "God Gave Me You"
• Trace Adkins - "Just Fishin'"
• Taylor Swift - "Mean"
• Vince Gill - "Threaten Me With Heaven"
• Kenny Chesney f/ Grace Potter - "You and Tequila"

Best Country Album

• Jason Aldean - My Kinda Party
• Eric Church - Chief
• Lady Antebellum - Own the Night
• Blake Shelton - Red River Blue
• George Strait - Here For a Good Time
• Taylor Swift - Speak Now

The Band Perry is up for Best New Artist (an all-genre category)

OK - now just what the heck are the Grammy's thinking? "Mama's Song" is too old to be up (IMHO)

But it's the Best Country Duo/Group Performance category that has me scratching my head. Perhaps the Grammy's need to be made aware that just 'cuz a person sings with someone else does not mean that they are a Duo or Group. Love Jason & Kelly's song and Kenny & Grace's - but I don't think they belong in this category as they are solo artists who have brought a special guest in (and one who's not country to boot!)

But that's the Grammy's - they just don't understand Country Music! They're getting better - but still...

P.S. I love the Civil Wars - but they haven't released any music for me to play. What's up with that??!!!