2008 Woodie Awards
And the award goes to … Carrie Underwood
Country music's biggest new arrival modest with powerful pipes
Paul Bremer
Issue date: 11/14/07 Section: WEB EXTRAS
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The yee haws and southern drawls could have been heard from miles away as the excitement from the Country Music Awards rocked Nashville last week. Our favorite cowboys stepped out on the red carpet in their Levi best while the ladies took the golden opportunity to show tough country chicks can shed their form and glam it up. The night was jam packed with explosive performances by some of country music's leading artists, as well as a much anticipated comeback by classic rock legends The Eagles. Tears were shed, fun was had, and ya'll have never sounded so endearing.
For the record, I love this awards show. I suppose it doesn't hurt that I have an obsessive fondness for the twang and crooning of the modern day hillbilly. But really, it is one of the only awards shows I know that promotes such a laid back atmosphere. Everybody is just happy to be in attendance and in the mood for a good time. I could almost see this entire event taking place in Toby Keith's backyard with a rented stage and tents while everyone chows down on all-you-can-eat buffalo wings.
I think it would be a safe assumption to say that Carrie Underwood perhaps had the most phenomenal night of them all. Underwood nabbed two coveted awards that night, including Best Female Artist of the Year. In an emotional acceptance speech, she explained how she would have accused a person of being insane if they were to tell her she would be nominated alongside some of country music's living legends.
Unless you are truly a fan and follower of country music, you may not understand Underwood's modesty. It's evident the girl has a powerful set of pipes and at least some degree of likeability, hence her 2005 American Idol title. However, unlike mainstream pop, which propels a new artist to superstardom with one radio hit, country has only so much room for leading contenders.
The pop industry is frequently changing. New artists emerge and disappear, and top artists eventually fall, as its mass audience is constantly looking for more. On the flip side, county's market is considerably smaller. The industry is more respect-based, so once an artist has gained that and reached the top, it can be hard to knock them down. Many have criticized Underwood and her status in Nashville, debating whether or not she truly deserves such respect and has paid her dues. There are countless country artists who have been working for years and years, and have yet to gain recognition or have a tune played on the radio.
Has Underwood crept in through the back door? Maybe. But who's to say she doesn't deserve what she has achieved? She wouldn't have this status if the public weren't embracing her talents. Look at someone like Ashton Kutcher. He was attending school in Iowa and was discovered at a shopping mall. Was he slaving away at the craft of acting? No. Now he is Mr. Demi Moore.
It's true enough that Underwood has come along way since "American Idol." The show has proven to work for some and not so well for others. People often say she is only famous because of the show. However, it didn't create stars out of Taylor Hicks or Bo Bice. And where is Ruben Studdard now? The show proves to help create stars. Ultimately, there must be a level of star quality already there as a launching point. And clearly, with "Carnival Ride" holding the number two and three spots on the country and pop charts respectively, Underwood is in full flight.
For the record, I love this awards show. I suppose it doesn't hurt that I have an obsessive fondness for the twang and crooning of the modern day hillbilly. But really, it is one of the only awards shows I know that promotes such a laid back atmosphere. Everybody is just happy to be in attendance and in the mood for a good time. I could almost see this entire event taking place in Toby Keith's backyard with a rented stage and tents while everyone chows down on all-you-can-eat buffalo wings.
I think it would be a safe assumption to say that Carrie Underwood perhaps had the most phenomenal night of them all. Underwood nabbed two coveted awards that night, including Best Female Artist of the Year. In an emotional acceptance speech, she explained how she would have accused a person of being insane if they were to tell her she would be nominated alongside some of country music's living legends.
Unless you are truly a fan and follower of country music, you may not understand Underwood's modesty. It's evident the girl has a powerful set of pipes and at least some degree of likeability, hence her 2005 American Idol title. However, unlike mainstream pop, which propels a new artist to superstardom with one radio hit, country has only so much room for leading contenders.
The pop industry is frequently changing. New artists emerge and disappear, and top artists eventually fall, as its mass audience is constantly looking for more. On the flip side, county's market is considerably smaller. The industry is more respect-based, so once an artist has gained that and reached the top, it can be hard to knock them down. Many have criticized Underwood and her status in Nashville, debating whether or not she truly deserves such respect and has paid her dues. There are countless country artists who have been working for years and years, and have yet to gain recognition or have a tune played on the radio.
Has Underwood crept in through the back door? Maybe. But who's to say she doesn't deserve what she has achieved? She wouldn't have this status if the public weren't embracing her talents. Look at someone like Ashton Kutcher. He was attending school in Iowa and was discovered at a shopping mall. Was he slaving away at the craft of acting? No. Now he is Mr. Demi Moore.
It's true enough that Underwood has come along way since "American Idol." The show has proven to work for some and not so well for others. People often say she is only famous because of the show. However, it didn't create stars out of Taylor Hicks or Bo Bice. And where is Ruben Studdard now? The show proves to help create stars. Ultimately, there must be a level of star quality already there as a launching point. And clearly, with "Carnival Ride" holding the number two and three spots on the country and pop charts respectively, Underwood is in full flight.
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