Taylor Swift's victory, at age 19, as the youngest CMA Entertainer of the Year has been the topic of much discussion and analysis. But it's a comment made by a former Entertainer of the Year nominee, Wynonna Judd, that fired up after the awards show -- and was just as quickly defused!When asked about Taylor's Entertainer nomination in an interview before the CMA Awards show, Wynonna told USA Today, "You want my honest comment? It's too much too soon."
The singer, who was 22 when she and her mother Naomi were nominated in 1986 -- making her previously the youngest artist to be nominated in that category -- added, "Mom and I rode in a car for the first year of our career to visit radio stations. There was a making of the star, there was a rising up, and the fans went with us. Now it's over coffee breaks, the success, almost. It's like the girl who wins an Oscar and she's under 20. What do you do from here?"
Wynonna quickly clarified her remarks on her website's message board, saying,
I understand that my comment about Taylor Swift's Entertainer of the Year nomination came across as a negative statement. My intent was not to take anything away from her talent and contributions to the country music industry ... all of which are truly unprecedented for an artist of ANY age. Taylor is a beautiful, hard working young woman that deserves the success she has had and I support her as an artist and as a woman in the business."
Backstage during the CMAs, Wynonna and Naomi also hinted they may do more shows together in 2010. The act officially retired at a farewell concert in 1991 but have reunited at several special events since that time.
Reader Comments(1 of 27)
Jessicaat 11-13-2009
Wynonna's comment wasn't negative, she was speaking from experience. Taylor Swift being so young and getting this award, will put a tremendous amount of pressure on her. It won't give her enough time to "grow" and fans will even expect more from her and will be disappointed if she can't top herself. She certainly deserved her award, but with it will come alot of hard work. I wish her the best!
chessrmeat 11-14-2009
I saw Swift's performance at CMA. First, as to her initial song, how in any way could it be considered as even remotely country? Second, Swift can not sing one note in twenty in-key; everything is a half-note flat and sounds terrible. Three, have you noticed that her fans who post here are obviously illiterate as they can not spell and have little ability for using proper grammer and punctuation. Maybe a little less "texting" in school and more studying might help...
JUDGE WILLIAMSONat 11-14-2009
I agree. Yes she has talent, but to be so young and recieving all these top awards, she is either going to die out quickly or burn out. Pretty soon people are going to be sick of her and she's going to wish she had time for herself. How many times have these entertainers said they wish they had slowed down and that fame came too fast too soon? If I were wynonna, i would sit with her and talk to her. She's a seasoned veteran in the entertainment world so she would know right?
SHAI JOHNSONat 11-14-2009
We love Taylor Swift. She has so much talent and is natural. Winona needs to step aside and allow Taylor the spotlight that she deserves. That is a very negative response.
ldyauburnfn11at 11-14-2009
She EARNED that award! If Ms Judd would lay off the sweets and look like an entertainer, she might be winning too. Too much too soon, right on.
geldonskiat 11-14-2009
How can a singer who doesn't have a drop of country running through her veins win such an a award in the first place? She is a pop-rock singer and not a country singer. This goes to show you how weak contemporary country is now days.
SUZY AND HANNAHat 11-14-2009
I agree. If you are going to ask someone for their opinion, then I would much rather them give an honest one. I don't think she deserved the Entertainer of the Year. There were a lot of acts in that category that were well deserving. I think it's great that she is able to do what she does and has the success that she has, but to me she's not better than Kenny Chesney!
hardrocknoxat 11-14-2009
You are right , this was not negative , it sounds like sh was speaking of experience , but every one should know is that CMT award are a bunch of crap , look who gets the awards ? only certain record labels . Where was Tobie Keith all those years ? and about a dozen others . So if I was Tyler , I would not look to deep in CMT awards , it just means your are being advertised for a record company , Nothing more , nothing less .
Lauraat 11-14-2009
Sounds a tad jealous in my opinion. What about being supportive and happy for someone that has as much, if not more, talent???? Suck it up Wy and take it like a woman.
sn4001at 11-14-2009
Sound like sour grapes to me. Jealousy is a sad thing.
OEat 11-14-2009
@chessrme
First, let me quote you; "...who post here are obviously illiterate as they can not spell and have little ability for using proper grammer and punctuation."
Second let me say that you have succeeded in placing yourself in the same group of illiterates that you sought to defame. Karma's a bitch! In my reply window, the word "grammer" (sic) is underlined in red. This would indicate to me that it is misspelled which I already knew. Maybe you should pay more attention to your own grammar, or at the very least believe your own spell checker, and less to your own high and mighty opinion of yourself.
Let's try to keep a little more "on topic" and try to not belittle others for our own edification. Can't we all just get along?
Third, for my comment, on topic. I agree that she is very young and that there will be an immense amount of pressure put on her in the future to meet or exceed previous accomplishments. Only time will tell whether or not she has the self-discipline and drive to continue to perform at this level. Personally, I wish her the best and look forward to her subsequent musical releases and performances!
Peace!
hbvitelaat 11-14-2009
Come on now...lets all give Taylor Swift a break...Kanye, now this...she's good. Let's not deny.
carolzene1at 11-14-2009
Totally agree that Wynonna WAS NOT being critical, but simply stating from experience. She was gracious in her follow-up statement; however, I disagree with her that Swift is deserving. In the first place she can't seem to carry a tune, sings (if you want to call it that) off key, and is not one ounce country. Shes a teen pop act trying very hard but totally unsuccessful in dance (unless you call slinging hair dancing). I am totally unimpressed with her after seeing her (perform?) on DWTS and then at the awards show. Lastly, what's with her standing with her feet and toothpick legs so far apart?
beach840at 11-14-2009
Her remarks are right up there with the behavior of Kanye West! The people who have not won in a long while should sit down and close their mouths.
Kaityat 11-14-2009
Taylor Swift did a lot of things to get to the position she is in. She is a very talented girl. I agree with sn4001, Wynonna clearly wishes to be back in the spotlight. I am in full support of Taylor. Oh and as for chessrme's comment ... is my grammar ok? I'm going for English Lit in college.