The Boot

Naomi Judd Pens Letter of Praise for Taylor Swift

Marianne Horner — 2010-02-08T14:50:00+00:00

Naomi Judd is sick and tired of all the criticism directed at Taylor Swift. Taking a strong stance in response to poor reviews of the 20-year-old Taylor's performance with Stevie Nicks on the Grammy Awards broadcast, Naomi has written an open letter -- with no doubt an arched brow of maternal disapproval -- to the editor of Nashville's Tennessean newspaper.

"Remember the puzzles, 'What's wrong with this picture?' You search for faults, ignoring the overall larger picture," Naomi begins her letter. "Multi-talented, she not only sings well enough to strike a chord with a huge audience, Taylor single-handedly introduced country music to a much-welcomed younger demographic and generated international interest. She writes, dances, acts and is a dazzling performer."

Naomi, who will reunite with daughter Wynonna for a Judds' tour and album this year, goes on to point out that most artists actually do experience anxiety, performing on the Grammy stage.

"Having sung many times at the Grammys, I can tell you that the stress and anxiety of performing in front of the world's top artists in every genre of music is tortuous for even the most seasoned singer," she insists.

Also not going unnoticed by the fiercely devoted mother of two grown daughters are the virtues and wholesome values this particular 20-year-old superstar offers a young generation.

"Taylor is the best-dressed young female artist today, in league with Hollywood's most glamorous stars. When I met her I was impressed by her sincere transparent niceness. Taylor's a lovely young lady.

"Smarts, manners and class. Why can't fault-finders see that she is a sorely needed role model? We're aware of how lyrics and musicians can influence our society. If America ever needed positive role models, it's now."

Naomi underscores her open admonishment to the editor by declaring with a flourish of her pen, "If there's an award for being the best role model for her generation, I'd like to be the one to give it to Taylor Swift."

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Kelly Clarkson Irked by Comments From Taylor Swift's Label Chief

Stephen L. Betts — 2010-02-05T14:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Country News, Grammy Awards

The hits just keep on coming for Taylor Swift ... and not the kind they play on the radio! This latest hit comes from a fellow artist and while it isn't directed at Taylor herself, it stems from her already much-maligned Grammy Awards performance last Sunday night.

Kelly Clarkson, the first-season winner of 'American Idol' has a few choice words for Big Machine Records' Scott Borchetta who defended Taylor's Grammy performance in a statement to the Associated Press, and called her "the voice of a generation." Kelly took exception to part of Scott's statement in which he said, "This is not 'American Idol.' This is not a competition of getting up and seeing who can sing the highest note. This is about a true artist and writer and communicator."

"Wow .....Dear Scott Borchetta," Kelly's blog post begins. "I understand defending your artist obviously because I have done the same in the past for artists I like, including Taylor, so you might see why its upsetting to read you attacking American Idol for producing simply vocalists that hit 'the high notes.' Thank you for that 'Captain Obvious' sense of humor because you know what, we not only hit the high notes, you forgot to mention we generally hit the 'right' notes as well."

Admitting she's had a few "shaky" performances of her own in the past, Kelly adds that she doesn't believe Scott handled the situation as well as he could have. "Every artist has a bad performance or two and that is understandable, but throwing blame will not make the situation at hand any better," she writes. "Instead of lashing out at other artists (that in your 'humble' opinion lack true artistry), you should simply take a breath and realize that sometimes things won't go according to plan or work out and that's okay."

Kelly closes her post with "Sincerely, One of those contestants from 'American Idol' who only made it because of her high notes," followed by an emoticon of a winking smiley face. She later took to Twitter to assure fans she was not "dissing" Taylor. "I buy her albums and cover her songs, obviously I'm a fan," she notes.

Taylor is currently on tour in Australia, and hasn't made a public statement about the performance or the ensuing backlash.

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Bill Anderson Praises Taylor Swift

Gayle Richardson — 2010-02-03T11:45:00+00:00

Filed under: Country News, Grammy Awards

He may have been a big star more than 25 years before she was even born, but Bill Anderson is still a big fan of recent Grammy winner Taylor Swift.

"I've never seen anything like it, because I don't think there's ever been anything like it," he tells Nashville's Tennessean newspaper.

The Country Music Hall of Fame member says he's impressed, but not surprised, by the young superstar's success. Longtime friends with Taylor's father, Scott Swift, Bill was aware of Taylor's talents long before the rest of the world.

"She came out to my fan club dinner at the Old Hickory Country Club when she was 14," says the singer-songwriter. "She got up with an acoustic guitar and sang, and everybody was amazed that she was such a good guitar player and that she was singing original stuff at that age."

Bill also remembers another performer that evening -- Josh Turner, then a student at Belmont University. "The stepping stone to stardom is singing at the Bill Anderson Fan Club dinner," Bill jokes. "Seriously, though, what Taylor has done is just amazing. She's done all the right things, and she continues to do all the right things."

Taylor left the Grammy Awards with four trophies and headed straight to Australia to continue her Fearless tour, along with opening acts Kellie Pickler and Gloriana.

Download Bill Anderson Songs | Download Taylor Swift Songs

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Taylor Swift Live Performance

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Steve Wariner Relishes 'Extra Special' Grammy

Lorie Hollabaugh — 2010-02-03T10:20:00+00:00

Filed under: Grammy Awards

Steve Wariner took home a Best Country Instrumental Performance Grammy for 'Producer's Medley,' from his Chet Atkins tribute album, and the award couldn't be more fitting, since Chet was so instrumental in the evolution of Steve's career. Steve tells The Boot he was thrilled just to be acknowledged by the Grammys for his project.

"It sounds so goofy saying it -- it's cliché, but just to be nominated was awesome -- particularly with it being the Chet project -- but also because it's our first nomination on our own little label. It's extra special because of that. The part that's really awesome for me always is turning the machines on and putting it on tape, and that's what Chet loved more than anything is the creating, that's the fun part."

Steve actually used some of Chet's equipment to make the album, and also had the blessing of his mentor's family throughout the process. "I'm thrilled that Leona, Chet's wife, got to hear it," Steve tells The Boot. "She passed away just a few months ago and just loved the record. She was so thrilled, and of course there's a song on there called 'Leona,' and she liked that. Merle, his daughter, has been so supportive with anything I needed ... I played some of his guitars on this project and some of his equipment, and they've been just super-supportive, and it's a great way for me to pay it forward and say thanks. I wouldn't be here doing this at all if it weren't for Chet Atkins, so it's a way for me to say thanks."

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Grammys 2010

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Taylor Swift & Stevie Nicks' Grammy Performance Invites Critics, Defenders

Gayle Richardson — 2010-02-02T15:15:00+00:00

Filed under: Country News, Grammy Awards

Fresh off her recent four-Grammy-win, Taylor Swift's name has been everywhere the last few days. Unfortunately for the young star, that may not be such a good thing.

Performing 'Rhiannon' and 'You Belong With Me' with rock legend Stevie Nicks during the Grammy ceremony, fans and critics alike wasted no time in sharing their opinions about Taylor's performance. In spite of taking home the trophy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance, the overwhelming consensus on this particular night was that the famous singer wasn't singing her best.

"Swift gave a strikingly bad vocal performance at Staples Center on Sunday," the LA Times wrote (quote via Nashville's Tennessean), "sounding tinny and rhythmically flat-footed as she shared the microphone with the distinctive Stevie Nicks."

The Washington Post agreed: "A night in the charmed life of Taylor Swift: Give an incredibly wretched vocal performance, go on to win the biggest Grammy of 2010 anyway."

Nashville's Tennessean also criticized the performance, offering that "Maybe a smidge of Jamie Foxx's autotune wouldn't be such a bad idea for this duet."

While most agree that her performance was not one of her best, the president and CEO of her label, Big Machine, is quick to defend her abilities.

"The facts say she is the undisputed best communicator that we've got," Scott Borchetta says. "So when she says something or feels something it affects more people than anybody else. Maybe she's not the best technical singer, but she is the best emotional singer. Everybody gets up there and is technically perfect people don't seem to want more of it. There's not an artist in any other format that people want more of than they want of Taylor. I think [the critics] are missing the whole voice of a generation that is happening right in front of them. Maybe they are jealous or can't understand that. But obviously the people that she talks to are engaged with her. No one is perfect on any given day. Maybe in that moment we didn't have the best night, but in the same breath, maybe we did."

Scott isn't the only one singing her praises. OK! magazine referred to it as a "fun, memorable performance," calling Taylor the "standout star of the evening." Butch Walker, who joined Taylor and Stevie on stage, says to Entertainment Weekly, "I think a lot of people give her unnecessary grief. Her appeal is not in [having] some big diva voice ... Taylor comes from country. It's a different approach to singing."

Whether or not she is the best singer, Taylor is the best-selling artist of the past year. Currently in Australia with her 'Fearless' tour, she will return to performing stateside March 4.

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Taylor Swift Live Performance

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Randy Travis Offers Carrie Underwood 'BIG' Thanks

Gayle Richardson — 2010-02-02T14:50:00+00:00

Filed under: Country News, Grammy Awards

Randy Travis won his first Grammy in 21 years on Sunday, for his collaboration with Carrie Underwood on his 1988 self-penned hit, 'I Told You So.'

Unfortunately, the legendary singer was unable to attend the ceremony due to a snow storm that hit his hometown of Santa Fe, New Mexico. But he took to his website to express his gratitude to Carrie for the win.

"This is the first time that I was not able to be on hand to accept a Grammy," says the singer. "If it wasn't for the weather I would have thanked all the people who voted for us. a BIG thank you to Carrie for asking me to be part of this recording. She is an amazing talent and I am honored to win this with her."

This is Randy's third Grammy win. His other two Grammy awards were both for Best Male Country Vocal Performance, in 1988 for 'Always & Forever,' and in 1989 for 'Old 8x10.'

Click here for a live performance of the Grammy-winning duet Randy and Carrie's Grammy-winning duet, 'I Told You So.'

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Lady Antebellum Can Really Relate to Their 'Career Song'

Donna Hughes — 2010-02-01T14:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Country News, Grammy Awards

Lady Antebellum have just released their sophomore album, 'Need You Now,' and the trio remain amazed at the response the title track is still getting.

The five-week chart-topper was definitely a topic of intense discussion between the recent Grammy winners and executives at their record label. "The response from the get-go was so big," Charles Kelley tells The Boot. "I remember even having some conversations with the label and people were [saying], 'Oh no, hope they don't get offended by the 'I'm a little drunk and I need you now' [line]. And I [said], 'But that's honest! We're talking about country radio, right? What happened to the old Waylon [Jennings] songs and stuff and people said what [they felt]?' It's storytelling."

Lady A's Dave Haywood agrees, saying, "The three of us have been there, too. I mean, we've been in serious relationships and when you get out of that, all you want is that person next to you." Dave tells The Boot his parents are big supporters of the song, even with its pretty salacious lyrics. "My dad [said], 'Son, I love that song.' And [I said], 'Dad, what are you talking about?' He [said], 'I've been there.' When somebody that's 55 says that and then people our age understand it too, then maybe we struck a chord with something."

They definitely did strike a chord, and in fact, the group feels it could be their career song. "We thought 'Run to You' [the group's Grammy winner] was our career song," exclaims Charles. "But honestly, after 'Need You Now' came out and to see what it's done for us. It's been really, really, really, really huge for our career, and we're just really proud of it." [Really, Charles? We really wouldn't have guessed! Really!]

Lady Antebellum's 'Need You Now' album is out now. Charles, Dave, and third member Hillary Scott will definitely be playing some tracks from the new project when they hit the road with Tim McGraw for the superstar's 'Southern Voice' tour, which kicks off Feb. 11 in Omaha, Neb.

Download Lady Antebellum Songs | Lady Antebellum on AOL Music

Lady Antebellum Interview

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Carrie Underwood Is in Hip-Hop Demand

Steve Baltin — 2010-02-01T13:20:00+00:00

Filed under: Crossovers, Grammy Awards

Carrie Underwood shared the Grammy stage with a cross-genre mix of other music superstars on Sunday, in a tribute to the late Michael Jackson. Singing with the country songbird were pop queen Celine Dion, R&B heartthrob Usher, Motown legend Smoky Robinson and R&B singer/actress Jennifer Hudson. One hip-hop star was particularly moved by the performance, and is hoping to snag Carrie for another genre-bending collaboration.

"Next person I want to work with -- and I won't work with anyone else until I get her -- is Carrie Underwood," T-Pain adamantly told The Boombox backstage at the Grammys. "Everyone else can suck it until I get to Carrie!"

If T-Pain scores some studio time with Carrie, it would be his second country crossover. He rapped with Taylor Swift in the hilarious 'Thug Story' during the opening of last year's CMT Awards. Watch the video here.

Carrie Underwood on AOL Music

Grammys 2010

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Taylor Swift Is 'Blown Away' By Singer-Producer Butch Walker

Stephen L. Betts — 2010-02-01T12:40:00+00:00

Filed under: Country News, Grammy Awards

While Taylor Swift and Stevie Nicks fans were no doubt excited to see the somewhat unlikely pair performing together at the Grammy Awards on Sunday night, many were likely also wondering, "who's that banjo player standing up there with them?"

Singer-songwriter Butch Walker is a Georgia-born musician who, in addition to fronting several alternative rock bands, has written and produced songs for Pink, Avril Lavigne, Fall Out Boy and Bowling for Soup, among many others. In 2007, his life took a tragic turn when he lost everything he owned in the Malibu wildfires, including the masters of all of the songs he'd ever recorded.

The Taylor connection began last November, when Butch was appearing in a series of concerts at the Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles. He asked fans to request songs he should cover, using his Twitter account to take suggestions.

On he first night of the residency, Butch busted out his version of Taylor's hit, "You Belong with Me," which was the No. 1 request from his fans. Later that night, he recorded his own banjolin-based version of the song, filmed a making-of video and posted the results on his Youtube channel. In less than two days the video went viral and was soon followed by a Taylor tweet which included a link to the video: "@butchwalker covered You Belong With Me and I'm losing my MIND listening to it! Blown away," the young superstar shared with her followers.

At Sunday night's Grammy Awards, Butch joined Taylor on stage with Stevie Nicks, performing a stripped-down version of the chart-topping hit. Watch their performance here.

Butch Walker's latest album, 'I Liked It Better When You Had No Heart' will be released Feb. 9 on vinyl and on Feb. 23 on CD and digital download via One Haven Music. Each CD will include a free download card of Butch's cover version of 'You Belong with Me.'

Taylor Swift on AOL Music

Grammys 2010

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Keith Urban Defends Taylor Swift

Gayle Richardson — 2010-02-01T11:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Grammy Awards

Say what you will about four-time Grammy winner Taylor Swift and her success on both country and pop radio ... Keith Urban simply says she's good for business!

It's Taylor, Keith insists, who is making sure "country is alive and well" on the pop charts. And while many people criticize the singer-songwriter for her genre-bending music, Keith isn't one of them. "It's cyclical, ever since the beginning of country music," Keith tells the Belfast Telegraph. "Glen Campbell was a pop artist and had crossover hits. In the '80s, there was 'Achy Breaky Heart' [Billy Ray Cyrus]. There's always been something in country that has grabbed a hold of pop music and aligned itself with it."

The distinction between country and pop is relatively small, Keith says, and not likely to change. "I think it's always had it, this just the latest version of it."

Keith -- a Grammy winner himself for Best Country Male Vocal Performance -- has wrapped up his wildly successful Escape Together world tour and is now writing for a new album.

Taylor Swift on AOL Music | Keith Urban on AOL Music

Grammys 2010

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Carrie Underwood Recalls 'Heartwrenching' Tribute

Marianne Horner — 2010-02-01T09:45:00+00:00

Filed under: Country News, Grammy Awards

The air was thick with emotion when Carrie Underwood, Usher, Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson and Smokey Robinson took the stage to pay tribute to Michael Jackson, and sing along with Michael on his recording of 'Earth Song' during the Grammy Awards Sunday night. Michael's longtime friend and 'We Are The World' collaborator, Lionel Richie, introduced the singers, after which Michael's voice filled the room, to say that he hated pollution and destruction of the earth ...

"That stuff really bothers me ... that's why I write these kinda songs, to give some kind of awareness and awakening and hope to people. I love the planet. I love trees. When the colors are changing in the leaves, I love it ... "

The performance that followed was set against a 3-D mini-movie, which was featured in Michael's 'This Is It' film. Michael's vocals were perfectly intertwined with those of the emotional vocals of the performers on the Grammy stage. At the end of the song, they all turned their backs to a spellbound audience to gaze reverently up at Michael's image, displayed high above the stage.

The moment was electric with emotion ... even during rehearsal, the day before.

"It's so bittersweet, of course," Carrie tells ETOnline. "I think we were all really feeling it when we were in rehearsal and on the stage practicing. The stuff that's going on behind us on the screen is absolutely heartwrenching and amazing. And towards the end, we all turn around ... and it's not about us, we don't even take the applause ... we just turn around and look up at Michael. It's just an amazing moment."

Immediately following the performance, Michael's children, Prince Michael and Paris, came onstage to an emotional outpouring of applause, to accept a Grammy lifetime-achievement award for their father.

"Our father was always concerned about the planet and humanity," Prince Michael, 12, said. "Through all his hard work and dedication, he has helped many charities and donated to all of them. Throughout his songs, his message was simple -- love. We will continue to spread his message and help the world. Thank you. We love you, Daddy."

Grammys 2010

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Taylor Swift Wins Grammy for Album of the Year

Gayle Richardson — 2010-01-31T23:35:00+00:00

Filed under: Grammy Awards

The Grammy Award for Album of the Year -- the night's biggest award -- goes to ... Taylor Swift! The 20-year-old country sensation trumped Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, the Black Eyed Peas and the Dave Matthews Band for the honor, which she takes home for her sophomore album, 'Fearless.'

"Thank you so much," Taylor exclaimed, upon becoming the youngest artist ever to win Album of the Year. "I just hope that you know how much this means to me and to Nathan [Chapman], my producer, and all these musicians you see on this stage, that we get to take this back to Nashville. Our families are freaking out in their living rooms! My dad and my little brother are freaking out in the living room. This is for my dad, who always told me I could do anything I wanted ... And my mom -- you're my best friend."

'Fearless' was the best-selling album of all genres in 2009, with total sales of more than five million. Among its biggest hits are 'White Horse,' 'Love Story,' 'Fifteen' and 'You Belong With Me,' which also was nominated for Song and Record of the Year.

Taylor boasts a total of four Grammy wins Sunday night. Along with Album of the Year, she also won the Grammy for Best Country Album, Best Female Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song, for 'White Horse.' She was second only to Beyoncé, who took home six trophies.

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Grammys 2010

2010 COUNTRY GRAMMY WINNERS & NOMINEES:

Best Female Country Vocal Performance

'Dead Flowers' - Miranda Lambert

'I Just Call You Mine' - Martina McBride

*'White Horse' - Taylor Swift - WINNER

'Just A Dream' - Carrie Underwood

'Solitary Thinkin'' - Lee Ann Womack

Best Male Country Vocal Performance

'All I Ask For Anymore' - Trace Adkins

'People Are Crazy' - Billy Currington

'High Cost Of Living' - Jamey Johnson

'Living For The Night' - George Strait

*'Sweet Thing' - Keith Urban - WINNER

Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals

'Cowgirls Don't Cry' - Brooks & Dunn

'Chicken Fried' - Zac Brown Band

*'I Run To You' - Lady Antebellum - WINNER

'Here Comes Goodbye' - Rascal Flatts

'It Happens' - Sugarland

Best Country Collaboration With Vocals

'Beautiful World' - Dierks Bentley & Patty Griffin

'Down The Road' - Kenny Chesney & Mac McAnally

'Start A Band' - Brad Paisley & Keith Urban

*'I Told You So' - Carrie Underwood & Randy Travis - WINNER

'Everything But Quits' - Lee Ann Womack & George Strait

Best Country Instrumental Performance

'Under The (Five) Wire' - Alison Brown

'The Crystal Merchant' - The Greencards

'Mansinneedof' - Sarah Jarosz

*'Producer's Medley' - Steve Wariner - WINNER

Best Country Song

'All I Ask For Anymore' - Casey Beathard & Tim James, songwriters (Trace Adkins)

'High Cost Of Living' - Jamey Johnson & James Slater, songwriters (Jamey Johnson)

'I Run To You' - Tom Douglas, Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley & Hillary Scott, songwriters (Lady Antebellum)

'People Are Crazy' - Bobby Braddock & Troy Jones, songwriters (Billy Currington)

*'White Horse' - Liz Rose & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift) - WINNER

Best Country Album

'The Foundation' - Zac Brown Band

'Twang' - George Strait

*'Fearless' - Taylor Swift - WINNER

'Defying Gravity' - Keith Urban

'Call Me Crazy' - Lee Ann Womack

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Lady Antebellum, Zac Brown Band, Taylor Swift + More Country-Rock the Grammys

The Boot Staff — 2010-01-31T21:55:00+00:00

Filed under: Grammy Awards

We've all heard the saying, "It's an honor just to be nominated." But when it comes to the Grammy Awards, perhaps an even bigger honor is being asked to perform. Lady Antebellum was blessed with a coveted performance slot on the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards, singing their country/pop crossover hit, 'Need You Now.'

Country music was uncharacteristically well represented at Sunday's Grammys, as Best New Artist winners the Zac Brown Band also sang, accompanied by the legendary Leon Russell, in a medley of 'American the Beautiful' and 'Chicken Fried,' followed by a rockin' guitar jam. Carrie Underwood joined a cross-genre group in a touching tribute to Michael Jackson. Taylor Swift was joined by one of her musical heroes, Stevie Nicks, on 'You Belong With Me.' And Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles joined Bon Jovi for their duet, 'Who Says You Can't Go Home,' along with the Bon Jovi classic, 'Living on a Prayer.'

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Grammys 2010

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Zac Brown Band Are Grammy's Best New Artist

Beville Darden — 2010-01-31T20:49:00+00:00

Filed under: Grammy Awards

The Zac Brown Band has won the Grammy's prestigious Best New Artist award. The Georgia natives beat out British pop duo the Ting Tings, synth-dance group MGMT, R&B singer/songwriter Keri Hilson and indie rockers the Silversun Pickups for the honor.

"There's so many people we want to thank. It's just such an honor to be on stage," a visibly moved Zac said upon accepting the award. "We're so honored and blessed to be here, and we look forward to playing for y'all this evening."

The Zac Brown Band is the first country group to take home Best New Artist since Carrie Underwood back in 2006. LeAnn Rimes is the only other contemporary country artist to win the honor, which historically tends to go to pop artists.
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Grammys 2010

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Taylor Swift's 'Fearless' Wins Best Country Album at Grammys

Gayle Richardson — 2010-01-31T20:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Grammy Awards

Taylor Swift, already the winner of two Grammy awards tonight -- for Best Female Vocal Country Performance and Best Country Song, has taken home the trophy for Best Country Album for 'Fearless.'

"This is my fist time walking up these stairs to accept a Grammy on national TV," the singer gushed. "I want to thank my record label for letting me write every song on my album. I just keep thinking back to when you're in second grade and you sing at your talent show for the first time and people joke around that 'Maybe we'll see you at the Grammys some day.' I just feel like I'm standing here accepting an impossible dream right now."

Taylor was joined in the Best Country Album category with the Zac Brown Band, George Strait, Keith Urban and Lee Ann Womack. Taylor is nominated for eight Grammys tonight, including the coveted Album of the Year.

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Grammys 2010

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Taylor Swift and Keith Urban Dish on the Grammy Red Carpet

Gayle Richardson — 2010-01-31T19:40:00+00:00

Filed under: Grammy Awards

Country stars are shining on the red carpet at tonight's Grammy Awards. Taylor Swift, already the winner of two trophies this evening, stopped to chat with E!'s Ryan Seacrest about her whirlwind year.

"Just to be here -- that's a dream I've had since I was a little kid. You just think that stuff is so far out of reach," she says. Set to perform on the broadcast, Taylor eludes to a big surprise appearance .... without divulging any details. "It's so unbelievable to be here at the Grammys because sometimes your heroes come out," she hints.

Word from backstage is that the "hero" will be none other than Stevie Nicks, who's rumored to come out to sing 'You Belong With Me' with the country sensation.

Ryan's conversation turned a bit more serious with Grammy winner Keith Urban (Best Male Country Vocal Performance) and his movie-star wife, Nicole Kidman. Responding to his recent statement in favor of illegal music downloading, during his acceptance speech at the People's Choice Awards, Keith took the opportunity to retract his statement. "It came out wrong," he admits. "I didn't actually mean I want people to steal music. But a lot of people I know buy our albums and turn their neighbors on to it, and then they come to our shows and they become fans. But it came out wrong."

Stay tuned to The Boot for more Grammy coverage throughout the evening.

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Grammys 2010

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Taylor Swift Is Double Grammy Winner for 'White Horse'

Beville Darden — 2010-01-31T17:55:00+00:00

Filed under: Grammy Awards

Taylor Swift has two Grammy Awards before the show even starts! During the pre-Grammy webcast, the country sensation was presented with trophies for Best Female Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song for 'White Horse.' Taylor's poignant heartbreak song was co-written with Liz Rose, who's been collaborating with Taylor since the now superstar was just a young teen with stars in her eyes.

"Liz started writing songs with me when she had no reason to do so," Taylor said upon accepting the trophy during the pre-Grammy telecast. "I didn't have a record label or anyting to offer her."

"This 14 year old with curly hair looked at me and said, 'Do you think you could write with me some time?'" Liz recalled. "Thank God I said yes!"

Taylor is nominated for eight Grammy Awards tonight, second only to Beyoncé in nods.

Taylor Sings 'White Horse' Live

Taylor Swift on AOL Music | Grammys on Spinner | Grammys on The Boombox | Grammys on Popeater

Grammys 2010

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Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Lady A Win Early Grammy Awards

Beville Darden — 2010-01-31T17:40:00+00:00

Filed under: Grammy Awards

Taylor Swift has her very first Grammy! The 20-year-old songbird won Best Female Country Vocal Performance, for 'White Horse.'

"This is a GRAMMY!" a beaming Taylor exclaimed upon accepting the trophy, during the pre-telecast. "I live in awe of the people I was nominated against in this category. I live in awe of my producer, Nathan Chapman. I live in awe of the wonderfully talented musicians in Nashville. Thank you to the Grammy voters who decided it was a good idea to vote for me for this, because I am so happy. Thank you so much!"

Keith Urban is the winner of Best Male Country Performance for 'Sweet Thing.' Lady Antebellum have the Best Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group honors for 'I Run to You' -- marking the trio's first-ever Grammy win. Carrie Underwood and Randy Travis are the Grammy winners for Best Country Collaboration With Vocals for 'I Told You So.' And Steve Wariner takes home the trophy for Best Country Instrumental Performance, for 'Producer's Medley.' See the full list of country nominees and winners, after the jump.

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Taylor Swift on AOL Music

Grammys 2010

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Dierks Bentley Has 'Beautiful' Grammy Memento in Mind

Lorie Hollabaugh — 2010-01-31T16:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Grammy Awards

Dierks Bentley is about to take his third trip to the Grammys, this time as a Best Country Collaboration with Vocals nominee for his song, 'Beautiful World,' with Patty Griffin. The singer tells The Boot that he feels especially honored that the song was nominated, since it's an album cut going up against songs that were radio singles.

"Patty's been nominated a lot and won, and I've never won," Dierks says, "but just looking at my album and seeing her name on the back that we did a song together is really special. Just to hear our names called out, especially for a song that wasn't even a single, is so special ... It's a powerful song. So I'll save whatever nomination card I get whether I win or not ... I'll save that as some sort of plaque somewhere, because it means just as much to me as winning would."

This is Dierks' third year in a row to be nominated for a Grammy Award.

Download Dierks Bentley Songs

Dierks Bentley on AOL Music

Dierks Sings 'Beautiful World' Live

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Leon Russell Joins Zac Brown Band at Grammys

Steve Baltin — 2010-01-31T13:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Grammy Awards

For Zac Brown, just getting a Grammy nomination in the Best New Artist category is unbelievable. In fact, he couldn't quite grasp it when asked if it had sunk in yet. "No, not really. That's something that's still gonna take a while to get my head around. It's like shock almost," he told The Boot at Grammy rehearsals.

So that in and of itself would've been special enough, or even stopping in as he did just to say hey to Dave Matthews, whom Zac greatly admires. "Dave's a hero. He's a guy who's made his own path and done everything he wanted to do and has thrived in that environment, so we're proud to follow in his footsteps," he says. "There are very few people that have made it great and on this level like Dave has."

All great stuff, but there's even more this weekend for the band. They'll be joined during their performance by Leon Russell. "[We're] playing with Leon Russell, a legend," Zac gushes. "We're big-time fans of Leon, and we talked about collaborations and [producer] Ken Erhlich had run his name by us and we're like, 'Yeah, we'd absolutely love to do something with Leon.' We're big Joe Cocker fans back in the day, and Leon was the guy behind Joe Cocker for a long time. We're super excited."

What would that teenage fan of Joe Cocker say now to performing at the Grammys with Russell? "[I] never would've considered it a possibility in a million years," Zac says. "I knew we were gonna work hard and really dedicate our lives to the music and see where that took us and hopefully into a great touring career, which we've been able to develop. [But] this is an amazing milestone, it's something we'll never ever forget."

You can watch Zac Brown Band perform with Leon Russell tonight on the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards at 8:00 PM ET on CBS.

Download Zac Brown Band Songs

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