Sizing up the Grammies

The 49th Annual Grammy awards are coming up this Sunday night and to many musicians around the world these are the penutlimate awards because they are voted on exclusively by industry folks. Writers, performers, producers etc.....
The acceptance by professional peers is often the highest form of flattery and that's why so many performers covet the Grammy Award.
With that being said, these awards often don't reflect the realities of the marketplace. Because what's popular with the public isn't neccesarily gonna resonant with performers.
That's why, once again some folks who deserve to win won't, and some who don't really merit the award will win. Make sense?
For instance, can you believe George Strait, the undisputed heavyweight king of country music with 53 number one hits, has NEVER won a Grammy. That just doesn't seem real. I couldn't believe that when I found out.
George is up for Best Male Country Vocal Performance and I for one hope he wins this year. He is most deserving.
Bon Jovi has never won a Grammy either and this year could be Jon's first and it's in the country category with Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland. "Who Says You Can't Go Home" was a HUGE hit and had tons of crossover appeal. I for one love the song and many folks who love country music are fans of Bon Jovi as well. His songs are true grit and heartland all the way.(even though he's from New Jersey)
The Wreckers are up for best vocal duo performance but somehow I get the feeling industry people will vote for the Dixie Chicks in this category.
South Carolina native Josh Turner is also up for a Grammy. What a year it's been for him. Great new album, new baby with his wife and now a Grammy nomination. Josh is the real thing.
Carrie Underwood is a double nominee and a performer on the show as well. She's one of the biggest runaway successes ever!!! If Carrie wins the all-genre "Best New Artist" award Sunday night, it'll be the first time a country act has done that 1996. The winner back then.....teenager LeAnn Rimes.
Carrie will perform with Rascal Flatts with an introduction by Reba McEntire. Carrie is a true American Idol.
And Garth Brooks and wife Trisha Yearwood are up for a Grammy as well for best country collaboration. If they win it would be their first win as husband and wife. Now that's romantic!!!
Hats off to Little Big Town who are up for two Grammies and are my pick for best new country group of the past year.(even though they've been around quite a few years....this was their first big breakthru year)
Now my picks and pans............

Best Country Female vocalist....... Winner will be Carrie Underwood. My pick....Carrie Underwood

Best Male Country Vocal.....Winner will be Keith Urban.... My pick...George Strait

Best Country performance by a duo or group.... Winner will be the Dixie Chicks My pick is Little Big Town

Best Country Collaboration with Vocals
Winner will be Bon Jovi with Jennifer Nettles....my pick Bon Jovi with Jennifer Nettles

Best Country Instrumental
Winner will be Whiskey before Breakfast Doc Watson with Bryan Sutton My pick..Doc Watson and Brian Sutton

Best Country Song Winner will be Like Red On A Rose Alan Jackson my pick....Jesus Take The Wheel Carrie Underwood

Best Country Album Winner will be the Dixie Chicks, Taking The Long Way... my pick is The Road To Here, Little Big Town

And finally Carrie Underwood will win the Best New Artist in all genres of music.
Let's see how it goes!!!!
Here's to country music!!!