Nashville Series Premiere

Alright, I've been really excited about this show since they first started talking about it whenever. I was getting even more pumped for it after seeing Hayden Panetierre at CMA Fest to promote the show, and watching the first fifteen minutes of the pilot several nights in a row at LP Field. I tuned in tonight to watch, after hearing so many great reviews from my "country music" friends on Twitter.

Well, I love the scenery and the soundtrack, seeing as it is Nashville and all of the music is country. Right up my alley, so with that I was sold. I also love the concept that we've never seen something on a scale like this established as a TV show. It's only usually movies that we see the rock star lives portrayed; that alone makes this interesting to see how it will play out. However, the story lines are a bit hard to follow and right now the characters just don't seem very likable to me. It didn't feel like we were watching the pilot; it felt like we were seeing what would've been the second or third episode. There were a lot of back stories to each character that were only hinted around, but not quite fully developed, and they were jumping around so much, it was hard to stay straight with who was who, other than the main two. Or maybe it was just because my parents were talking in some of the important spots...Not sure.  

I'm sorry, but why do all of the plots in TV shows and movies about country artists  tend to be so stereotypical and dark? I get that there's always going to be a "business" side of Nashville/country music that we don't see, but is it really like this? Not all country artists (or artists of any genre for that matter) are fame hungry and deceitful behind the scenes. There are plenty of artists out there that are (shocker) still faithful to their spouses, live a normal life, have kids and take them to soccer practice, all while living out their rock star fantasies that they've had since they were five. It all ends up feeling very Country Strong; depressing and sad. I really hope that isn't the case with this one.

I look forward to seeing how things progress in the next episode and even the one after that to decide whether I really want to keep watching or not. I'm intrigued to see how some of the characters tie together and what becomes of it all. But, if nothing else, this show did remind me of my love for Nashville and made me replay some really incredible memories back there, as they showed clips at the Grand Ole Opry and The Bluebird Cafe. One of these days I will live back there, pursuing a career in Country music, somehow, someway. It will always have such a special place in my heart and I hope to visit again someday soon. If you've never been....What are you waiting for?!

That's all for now,
Shelby

CMA Awards 2011

The CMA's sure know how to put on one incredible show! Brad and Carrie were awesome hosts as always; witty, clever, and hilarious when interacting with each other. I especially loved the song about Kim Kardashian's marriage of 72 days. Carrie's costume changes were also fun to keep watching for.

Rehearsal picture

Banners around town!

Another rehearsal picture

I was a little disappointed in some of the awards, but they made up for it with the EOTY. I know a lot of people aren't exactly thrilled with that, but I AM! :D I can understand not being a fan, but to say Taylor doesn't deserve it because of silly things like "she's not a singer" or she's this or she's that...seem like pretty lame arguments to me. She is one of the hardest working girls (or anyone for that matter) in the business. She designs her own sets, produces her album, writes all of her own songs, sells out every show (including stadiums of 50, 000), has her own perfume, has toured 19 countries, and gives input to every detail of the tour planning and whatever it is she's doing at that moment. So, to say she doesn't DESERVE it, seems a little much. Besides, I've written papers and speeches on how amazing she is, and have gotten A's on them, don't get me started on this ;). I would have been just as happy to see Brad or Keith win as well, because I feel like they've been putting in years of hard work, touring, writing, and album sales into that. I really like Jason, but I still feel like it's just too soon for him to win Entertainer, and Blake (though I'm not a fan), just doesn't make the cut either. They haven't headlined their own tour yet really, and that's a big deal.

Alright, well enough of that ranting...onto the show.

Carrie's changes! My faves are # 2-3 on the bottom

Award Winners/Performances:

• Blake Shelton & Kenny Loggins- Footloose
• Single of the year-"If I Die Young" The Band Perry
• Keith Urban-"You Gonna Fly"
• Sara Evans- "Stronger"
• Miranda Lambert-"Baggage Claim"
• Song of the year-"If I Die Young" The Band Perry
• Zac Brown Band-"Georgia On My Mind"
• Rascal Flatts/Natasha Bedingfield-"Easy"
• Vocal Duo of the Year-Sugarland
• Best New Artist performances
• Taylor Swift-"Ours (acoustic"
• Luke Bryan-"Country Girl Shake It For Me!"
• Lady Antebellum-"We Owned The Night"
• Album of the Year-"My Kinda Party" Jason Aldean
• Kenny Chesney/Grace Potter-"You and Tequila"
• Lionel Richie with Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, and Darius Rucker
• The Band Perry-"All Your Life"
• Vocal Group of the Year- Lady Antebellum
• Sugarland/Matt Nathanson-"Run"
• Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood-"Remind Me"
• New Artist of the Year-The Band Perry
• Scotty McCreery-"Walk in the Country" (I like Keith Urban's version better)
• Jason Aldean-"Tatoos on this Town"
• Male Vocalist of the Year-Blake Shelton
• Martina McBride-"I'm Gonna Love You Through It" 
• Tribute to Glen Campbell with Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, and Keith Urban
• Faith Hill performed for the first time in 5 years on the awards!
• Female Vocalist of the Year-Miranda Lambert
• Entertainer of the Year: TAYLOR SWIFT!

 Cannot wait for next year!!!!!

I Wish I Was Here...

Bridgestone Arena, where the awards will be held!

Today, or this week in general, I wish I was in Nashville for CMA Week. I've made a lot of friends the past few years through Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood, and they've all been posting so many exciting stories and pictures of being escorts, working backstage, songwriting award shows, and red carpets. It sounds like an absolute blast! I would love to go back there for CMA week rather than CMA Fest, if ever given the chance LOL. But, until then, I will live vicariously through everyone back there right now ;). Hope everyone is having a blast, making memories that will last a lifetime, and good luck to Carrie and Brad! This show is gonna rock!! :D

American Idol CD Debut Month

The last year of American Idol was a country showdown in the finale, between Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina. Well, it has been a big month for both artists, with their debut CD's coming out. I've been a Lauren Alaina from the first time she walked into the audition room and sang with Steven Tyler. In fact, she's the main reason I kept watching the show, because I was getting a little tired of Idol. She's the one person I diligently kept voting for week after week.

I pre-ordered Lauren's CD, and was so excited when it finally arrived at my door on Monday afternoon.

The poster my name is on

The autograph

Lauren's CD is amazing! Each song is so fitting for her style and the life that she lives, and I couldn't be more proud. She's the all American girl! And after watching her Introduction special on GAC, I became an even bigger fan. She's just a teenage girl, trying to find her place in this world, and she is who she is. She's an inspiration to so many girls, including myself and I can't wait to see how far she goes with her career. If you haven't checked out the CD yet, you should definitely pick up a copy! My favorite songs are The Middle, Dirt Road Prayer, and She's a Wildflower. Those were the ones I related to the most!

Now, I liked Scotty, but I was Lauren all the way, so I wasn't really sure if I was going to buy it when it came out. When I heard my uncle bought it, I decided I'd just get it from him. My mom and I listened to most of it on the way home from my grandparents' house one night, and I was really enjoying it. My favorite song so far is "Better Than That"! Check out Scotty's CD as well, if you haven't already.

Both of these amazing teens are going to go so far. The country music world has already been welcoming them with open arms, so I wouldn't be too worried about either one of them. They are going to be just fine ;). Both of them are super nice, Christian kids, and they are really going to change the world with their music.

That's all for now,
Shelby

If you've heard their CD's...what do you think and what is your favorite song?

Casey James Videos

"Friday, Friday...Gettin' Down on Friday!"

Alright, so I'm no Rebecca Black fan, but hey, it HAS become the theme song for Fridays pretty much! Anyway, today was pretty great. I only had one class, ran some errands with my mom, and hung out at home awhile. Tonight, we went to a free show at Buck Owen's Crystal Palace for Casey James. It was a lot of fun! He's an amazing musician! I really enjoyed his songs! I got some videos, but the pictures didn't come out so great, so I'm not sure if I'll post those or not.

Here was my day in pictures:

The road I travel to school..not much to look at...haha.

Lunch

Old picture I found of me and Shaq back in the day!

Blooper on Friends! You could see the lighting in the background

Trying to do math, and being extremely frustrated

Me ready for the concert

Painted my nails for the occasion lol

Pictures from the Crystal Palace!

Casey James!

 

Casey posted this after the concert!

Well, that's all for now! I'm gonna try to finish some math, and get to sleep at a decent hour. I'll be posting videos, some past pictures, and video updates soon! :)

Lady Antebellum's New Album, "Own The Night"

I had to pick up the CD the day it was released, because I LOVE Lady Antebellum! So far on their albums, there's hardly ever a song that I didn't like. They're geniuses with the lyrics, music, and vocals. Anyway, I listened to it several times now, and I love it more and more each time. I relate to a good portion of the songs, and connected with it immediately. If you haven't picked it up yet, do yourself a favor, and get it! I think it could be nominated at the ACM's, CMA's, Grammy's, etc. next year...and if not, well, it SHOULD! :D

Eden's Edge concert

This band is amazing! I couldn't stop listening to their EP, and I when I found out they'd be playing a show here in town, I HAD to go! They're awesome :)