In the forthcoming Grammy awards, which are expected to take place on February 12, 2012, there are four songs that are vying for the "Best Country Duo/Group Performance" trophy. These include Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson's "Don't You Wanna Stay," Kenny Chesney and Grace Potter's "You and Tequila," The Civil Wars' "Barton Hollow," as well as Thompson Square's "Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not?"
"Don't You Wanna Stay"
Jason Aldean collaborates with American Idol Season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson on "Don't You Wanna Stay." It spent three weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot Country Charts in March of 2011, and it garnered the coveted Country Music Association (CMA) honor for "Vocal Event of the Year" at the November 2011 awards. Clarkson is a Grammy favorite, already having won two trophies in her musical career, and Aldean has one of the best-selling albums in country music this past year. Jason and Kelly are the frontrunners to win this category.
"You and Tequila"
Grace Potter is the guest vocalist on Kenny Chesney's "You and Tequila." The tune was written by beloved country songstress Deana Carter and Matraca Berg. It peaked at #3 on the Billboard Country Charts. Chesney has won the prestigious "Entertainer of the Year" award by the Academy of Country Music (ACM) four times, however, he has never won a Grammy. Their greatest competition is derived from Aldean and Clarkson's "Don't You Wanna Stay."
"Barton Hollow"
"Barton Hollow" is the title track of The Civil Wars' debut studio album. Their CD received rave reviews from the biggest music critics, and it subsequently garnered a nod for "Best Folk Album," making them a strong contender for the win.
"Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not?"
It is great to see country duo Thompson Square's "Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not" recognized by the industry for their breakthrough hit, which found its way on American Idol when Scotty McCreery performed it while he was in the Top 3; however, the nod is the reward for Thompson Square.
The biggest shock in this category is the fact that bluegrass darling Alison Krauss, and her band Union Station, failed to garner a nomination for their title cut of their newest album Paper Airplane. Had Krauss been in this race, she would have been the favorite to win.
The Verdict
"Don't You Wanna Stay" should be named as the winning song for "Best Country Duo/Group Performance." If there were to be a surprise, it'll come from The Civil Wars.
Markos Papadatos - Markos Papadatos holds over six years journalism experience, authoring over 700 articles, many of which are feature profile interviews.
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