At the upcoming Grammy awards, which will take place on February 12, 2012, five singles are nominated for "Best Country Solo Performance." These include Jason Aldean's "Dirt Road Anthem," Martina McBride's "I'm Gonna Love You Through It," Blake Shelton's "Honey Bee," country-pop darling Taylor Swift for "Mean," as well as Carrie Underwood for "Mama's Song."
"Dirt Road Anthem"
Jason Aldean's "Dirt Road Anthem" was a commercial success, and it reached the top of the Billboard Country Charts. The nomination is his reward, since Aldean is up against bigger names in country such as Shelton, McBride, Underwood and Swift.
"Honey Bee"
Blake Shelton's "Honey Bee" stayed four weeks at #1 on the Billboard Country Charts, and he is the reigning Country Music Association (CMA) "Male Vocalist of the Year," and married to Miranda Lambert; however, these milestones may still not guarantee him a Grammy win, especially with competition derived from Swift.
"I'm Gonna Love You Through It"
Martina McBride's latest single "I'm Gonna Love You Through It" is outstanding and compelling, and most deserving of a Grammy award. Martina showcases her incredible pipes, as well as a wide spectrum of emotions, especially since this song deals with breast cancer. Martina is the epitome of class in country, and her nominated song is nothing short of inspiring.It is one of the greatest tunes she has recorded since her tear-jerking "Concrete Angel."
"Mean"
Although Taylor Swift is the most popular musician among the nominees, her song "Mean" is one of the weakest vocals of this category. Swift is the favorite to win the "Best Country Album" Grammy for Speak Now, but this category is not a lock.
"Mama's Song"
Carrie Underwood's "Mama's Song" is one of the few songs in her career that did not hit #1 on the Billboard Country Charts. Although Underwood has won the "Best Female Country Vocal Performance" category three times in previous years, I do not think she has enough steam to pull off another win.
For the past two years, Underwood has been losing country music industry awards consistently to either Miranda Lambert or Taylor Swift.
The Verdict
If voters approach this category as a popularity contest, the winner will be Taylor Swift; however, if they base it on sheer talent, range and vocal ability (the criteria it should be based upon), Martina McBride should win. It is long overdue for Martina to win her first Grammy award, and she is one of the most talented women in the history of the genre.
Besides, "I'm Gonna Love You Through It" is the only "wow" performance by this year's country nominees.
Markos Papadatos - Markos Papadatos holds over six years journalism experience, authoring over 700 articles, many of which are feature profile interviews.
Join the Conversation