The 54th annual Grammy awards will take place on February 12, 2012, and will be telecasted live on CBS. There are six nominated songs in the "Best Country Song" category.
The nominees include Thompson Square's "Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not," Blake Shelton's "God Gave Me You," Trace Adkins' "Just Fishin'," Taylor Swift's "Mean," Vince Gill's "Threaten Me With Heaven," and Kenny Chesney's "You and Tequila."
Unlike the other three categories in this musical genre ("Best Country Solo Performance," "Best Country Duo/Group Performance," and "Best Country Album"), the Grammy for "Best Country Song" is awarded to the songwriter.
Analysis
Thompson Square are relatively new and not as well-known as their fellow nominees, so their chances of winning are very slim.
Deana Carter and Matraca Berg co-wrote Kenny Chesney's "You and Tequila," which was recorded as a duet with Grace Potter. It was also nominated for a 2011 Country Music Association (CMA) award for "Song of the Year" but lost to The Band Perry's "If I Die Young." As a result, the nomination should be their reward.
Trace Adkins has been previously nominated in this category in 2008 and 2009 for his hit singles "You're Gonna Miss This" and "All I Ask for Anyone," and failed to win then. It will be equally hard for Adkins to win this year, since he is facing stiff competition from Vince Gill and Taylor Swift.
Same holds true for Blake Shelton's "God Gave Me You." It's a very well-written song by the exceptionally-talented Dave Barnes, but Taylor Swift is the frontrunner to win for being the sole writer of "Mean." She is also the favorite to win for "Best Country Album" for Speak Now, thus enhancing her chances exponentially; however, her greatest competition is Vince Gill, who is one of the best-loved male vocalists in the genre.
Vince Gill co-wrote "Threaten Me With Heaven" with his wife, gospel queen Amy Grant. With 18 Grammy awards on his mantle, and a Country Music Hall of Fame induction in 2007, Gill proves that he is still a true force to be reckoned with in the country scene. He is definitely a favorite among his peers in the industry, and Amy Grant is a Grammy darling as well, having won six trophies in her career.
The Verdict
The Grammy for "Best Country Song" will possibly go to Taylor Swift's "Mean", but do not be surprised if "Threaten Me With Heaven" announced instead. If that happens, it'll be Gill's 19th Grammy award!
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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