The Editorials

Another One Bites The Dust

Written by Jeff Krasky

I laughed uncontrollably at the recent power struggle between Faith Hill and the CMA officials. As usual the CMA officials insisted on having things their way and demanded that Faith perform "The Secret Of Life." Faith on the other hand wanted to play her new single "Breathe." The CMA officials then told Faith to play the song they wanted her to play or sit out for the awards show. CBS cried foul and placed a phone call telling the CMA officials that Faith would be performing on the show and that she would be performing whatever song she wanted.

Congratulations Faith, you did the right thing. Finally a little justice. I've often sat back in disgust as I watched the CMA awards show. The songs artists performed never seemed to make much sense most of the time and even when they did the songs had been tinkered with to the point where the artist hardly knows how to sing them. My question is why? Why make all these performers sound like idiots on one of country music's biggest nights? In a high exposure event like the CMA Awards you would think the officials would do everything in their power to make sure that everyone was happy with their material and sounding their best. That way the country music genre would get some decent publicity and believe me, right now we need it.

Not to mention the fact the show is boring as hell. Vince Gill did an excellent job hosting, his jokes are always welcome. The Dixie Chicks opened the show with some much needed energy and Martina McBride was convincing with her performance of "I Love You". Jo Dee Messina's performance was another show highlight. The rest of the show was nothing short of pathetic.

Shania Twain decided to perform the worst song off her album (pondering why this song was selected as a single could be a complete editorial in it's own) and looked ridiculous. Who in the world designed those hideous neon pink outfits? Thanks for making us all look like idiots. I don't doubt that Twain is a very talented woman, she just can't seem to put it together for award show performances. Next time play a clip from one of her live VHS tapes where she shows her true performing ability.

And could someone please explain to me why Reba McEntire wasn't on the list of performers? It was a slap in the face when she didn't receive a nomination, but an even bigger insult to not be performing on the show. Not to mention SHeDAISY rightfully deserved a spot on the list of performers.

I love Jewel's music which was why I was so surprised at her laughable performance with Merle Haggard. And what is up with that hat Merle wears anyways? Between listening to Jewel's painful vocal performance and laughing at that stupid hat I almost wanted to change the channel.

Why don't we just rename Duo of the Year to The Brooks and Dunn award and spare the TV time giving these guys the award for the millionth time in a row. How many times can we hear the same acceptance speech before we fall into a coma?

I must also say thank you to Alan Jackson for taking a high profile stand about the George Jones situation. Let the Jones sing his damn song next year guys.

The CMA officials seriously need to reevaluate the direction of their awards show. The ratings might of been better than last year but the show still lacked a pulse. Here's a hint, put the focus back on the performances. Let the artists pick what they want to sing it and let them perform it their way. Be sure to keep Vince hosting, he seems to be the only one with a sense of humor. Maybe then we could have a show that successfully promotes country music to the masses instead of one that makes them change the channel.

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