Country Q&A: Week of January 7, 2009

Week of January 7, 2009

By Neil Haislop

Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood host "The 42nd Annual CMA Awards," on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008, live from the Sommet Center in Nashville on the ABC Television Network. Photo courtesy of the Country Music Association.

Each week country music expert Neil Haislop answers your questions!

Q: When it comes to awards shows, who decides who is going to host them? Is there a vote, or is it open to whoever wants to host? For example, how did Brad and Carrie end up hosting together?
(Cassandra, Ashford, CT)

A: Well, Cassandra, it’s not a case of just whoever wants to, because every singer, from baby act to star, wants to host one of these high profile, televised shows. Generally it’s the board of directors, or a committee at a music association that decides what artists have accomplished enough to be considered, and who has a big hit to perform, whether they appear only as a performer or host. The hosting duties usually go to the hottest, most capable performers they can get to do the job, since that will help guarantee high ratings for the network broadcasting the show.

Q: Why don't people take Jessica Simpson seriously in country music? And, when is she going to get her big break and have the fans realize that she is for real?
(Sheila, Fairfax, VA)

A: Sheila, I think Jessica Simpson has been welcomed nicely into country music, considering she’s coming from the pop music and acting side of the entertainment world. And, if she stays dedicated to building a country career, she’ll be fully accepted. What you might be sensing is some natural, built-in resentment towards folks, from actors, to sports figures to, pop singers who jump into country music thinking it will be easy to do.

Country music seems simple and easy to perform?when it, in fact, is an art form that takes a lifetime to learn to sing authentically, and whose songs about everyday subjects, take some of country’s genius writers to come up with. So, the country radio and country music industries want artists that will be loyal to the brand and want to build long careers. It takes a while to build that trust, no matter who it is trying to break into country music.

Q: On a recent GAC promo for the year ending Country Music Across America special it was stated that in 2008 LeAnn Rimes celebrated 20 years in entertainment. If I'm not mistaken, wasn't her debut on "Star Search" in 1990? That would be 18 years, not 20. If it was her 20th year means she debuted in 1988. What was she doing in entertainment before "Star Search" to make it count as part of her 20 years in entertainment?
(Robert, Longview, WA)

A: Robert, LeAnn Rimes started performing at talent shows and other venues long before she appeared on "Star Search." So, they are counting roughly from around the time she won her first talent show ever, in 1987.

Q: Who chooses the artists that are shown on GAC? Lately I have been feeling like there is a "Don't-feature-Carrie Underwood" crusade going on. She is never featured. Is GAC trying to push other stars because Carrie is now too big a star?
(Jane, Ludlow, MA)

A: Jane, first, there’s no movement against Carrie Underwood. It is kind of what you said last, now that Carrie Underwood is such a big star now, she’s busier, she’s wanted by more people and, thus, has less time to give each individual popular TV or radio outlet. That naturally makes room for the Taylor Swifts, Julianne Houghs, Chuck Wicks, etc., that are coming up fast behind her. So, don’t worry, you’ll see plenty of Carrie on the network throughout the coming years.

Q: Can you, tell me if James Otto is related to Glen Campbell?
(Vee, Eldorado, AR)

A: If James Otto was a relative of Glen Campbell, we’d likely have heard about it by now. James was born in Fort Lewis, Washington, while Glenn Campbell was born far away in Delight, Arkansas. But, I think their eyes and forehead kind of resemble each other.