Keepin' it Country Media & Radio » Eli Young Band

ACM: Single Record of the Year

Jeanna D. — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 16:18:29 +0000

Thank-you to everyone who has been voting in our ACM polls!

Here is “Single Record of the Year.” The nominees are: Even If It Breaks Your Heart – Eli Young Band; Over You – Miranda Lambert; Pontoon – Little Big Town; Springsteen – Eric Church; and Wanted – Hunter Hayes.

Who gets your vote?

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

ACM Poll: Vocal Group of the Year

Jeanna D. — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:50:40 +0000

It’s ACM madness…

Up next is our poll for “Vocal Group of the Year.” Reigning champs, Lady Antebellum, are back along with The Band Perry, Eli Young Band, Little Big Town, and Zac Brown Band. Who’s your pick?

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Country Music Hits the Sands of Sunny South Florida

Jennifer Swirsky — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 16:49:21 +0000

When you think country music, you typically envision open fields, farms, little green tractors, cowboy boots, and ten-gallon hats. When you think Kenny Chesney, you think all of those things – plus a little blue chair. Now take all of those things and add in the warm, beautiful beaches of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and a great cause and you have the incredibly exciting inaugural Tortuga Music Festival!

Kenny Chesney, along with pop, rock, and other country artists (20+ artists, mind you) you will be participating in Rock the Ocean’s first ever beach concert event on April 13-14. The artists will perform on three stages, each of which is directly on the beach. The lineup includes Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, The Avett Brothers, Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite, Gary Allan, Jake Owen, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Gary Clark, Jr., Eli Young Band, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Grace Potter, Kip Moore, Gloriana, G. Love & Special Sauce, Donavon Frankenreiter, Mac McAnally, The Wailers, Sister Hazel, Dangermuffin, Rayland Baxter, and The Bright Light Social Hour.

The Landshark Lager sponsored event was created by the Rock the Ocean Foundation, a foundation dedicated to supporting scientific research, education and increasing public awareness about the issues that impact the world’s oceans, and HUKA Entertainment. Additionally, Rock the Ocean and HUKA Entertainment teamed up with the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, an organization which advocates for sustainable fishing practices, funds inspired scientific research and supports innovative educational programs. During the event, there will be a conservation village designed to educate festival goers about different issues affecting the oceans including participation by organizations such as The Guy Harvey Foundation, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission, the National Coral Reef Institute, & Ocean Conservancy – among many others. There will also be workshops on sustainable seafood with a tent designated to showing attendees how to cook wonderful dishes by using ocean friendly practices – and showcasing some of the best chefs in Florida. Additionally, artists will be accompanying the University of Miami’s Marine Biology program on shark tagging trips.

It isn’t too late to purchase your tickets for this two-day event like no other! Visit www.tortugamusicalfestival.com now to grab yours before the festival sells out!

VIDEO: Eli Young Band Releases Bonus Video for “Life at Best”

Nicole Piering — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 03:11:15 +0000

Still riding high on the success of “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” the Eli Young Band has released a special bonus video for “Life at Best.” The video was filmed at their alma mater, UNT.

See it here!

POLL: Grammy – Best Country Duo/Group Performance

Jeanna D. — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 01:24:34 +0000

Hey friends!

We’re continuing with our Grammy polls…

Up now is the “Best Country Duo/Group Performance” category. Vote for your favorite!

Also, sound off in our comments section and let us know who you think was snubbed a nod.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Exclusive: Interview with Blu Sanders

Jennifer Swirsky — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 21:18:16 +0000

You might have heard of Eli Young Band. Or Kelly Clarkson. Or One Tree Hill. If you have heard of any of these, chances are you have met Blu Sanders and have loved Blu Sanders. Blu Sanders is a singer/songwriter from West Texas who has shared his talent with the masses with such songs as a guitarist for Eli Young Band and writer of “Get In the Car and Drive;” writer of Kelly Clarkson and Vince Gill‘s “Don’t Rush;” and One Tree Hill season 7, episode 2′s “Hands.” We got the chance to sit down with Blu and talk to him about his career, life, performing, writing, and even his “not safe for work” texting … Read on to learn more about this multi-talented artist who we were so fortunate to get to know!

KIC: For those readers who may be ‘meeting’ you for the first time in this blog, can you give us a little bit of a back story as to how you became a singer/songwriter?

Blu: Well…the super short version is I discovered I could sing when I was a senior in high school in El Paso, TX. That led to Austin for college and then New York as I had a few friends who made the jump there. I had met a producer when I first moved to Austin named Mike McCarthy (Spoon, Trail of Dead, Patty Griffin). We recorded a few songs together. Years later he was in Nashville producing a Jack Ingram record and they ended up cutting a song of mine from that old session for the record. It didn’t make the proper album but found it’s way to Texas radio and indirectly got me a publishing deal. I never really considered myself a “songwriter” until then. Probably some days still don’t.

KIC: How would you describe your musical style?

Blu: I always say “white guy/acoustic guitar”.

KIC: We know that you are busy writing for other artists, but do you plan to still release your own music as well?

Blu: You know in a perfect world that’s all I’d do and people would record songs if they liked them. And of course I’ll always do that. But it’s been a while. I’m way overdue.

KIC: When you are writing songs, from where do you draw your inspiration? Do you prefer writing alone or with someone else?

Blu: I suppose I draw inspiration from the standard songwriter well: relationships I’ve ruined, girls I can’t let go of, and the rare streak of optimism for humanity. If I had to choose I’d choose to write alone, but sometimes co-writing can be really fun and the results even better. Some of my favorite songs are songs I wrote alone, and some are co-writes. Kinda depends on the day. Sometimes co-writing can dilute your personal message, so you just have to decide what you want out of a particular song.

KIC: Tell us about your song writing process. Do you write with a particular artist in mind or do you write the song and then shop around for an artist?

Blu: In the songwriting business you’re told who is looking for what, but really you try and focus on writing something decent. Some people still believe that a good song will find it’s place. Some days I believe that, some days I don’t.

KIC: Your song, “Don’t Rush,” is going to be on Kelly Clarkson’s Greatest Hits album and was performed by Kelly and Vince Gill at the CMAs. How did Kelly and Vince end up recording your song?

Blu: I’ve known the Kelly camp for a while now. My old and dear friend Aben Eubanks plays guitar in her band. Over the years I’ve thrown songs her way. For whatever reason, something clicked with Don’t Rush. It happened literally in about a month from the time she heard it to the time she recorded it which is crazy fast for the music world. I was fortunate to be able to have her hear it at all.

KIC: We know that you are multi-talented and perform as well as write. How do you decide which songs you are going to perform yourself and which songs you are going to shop around to other artists?

Blu: I don’t really make a distinction. If it feels good and makes sense for me I’ll play it.

KIC: Specifically, you, The Eli Young Band, and Ashley Arrison all recorded “Get In the Car and Drive.” How did that song make its rounds?

Blu: Within my little universe, that’s hands down the most popular song of mine. I’m not sure what it is about it. It’s simple. Not crafty. Just something honest that some people like. I started working with EYB when they were signed to the record label of my publishing company. I played a bit of guitar with them on the road. That’s how that happened. Ashley is married to Aben from Kelly’s band so that was how that happened.

KIC: What have you found to be the major differences between life on the road as a performer and life as a songwriter?

Blu: A lot more sleep in proper beds in songwriting.

KIC: Have you had to work any odd jobs?

Blu: I’ve squeaked by for the last ten years or so doing mostly music. I left Nashville in 2010 to go home for a sick Dad. I’m just getting my sea legs again in the music world. I was the P.A. on the Miranda tour last year. That’s been great to get me back in touch with everyone and to get revitalized. I’ll do that again this coming year while I figure out what in the world comes next.

KIC: What has been the biggest “pinch me” moment of your career so far?

Blu: Standing behind Kelly Clarkson and Vince Gill as they get ready to sing my song at the CMAs for sure.

KIC: If you could record with anyone in music, who would be your dream collaboration? If you could write for anyone in music, who would be your dream artist to record one of your original songs?

Blu: Let’s just say Bono all around for every musical question ever.

KIC: If your life was a movie, would would play you? (And would it be called “50 Shades of Blu”?)

Blu: Ben Foster and god I hope not.

KIC: What is the one thing you want our readers to take away from this interview?

Blu: They don’t know I’m a noncommittal gemini so not that.

Quick-fire round:

KIC: Is your real name Blu?

Blu: Almost. My full name is Bluford Bradford Sanders III.

KIC: All-time favorite country song?

Blu: Probably I Love a Rainy Night by Eddie Rabbit. Reminds me of my dad.

KIC: What does your last text message say?

Blu: “Oh ok. Then Kinkos.” A few before that was much better but NSFW.

KIC: Guilty pleasure?

Blu: Werthers

KIC: Favorite pie?

Blu: Cherry

KIC: Favorite sports team?

Blu: USA Soccer

KIC: Would you rather be rich or famous?

Blu: Rich

KIC: Favorite reindeer?

Blu: Rudolph I suppose

We would like to say a very special “Thank You” to Blu, who took time to speak with us! Everyone head over to iTunes and check out/purchase Blu’s music!

Exclusive Interview: Meet Will Hoge

Nicole Piering — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 18:16:37 +0000

If you don’t know the name Will Hoge yet, it’s time for us to help change that. He’s been making music for well over a decade and has garnered an impressive fan base on the merits of his often-independent releases. He’s appeared on stage at the Grand Ole Opry alongside Vince Gill, performed on GAC’s flood relief program “Music City Keep On Playin,” and has opened for the likes of Needtobreathe, Sugarland, and the Civil Wars.

However, Hoge is also the man behind the Eli Young Band‘s #1, and now Grammy-nominated, Even If It Breaks Your Heart. That track is now nominated for Best Country Song and Best Country Duo/Group Performance, and we want to send our congrats to Will and the Eli Young Band! Read on for more about Will, his influences, his experiences in the industry and his opinion on Taylor Swift!

KIC: For those readers who may be ‘meeting’ you for the first time in this blog, can you give us a little bit of a back story as to how you became a singer/songwriter? And how would you describe your ‘sound’?

WH: I really just fell into it when I realized I hated school. I’d say its a mix of rock n roll and country influences.

KIC: When you’re writing songs, from where do you draw your inspiration?
WH: Just everyday real life experiences mostly

KIC: Do you prefer writing alone or with someone else?
WH: Whichever one gets the song written

KIC: Do you always write songs with the intention that you’ll release them, or do you ever write with other artists in mind?
WH: For a long time it was just for me. Over the last year or so I’ve been lucky enough to try writing for other folks too. I find it very freeing as a writer.

KIC: People may not know that you’re the man behind Eli Young Band’s ”Even If It Breaks Your Heart.” What’s the story behind that song and how did the Eli Young Band wind up recording it and taking it to number one?
WH: I wrote that with my friend Eric Paslay. It was for my album ‘The Wreckage’. It was really this story of my life growing up and falling in love with music. I released it as a single and absolutely NOTHING happened with it. I shouldn’t say nothing because EYB heard it and cut it. That’s led to far more success for me as an artist and songwriter and far more success for that song than I could’ve ever imagined.

KIC: We read about how you celebrated “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” hitting #1 (hint to our readers: He put a self-congratulating banner on his front lawn.) What’s the story behind that and where can we get one?
WH: That’s a one of a kind sign. It now resides in my shed. I’d joked with my wife and manager that since I didn’t (at that time) have a publishing deal that I should congratulate myself like all the big music row folks do. We laughed. Then they made the damn sign and put it up. It was really funny how much of a reaction it got.

KIC: What was it like performing at the CMA’s this year?
WH: Surreal. I’m so flattered that the EYB guys asked me to do it. I’m very lucky to count those fellas as friends.

KIC: You’ve performed at the Grand Ol’ Opry, shared the stage with Vince Gill, appeared on CMT…but what has been the biggest “pinch me”moment of your career so far?
WH: First night at the Opry with Vince is way way up there. The CMA nomination for sure. It’s been a crazy year on the whole

KIC: You’ve toured with everyone from Shinedown to Needtobreathe to the Civil Wars to ZZ Top to Sugarland. How does playing with such diverse artists affect your style on-stage? Who have you learned the most from?
WH: One of the things I love most about what I do is that I don’t change hardly at all between any of those artists. And I’m proud that what I do translates to that broad a spectrum of people. We’ve been fortunate to learn from all of them but I think the Shinedown folks really taught us the most. They went so above and beyond to make sure their fans got the experience they deserved. They were so giving of their time. Just really really inspirational.

KIC: If you could put together your dream tour starring yourself and two other artists, who would join you on the road?
WH: Man that’s too tough to answer.

KIC: Over the years, you’ve been an artist who’s toured many albums and songs to develop quite the grassroots following. How has your fan base grown and diversified over the years?
WH: It’s incredible to watch. I’m so fortunate that these people have stuck with me and they seem to grow and change right along with me. It’s great to see 50 year olds and teenagers side by side at a show. I hope that that as well as the country fan/rock fan keeps mixing as well.

KIC: You released “Modern American Protest Music” on September 18th and on your website, you admit that it’s a different type of record for you. What was your goal with that project?
WH: Really just to get the songs heard. Part of that ‘announcement’ as well as simply the title of the album is to let folks know what they’re getting into. It’s a batch of socio-political themed songs and I didn’t want anyone coming into thinking it was just another record about love and girls and cars etc. it’s a bit of a challenging record to the listener but I think it’s something I needed to get out of my head to make way for more songs and the next album

KIC: If you could define your career by only ONE song you’ve ever written, what song would you choose?
WH: Even If It Breaks Your Heart

Lightning round:

All-time Favorite Country Song: This changes by the minute. But right this second lets say ‘The Grand Tour’ by George Jones
Guilty Pleasure: Don’t really have any guilt about any of my pleasures
Favorite Food: Italian
Writing or Performing: Yes please
Last song you listened to: ‘Bad Ol Days’. It’s mine from the new album I’m finishing as we speak
Would you rather be rich or famous: Neither. I’ll take healthy and happy.
You can have dinner with anyone, dead or alive. Who do you pick?: Martin Luther King Jr
Taylor Swift, yay or nay?: Big big yay

Will Hoge’s “Modern American Protest Music” is available now. For more info, you can visit his official website at www.willhoge.com or follow him on Twitter.

Performers announced for CMT Artists of the Year Special

Lydia Picknell — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 21:14:48 +0000

While the honorees themselves are still being kept top secret, CMT has announced a big list of performers for their 2012 Artists of the Year special. Performing this year will be country superstars Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Eric Church, Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan, Chris Young, Kenny Rogers, Toby Keith, Hunter Hayes, Kacey Musgraves, Thompson Square, Jason Aldean, Eli Young Band and Sammy Hagar. While the station won’t announce the honorees, or even hint about who it could be, fans are encouraged to keep up-to-date in all the announcements at cmt.com.

The 90-minute special will be hosted by Rascal Flatts and “Nashville” show star Hayden Panettiere on December 8th, 2012 airing on CMT. Who do you think deserves to be honored at the third annual event?

Kenny Chesney Announces No Shoes Nation Tour

Lydia Picknell — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 16:35:23 +0000

Kenny Chesney, who’s played a country-world record 85 stadium shows in his career, makes it to over 100 with today ‘s announcement of 17 stadium dates on his ‘No Shoes Nation’ Tour, which starts Saturday , March 16 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. More ‘No Shoes Nation’ tour dates will be announced in the coming months.

The Corona Light Presents Kenny Chesney’s ‘No Shoes Nation’ Tour, starring Kenny Chesney, will feature special guest Eric Church – whose critically-acclaimed album ‘Chief’ was named ‘Album of the Year’ at the 2012 CMA Awards – as well as Eli Young Band and Kacey Musgraves. Several tour dates will also feature the GRAMMY-Award winning Zac Brown Band, whose latest album ‘Uncaged‘ debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 (see tour dates below for details).

“I believe what we’ve created on the road is something special,” says Chesney, “the fans, myself, the band, the crew. But it’s really the fans who have given us a wonderful, unique life. What we’ve all built together is the ‘No Shoes Nation.’ There is no better name for this tour.”

‘No Shoes Nation’ marks 20 years of touring for Chesney, who Billboard declares is “The biggest ticket seller in country music and among the elite touring artists in the world,” and comes on the heels of his wildly successful 2012 ‘Brothers of the Sun ‘ Tour, which blew away more than 1.1 million fans across the country – his 10th consecutive tour to hit that ticket sale milestone.

For specific on-sale information visit tickets.kennychesney.com .

Kenny Chesney is once again teaming up with CID Entertainment to offer very special VIP packages for the 2013 tour. Guests will choose from either Sandbar or Premium Reserved seating and have access to the pre-game tailgate party featuring a buffet of Kenny’s favorite food, drinks and music. New to this year’s program is an exclusive VIP only entrance and exit for the Sandbar as well as new gift items including a Kenny Chesney “Coach’s Hoodie”, an exclusive stadium seat cushion and more. Travel packages including hotel accommodations and shuttle transportation will also be available for each date (visit cidentertainment.com/kennychesney for more information).

See the full list of tour dates below:

Sat . Mar 16 — Tampa, FL - Raymond James Stadium^

Sat . May 4 — Columbia, SC – Williams Brice Stadium*

Sat . May 11 — Dallas, TX — Dallas Cowboys Stadium^

Sat . May 18 — Milwaukee, WI — Miller Park^

Sat . May 25 — Landover, MD — FedExField^

Sat . Jun 1 Seattle, WA CenturyLink Field^

Sat . Jun 8 — Philadelphia, PA — Lincoln Financial Field^

Sat . Jun 15 — Kansas City, MO — Arrowhead Stadium^

Sat . Jun 22 — Pittsburgh, PA - Heinz Field^

Sat . Jun 29 — Columbus, OH Crew Stadium^

Fri . Jul 12 — Minneapolis, MN — Target Field*

Sat . Jul 20 — Denver, CO — Sports Authority Field at Mile High^

Sat . Jul 27 — Anaheim, CA — Angels Stadium^

Sat . Aug 3 – Atlanta, GA — Georgia Dome*

Sat . Aug 10 — East Rutherford, NJ — MetLife Stadium^

Sat . Aug 17 — Detroit, MI — Ford Field^

Sat . Aug 24 — Foxboro, MA — Gillette Stadium^

* with Zac Brown Band, Eli Young Band, and Kacey Musgraves

^ with Eric Church, Eli Young Band, and Kacey Musgraves

Our Keepin’ It Country CMA Predictions

Nicole Piering — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 17:23:02 +0000

With the CMA’s coming up on Thursday night, country fans everywhere are buzzing with anticipation over who will claim the biggest awards. Will Taylor repeat as Entertainer of the Year or could someone else finally upset her shocked face? Could Kelly Clarkson score a major upset for female vocalist? Is there really any other choice besides “Red Solo Cup” for music video of the year?!

Even OUR staff couldn’t agree, so read on and let us know who you think will score big on Thursday night!

Entertainer of the Year
Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton
Taylor Swift

Jennifer: I predict Jason will win this one. He is practically taking over the world. Sold out shows, stadium tours in 2013, record after record being broken. If I was a gambling girl, I’d put all my money on Jason for this year’s big winner.

Nicole: I’m torn between Taylor & Jason. Had “Red” come out a few months earlier, I’d say she was a shoo-in for this win, but I think in the last year, Jason may have just edged her out. I’m going with Aldean.

Tia: Jason.

Jessica: Taylor Swift.

Female Vocalist of the Year
Kelly Clarkson
Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

Tia: Taylor Swift

Jennifer: I love all the ladies in this category, but I think Carrie has this one in the bag. “Blown Away” has done exceptionally well and has topped the charts and, while I know Taylor is being nominated for President in 2016, I still think Carrie will edge her out here.

Nicole: I agree with Jen – Taylor for President in 2016! For this category though, despite most leaning towards Carrie, I’m going with Miranda. You can’t deny the impact of “Over You.”

Jessica: Carrie

Male Vocalist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Eric Church
Blake Shelton
Keith Urban

Tia: Keith Urban

Jessica: Jason Aldean

Nicole: This is another tough one. I’m going to go with a bit of an underdog here and say that this one is Eric Church’s to steal. He gets a ton of critical acclaim and people seem to like his renegade ‘tude.

Jennifer: Huge year for Luke. Huge. Hit after hit … all of which have been outstanding songs, and he seems to have quite the enthusiastic following now. I think Luke will edge the other guys out here, while Jason takes home Entertainer.

Vocal Group of the Year
The Band Perry
Eli Young Band
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Zac Brown Band

Jennifer: I’m going out on a limb here and guessing the newbies (Eli Young Band) will win this one. The other groups have been solid, as always, but I think these guys have the most hype surrounding them (of these nominees) at this point in time.

Nicole: Lady Antebellum – They’re still one of the biggest acts in music, and what other country act cam say they went on a WORLD tour? I’d be shocked if anyone other than Lady A wins this.

Jessica & Tia: Lady Antebellum

Vocal Duo of the Year
Big & Rich
Love and Theft
Sugarland
The Civil Wars
Thompson Square

Jennifer: Thompson Square – They’re hot, they’re current, they’re adorably in love.

Tia: Love and Theft

Jess: Sugarland

Nicole: Our crew is all over the place on this one. The Civil Wars nabbed a Grammy last year and have the indie cred, while Sugarland is the long-running fave, but in this “what have you done with me lately?” industry, I’m going to go with Thompson Square.

New Artist of the Year
Lee Brice
Brantley Gilbert
Hunter Hayes
Love and Theft
Thompson Square

Jessica: Hunter Hayes

Jennifer: Lee Brice - Another one I would almost put money on – almost. Hit songs of his own, hit songs that he’s written (Eli Young Band, don’t forget to thank Lee for “Crazy Girl” when you win Vocal Group of the Year).

Tia: Hunter Hayes

Nicole: Hunter Hayes – He may sounds like Gary LeVox’s son, but Hunter Hayes has girls swooning as he opens for Carrie Underwood’s “Blown Away” tour. With songs like “Storm Warning” and “Wanted” already under his belt, the momentum around Hunter seems to be growing.

Album of the Year
Luke Bryan, Tailgates and Tanlines
Eric Church, Chief
Miranda Lambert, Four the Record
Dierks Bentley, Home
Lady Antebellum, Own the Night

Jennifer: Again, I feel like Luke is unstoppable this year. And this album is incredible.

Tia: Eric Church.

Jessica: Eric.

Nicole: I’m with Jess & Tia. Eric Church’s CD received the most acclaim and I feel like this category is his to lose.

Song of the Year (Award goes to songwriters)
Eli Young Band, “Even if It Breaks Your Heart” – written by Will Hoge and Eric Paslay
Blake Shelton, “God Gave Me You” – written by Dave Barnes
Dierks Bentley, “Home” – written by Dierks Bentley, Dan Wilson and Brett Beavers
Miranda Lambert, “Over You” – written by Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton
Eric Church, “Springsteen” – written by Eric Church, Jeff Hyde and Ryan Tyndell

Jessica, Tia & Nicole: Eric Church – “Springsteen” Personally, I’d rather see Blake & Miranda OR Dave Barnes score this win, but I think it’ll go to Eric.

Jennifer: “Over You” – I am not playing by the rules here. I want this song to win because I just absolutely adore these two. I love all the songs in this category, so I had to come up with a “tie breaker,” and what is better than Miranda AND Blake? And the song is so meaningful to them, which makes it that much better.

Single of the Year (Award goes to artist and producer)
Jason Aldean, “Dirt Road Anthem”
Blake Shelton, “God Gave Me You”
Dierks Bentley, “Home”
Little Big Town, “Pontoon”
Eric Church, “Springsteen”

Jennifer: “Dirt Road Anthem” – It’s country rap. Need I say more?

Jessica & Tia: “Springsteen,” again.

Nicole: “Pontoon” – This song really put Little Big Town in the spotlight, and deservedly so. Everyone was mmmmmmmmmmotorboating all summer long!

Musical Event of the Year
“Dixie Highway,” Alan Jackson and Zac Brown Band
“Feel Like a Rock Star,” Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw
“Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die,” Willie Nelson featuring Snoop Dogg, Kris Kristofferson and Jamey Johnson
“Safe and Sound,” Taylor Swift featuring the Civil Wars
“Stuck on You,” Lionel Richie and Darius Rucker

Jennifer: “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die” – I think this one will win because of the diversity. And who could vote against Willie and Snoop singing a song together about smoking? Where is Toby and why isn’t he on this track, singing about smoking weed with Willie Nelson?

Jessica: “Feel Like a Rock Star”

Tia: “Safe and Sound”

Nicole – “Feel Like a Rock Star” – Tim & Kenny, what can beat that epic brotherhood of baldness?

Music Video of the Year
Eric Church, “Springsteen”
Kenny Chesney, “Come Over”
Miranda Lambert, “Over You”
Little Big Town, “Pontoon”
Toby Keith, “Red Solo Cup”

Nicole: “Red Solo Cup” – I can’t even tell you the amount of times we’ve played this video at work…

Tia: “Come Over”

Jessica: “Over You”

Jennifer: “Red Solo Cup” – Party anthem of 2012

How do you feel about our picks? Let us know down below in the comments…and tune in tomorrow night on ABC to catch the show!