The 2013 Country Music Awards, Starring 'Duck Dynasty'
posted in: Music News
Look, country music, we’re trying to work with you here. You are an original American artform. You spring from a deep storytelling tradition of struggle and woe, describing universal truths about the human condition in a plain but somehow poetic way. Sometimes it just seems like you’ve lost the plot completely, but then our faith is often restored by some of the artists working a bit outside of the mainstream, from Jason Isbell and Sturgill Simpson to the legendary Steve Earle or his son Justin Townes Earle.
But then the 2013 Country Music Awards happen and make the entire genre look like a caricature of big hats and mediocre pop masquerading as country. When the headlines coming off your awards show all highlight a parody performance by the redneckiest reality TV stars ever (Duck Dynasty), rather than a surprise win for Entertainer of the Year by respected country star George Strait, you better start doing some soul-searching. And how about the “Pinnacle Award” being awarded to a pop star who hasn’t recorded a country song in years (Taylor Swift)?
Then again, there were more good moments this year than last. In addition to Strait’s win, we got a tribute (featuring Strait and Alan Jackson) to one of the all-time greats, George Jones, who died this year, and nods to Kenny Rogers, an appearance by Alison Krauss, and Dave Grohl rocking the drum kit with the Zac Brown Band.
Below is the full list of winners. Until next time, save country music.
Entertainer of the Year: George Strait
Male Vocalist of the Year: Blake Shelton
Female Vocalist of the Year: Miranda Lambert
Album of the Year: Blake Shelton, Based on a True Story…
Song of the Year: Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington and Jimmy Yeary, “I Drive Your Truck” (performed by Lee Brice)
Single of the Year: Florida Georgia Line, “Cruise”
New Artist of the Year: Kacey Musgraves
Vocal Group of the Year: Little Big Town
Vocal Duo of the Year: Florida Georgia Line
Music Video of the Year: Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, “Highway Don’t Care”
Musical Event of the Year: Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, “Highway Don’t Care”
Musician of the Year: Mac McAnally