More Favorite Songs of 2019

I recently listed my Top 10 Favorite Songs of 2019. Just for clarification let me explain that those songs all had to meet the eligibility for that list by reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard HOT 100 during 2019. I happen to be one of those people that believes that "It's not a hit until it's a hit on Billboard". Just in case you don't know, in order to reach the top of the Billboard HOT 100, a song must get the most sales, streams and radio airplay for any given week.

There were lots of other songs that I loved in 2019 that failed to make the top 10 on the Billboard HOT 100 singles chart. Here's a list of some of my other favorites in 2019. One thing that I can say about all of these songs is that it's a shame it didn't get more sales and airplay to do better on the Billboard HOT 100 singles chart.

In the ideal world, great songs from Country, Pop, Dance and R and B would all find their way to the upper positions of the Billboard HOT 100.

Love You Too Late - Cole Swindell: This is a super fun high energy song perfect for doing many of your favorite dances at a country bar - As a shuffle partner dance, stationary cha cha, or a county line.     

There Was This Girl - Riley Green: There was this great beat. There was this sexy country singer. There was no way this was not going to be a favorite for the year.     

Miss Me More - Kelsea Ballerini: One of the Next Women of Country continuing to climb and go to the next level with hot, fun and catchy songs.  

Good Vibes - Chris Janson: First of all, it's a great song with an inspiring and uplifting message. But you have to see this man live in concert!!! He puts on an outstanding show that will blow you away!    

Southbound - Carrie Underwood: The summer time/Spring Break anthem for this year and for the ages from one of the best singers out there.   

A No No - Mariah Carey: We all know that she dominated at Christmas time spending three weeks at #1 on the Billboard HOT 100, but she did so much more in 2019 that is worthy of attention. This song from her very critically acclaimed album Caution was described by The New York Times as showing her as perfect for this moment in R&B (Again).  

What Happens In A Small Town - Brantley Gilbert and Lindsay Ell: Two sexy country singers coming together to give us a sexy guitar driven love song.  

I Don't Know About You - Chris Lane: It's the song that always seemed to be playing every time I turned on the radio, and I liked it more and more every time.  

The Git Up - Blanco Brown: It's very rare that a song comes a long that not only inspires a viral trend #GitUpChallenge but you also know it's going to live on forever at wedding receptions for all of eternity.   

What If I Never Get Over You - Lady Antebellum: 10 years into their amazing career and they are still serving up the best music has to offer.   

Favorite Albums of 2014

These were my favorite new albums of 2014:

Me. I Am Mariah: The Elusive Chanteuse - Mariah Carey

She has one of the most amazing voices in all of music and her new release in 2014 is an outstanding showcase for her depth and range. From the heartfelt ballad You're Mine to the joyful happiness of Make It Look Good there is something for every one here. The fact is that she has written songs for this collection that reflect an emotional level of wisdom and maturity that Mariah is rarely given credit for having. This is without a doubt the most under-rated and overlooked album of the year. From the open cut, Cry, where she displays a raw vulnerability, to the uplifting gospel closing track, Heavenly, Mariah is better than ever. The array of songs in between have catchy sing a long hooks and toe tapping beats that we have come to expect from Mariah, but on this collection they are actually better than we have ever heard from her in the past. If you love music, do yourself a favor and let yourself enjoy this hidden gem.

747 - Lady Antebellum

The fifth release from Lady Antebellum is another collection of great songs that you can listen to from beginning to end. Its first single was the outstanding country/pop jam, Bartender. The album is packed with other potential hit singles from the title track, 747 to the opening cut Long Stretch of Love. In addition, this collection is full of songs that pull on your emotional heart strings telling stories of love and longing like Damn You 17 and One Great Mystery.

My Everything - Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande was able to be the dominant force in pop music in 2014 because her sophomore album, My Everything, is over flowing with amazing pop music. The first single, Problem, grabs your attention with its infectious saxophone riff and keeps your attention with her amazing vocals singing the catchy hooks. While Problem was still dominating the charts, two more singles were released at the same time. Break Free is a high energy disco dance anthem while the superstar collaboration with Jessie J, Bang Bang, is without competition the party anthem of the year. As the year came to an end the fourth single, Love Me Harder, was all over the airwaves. With all of the other amazing tracks on this album, it is sure to remain dominant throughout 2015.

JHUD - Jennifer Hudson

The Season 3 Miss American Idol finalist and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson is well known for her exceptional vocal abilities. She has won Grammys and critical praise for her first two albums, but on this third collection, JHUD, I think she has found the perfect songs and the perfect sound that fit her best. This album is an R&B/disco and funk filled musical extravaganza. Every track is a stand out because her powerhouse voice is matched with slamming and jamming beats that can keep up with her. This album is perfect for a festive party or for playing loud while you are driving. When one song ends it's fun to keep listening and hear the next one!

More Favorite Songs of 2014

I recently listed my Top 10 Favorite Songs of 2014. Just for clarification let me explain that those songs all had to meet the eligibility for that list by reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard HOT 100 during 2014. I happen to be one of those people that believes that "It's not a hit until it's a hit on Billboard". Just in case you don't know, in order to reach the top of the Billboard HOT 100, a song must get the most sales and radio airplay for any given week.

There were lots of other songs that I loved in 2014 that failed to make the top 10 on the Billboard HOT 100 singles chart. Here's a list of some of my other favorites in 2014. One thing that I can say about all of these songs is that it's a shame it didn't get more sales and airplay to do better on the Billboard HOT 100 singles chart.

In the ideal world, great songs from Country, Pop, Dance and R&B would all find their way to the upper positions of the Billboard HOT 100.

Somethin' Bad - Carrie Underwood with Miranda Lambert: The two biggest female artists in Country Music got together to provide the hottest rockin jam of the year.   

Small Town Throw down - Brantley Gilbert with Thomas Rhett and Justin Moore: There was so much young smoking hot country man testosterone raging through this song it was impossible not to love it!   

This Is How We Roll - Luke Bryan with Florida Georgia Line: There's just something about songs with young smoking hot country man testosterone raging through them. Gotta love it!   

Bottoms Up - Brantley Gilbert: This song is sexy as hell and it makes for the best shadow dance of the night. 

Bartender - Lady Antebellum: Every song Lady Antebellum releases seems to be better than the last! Bartender took them down an all new and exciting direction of catchy and fun country/pop awesomeness.   

Something In The Water - Carrie Underwood: Listen to her exceptionally outstanding vocals - How Sweet The Sound!! The best voice is country music also just happens to be the best voice in ALL of music.  

The Walker - Fitz and The Tantrums: From the distinctive whistle to the great beat and catchy hook, this song had no choice but to be one of the favorites of the year.   

Follow Your Arrow - Kacey Musgraves: There are those people who are dismissive of Country Music saying it is just a bunch of wacko religious conservatives and rednecks. But this song about kissing boys or kissing girls if that's what your into was awarded the Song of the Year by the Country Music Association, so just ponder that for a moment before you judge. :)   

River Bank - Brad Paisley: I always love it when a new song comes out that is perfect for dancing a County Line. Especially when it's as good as this one with such a fun video.  

Roller Coaster - Luke Bryan: It's a really great thing when the lyrics to a song relate perfectly to the things that happen in our own lives. Every time I heard this song I was taken back to that week that ended too soon and left me twisting like an old beach roller coaster.... 

Favorite Albums of 2013

These were my favorite new albums of 2013:

Golden - Lady Antebellum

The fourth release from Lady Antebellum is another collection of great songs that you can listen to from beginning to end. As expected, it has amazing singles including the very catchy, Downtown, and Compass. It also has the wonderful Goodbye Town.

Spitfire - Leann Rimes

She has one of the most amazing voices in all of music and her new release in 2013 is an outstanding showcase for her depth and range. From the heartfelt ballad What Have I Done to the joyful happiness of Bottle there is something for every one here. Another stand out track is Gasoline and Matches when you want to dance a swing.

Yours Truly - Ariana Grande

You may have gotten to know her watching Sam and Cat on Nickelodeon, but Ariana Grande has really come into her own on her debut album. She is a true musical artist with a truly outstanding voice. Yours Truly includes the smash hit The Way as well as the singles Baby I and Right There. If you saw her win the award for Favorite New Artist at the American Music Awards you saw her perform Tattooed Heart.

Bombshell - Smash Cast

The best Broadway Cast recording of the year never actually made it to Broadway. While Bombshell won the Tony for Best Musical on the show Smash, it unfortunately was just a fantasy. This collection of songs about the life of Marilyn Monroe is fun and entertainment from the start of Act One all the way until the curtain comes down at the end of Act Two. It features songs in every imaginable style including jive, doo-wop, jazz and lush romantic ballads. It even has a song called Let's Start Tomorrow Tonight that could have been a hit for Nat King Cole back in the day. And of course, it's wonderful to hear The Season 5 Miss American Idol 1st runner up, Katharine McPhee sounding spectacular on Don't Forget Me and Never Give All The Heart.

More Favorite Songs of 2013

I recently listed my Top 10 Favorite Songs of 2013. Just for clarification let me explain that those songs all had to meet the eligibility for that list by reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard HOT 100 during 2013. I happen to be one of those people that believes that "It's not a hit until it's a hit on Billboard". Just in case you don't know, in order to reach the top of the Billboard HOT 100, a song must get the most sales and radio airplay for any given week.

There were lots of other songs that I loved in 2013 that failed to make the top 10 on the Billboard HOT 100 singles chart. Here's a list of some of my other favorites in 2013. One thing that I can say about all of these songs is that it's a shame it didn't get more sales and airplay to do better on the Billboard HOT 100 singles chart.

In the ideal world, great songs from Country, Pop, Dance and R&B would all find their way to the upper positions of the Billboard HOT 100.

Wagon Wheel - Darius Rucker: There was quite the controversy over the fact that someone would dare cover this bluegrass toe tapper by the Old Crow Medicine Show. I am far from being a purist so it did not bother me at all that Darius enlisted Lady Antebellum for background vocals and gave me my favorite new song for a slow and easy two step in 2013.  

Done - The Band Perry: With previous releases like If I Die Young and Better Dig Two, The Band Perry was the most morbid group ever wallowing in songs about death. I had no interest in paying attention to them and then they released Done. It is exactly the kind of song that is great to play loud and do a super fun line dance to.  

That's My Kinda Night - Luke Bryan: Luke became the ACM Entertainer of the Year and the top selling artist by releasing booty shaking, fun loving songs like this.  

Troublemaker - Olly Murs: It could have been created in a factory taking the best beat with the catchiest lyrics, adding the cute singer and the fun video and I love every bit of it!  

Sunny and 75 - Joe Nichols: No matter what the weather is, this song has the power to transport me to that fresh and fun place where it is free. easy, sunny and 75! Whipping around the dance floor doing a fast two step to this song is pure joy.  

Sleep - Allen Stone: I am so happy that VH1 made him a "You Oughta Know" artist because I absolutely love this song. Unfortunately, it seems like I am the only one by the tiny about of airplay it got. Oh well, maybe by listing it here it might get some more attention. :) 

All-American Boy - Steve Grand: How exciting to see a young artist be open and brave enough at the beginning of his career to be not only be openly gay, but to clearly express it in his songs and videos. Steve Grand genuinely expressed the feelings of having a crush on a guy that you can't have so sincerely in this song that it can't be denied.  

Redneck Crazy - Tyler Farr: While I am about as far from being a redneck as you can get, there is just something about this song that pulled me in and wouldn't let go. It's honest and sexy as hell. It makes for the best shadow dance of the night.  

Take Back The Night - Justin Timberlake: The 20/20 Experience was the biggest album of the year, but somehow this single failed to also reach the top of the charts. It is the clear stand out track for me that showcases all my favorite qualities about Justin. It has a classic smooth R&B groove with a funky horn section. It's great to dance to and sing along with so I have no idea why it stalled on the charts. 

Bottle - Leann Rimes: She has one of the best voices in all of music and she released a fierce collection of songs on an album called Spitfire in 2013. This track has the sound of a classic country tune and it is the best mid-tempo two step of the year. 

Artists of the Year - Lady Antebellum

Lady Antebellum

2011 came to an amazing start for Lady Antebellum as they completely cleaned up at the Grammy Awards winning both Record of the Year and Song of the Year for their outstanding smash hit Need You Now. In total, they walked away with 5 Grammy Awards that night!

Anticipation was very high for some new material to be released and we were not disappointed. The first single, Just A Kiss, from their new album was welcomed into our hearts as well as the sales charts and radio play lists. It's another beautiful ballad, but instead of being about lost love, it shares the excitement of experiencing a new love.

By the time the album, Own The Night, came out we had the opportunity to get to know Charles, Dave and Hillary even better and get to respect and admire them even more. On top of being wonderful singers, songwriters and musicians, they are genuinely nice people who the fans can really root for and be happy for their success. They carry themselves with grace and humility and show a sincere appreciation for all of the success they have achieved.

As the year came to an end they performed for the first time on Saturday Night Live and once again were named one of the CMT Artists of the Year. Their hit We Owned The Night was all over the radio and was a popular favorite for a two step at Charlie's. The third single from the album, Dancing Away With My Heart, is yet another example of how they can make you feel the story of the song right with them.

The Top 10 songs of 2011!!

2011 has been a great year for fun pop songs getting into the upper portion of the Billboard HOT 100 Singles chart. Here's my Top 10 favorite songs of the year:

Last Friday Night - Katy Perry

No other song this year fully captured the pure joy that pop music can bring into our lives better than this 5th consecutive #1 smash hit from Katy Perry's outstanding album Teenage Dream. The beat is bouncy, the lyrics are fun and the video is quite simply the most amazing star-studded entertainment masterpiece EVER! The electric neon fashions of the 80's are back in full force along with Debbie Gibson, Corey Feldman and Kenny G. And the video not only co-stars both Artie and Blaine from the cast of Glee, but they also covered this great song on an episode of the show this year!

Moves Like Jagger - Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera

When you take the Grammy winner for Best New Artist in 1999 (Christina Aguilera) and pair her with the Grammy winner for Best New Artist in 2004 (Maroon 5) you are destined to have a huge hit on your hands. While these two acts combined forces as hosts of the music competition show The Voice, the best thing to come out of it had nothing to do with any of the contestants. It was this incredible musical collaboration that starts out paying tribute to the lead singer of the Rolling Stones, but ends up just being a pounding beat that makes you want to get up and dance the night away.

Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO

If you wanted to get the dance party started this year, you needed to look no further than the very appropriately titled Party Rock Anthem. It lived up to its name exceptionally well and could be played multiple times through the night and people would be sweating and dancing to it every time with no complaints. Did you know that LMFAO actually stands for Laugh My Fabulous Ass Off?

Rolling In The Deep - Adele

The first single from her second album can be taken as a literal declaration that Adele is going to have it all not only this year, but for many years to come. She was very rightly honored with the Grammy for Best New Artist in 2008 and this song showed that she can keep on getting better.

Give Me Everything - Pitbull with Ne-Yo

All the right pieces in all the right places, expertly executed by talented artists who look and sound great doing it. It's catchy, danceable and everything it should be.

S & M - Rihanna and Britney Spears

Even without the glitz of this high profile pairing of pop princesses, this naughty little number is still a hit in every sense of the word (hit me baby, one more time!). And the fact is that everything Rihanna touched was at the top of the charts this year. Thankfully the jams were infectious tracks like this one.

Born This Way - Lady Gaga

We all owe a debt of gratitude to Lady Gaga for releasing this genuine anthem of empowerment for all the young gays and lesbians to know that it not only gets better, but in this day and age, it really IS better. This song is a joyous celebration and it inspired an outstanding episode of Glee.

Just A Kiss - Lady Antebellum

This is a beautiful ballad that once again exemplifies the wonderful songwriting and vocal talents in this group. They know how to connect with the audience right to our hearts.

Without You - Usher

After cranking out the best hits of his career in 2010, Usher teamed up with DJ David Guetta to keep up the good work. This is another club friendly dance jam that helps to make up for all the unpleasant arrogance that Usher used to be known for.

Mr. Know It All - Kelly Clarkson

The Season 1 Miss American Idol winner returned to the top 10 this year with this impressive pop song that is sure to be just a taste of what she will be giving fans in 2012.

The Results - Now & Then

The Turtles took Happy Together to #1 for three weeks in 1967 and the top 5 finalists showed that they are not able to harmonize together at all with this sloppy opening performance.

Thankfully, Grammy winning super group, Lady Antebellum took the stage to debut their brand new single, Just A Kiss, to demonstrate how well three distinct voices can sound wonderful together. The song follows the winning formula of their smash, Need You Now, but it tells a more upbeat story of the fun and anticipation of a new relationship. It is sure to be one of the biggest hits of 2011.

American Idol judge, Jennifer Lopez, then performed her latest song, On The Floor, that has brought her back to the upper portions of the Billboard HOT 100 after being gone for quite a few years. It's a trendy dance pop jam with a rap by Pitbull that the 5 finalists should pay attention to - this is how to perform a hit, get radio airplay and sell singles.

Haley, James and Scotty were revealed to be safe, leaving Jacob and Lauren in the bottom two. With this being the first time Lauren was in the bottom, the tears were streaming down her face, but she must have been very relieved that Jacob was actually the lowest vote getter and he is being sent packing.

I correctly predicted that both Lauren and Jacob would find themselves in the bottom and was right that Jacob would be going home.

More favorite songs from 2010

A few weeks ago, I listed my Top 10 Favorite Songs of 2010. Just for clarification let me explain that those songs all had to meet the eligibility for that list by reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard HOT 100 during 2010. I happen to be one of those people that believes that "It's not a hit until it's a hit on Billboard". Just in case you don't know, in order to reach the top of the Billboard HOT 100, a song must get the most sales and radio airplay for any given week.

There were lots of other songs that I loved in 2010 that failed to make the top 10 on the Billboard HOT 100 singles chart. Here's a list of some of my other favorites in 2010. One thing that I can say about all of these songs is that it's a shame it didn't get more sales and airplay to do better on the Billboard HOT 100 singles chart....

Undo It - Carrie Underwood: The Supreme Miss American Idol and Season 4 winner is doing a great job with sales and airplay on country radio, but her crossover to mainstream pop stations this year was limited. Undo It is a great song to dance a sexy shadow to and she sounds amazing performing it live.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywtJYvDBKek

If I Had You - Adam Lambert: The Season 8 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up is very well loved by the critics. There are numerous things written about his amazing talents and potential. Unfortunately, he must be too good for the mainstream because his fantastic single If I Had You just wasn't connecting as broadly as it should have. This song and video embodies his unique willingness to bring some all out glam high energy exuberance to the pop world.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmXQFwlD7vk

Round and Round - Selena Gomez: She is the star of the Disney Channel series the Wizards of Waverly Place, but her singles in 2010 show how she is the Disney Diva most worthy of musical attention. She is very cute and she knows how to match her vocal talent with a fun and catchy song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfcvO2t8Ntg

Our Kind of Love - Lady Antebellum: The best selling album of 2010, Need You Now, was packed with great songs from beginning to end. This song became an instant favorite at Charlie's for dancing a county line.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaOKbvpxnTo

Naturally - Selena Gomez: This is just another example of the wonderful pop sounds this teen queen was offering during 2010. Just look at how many YouTube plays this hot track has gotten: 79 Million! Makes you wonder why that other Disney star was getting all the attention when Selena Gomez was clearly so much more awesome....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_YR4dKArgo

Feel It - Sean Kingston/Three 6 Mafia: Just one listen to this hot club jam and it was perfect for the opening sequence of the 2010 cheerleading routine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FThuVI_maAs

Something Bout Love - David Archuleta: I've said it numerous times this year, but I just don't understand why this great single was overlooked by radio. The Season 7 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up has served up a wonderful slice of pop heaven with this great song....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhRvd0bzIoE

Little White Church - Little Big Town: This fantastic song is exactly why two stepping is so much fun! Grab your best friend and whirl around the dance floor to this knee slapping, hand clapping witty celebration of love.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B077Dw_zDe0

Bittersweet - Fantasia: The Season 3 Miss American Idol winner gave fans her best single ever with Bittersweet. It perfectly showcases her passionate voice and ability to perform heartfelt lyrics so you can really relate to what she's singing about.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80lh4Oj2Ys4

Giddy On Up - Laura Bell Bundy: After starring on Broadway in Legally Blonde - The Musical, Laura Bell Bundy came out with this infectious country anthem that immediately became the favorite new line dance of the year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xfFbB2CRo8

In the ideal world, great songs from Country, Pop, Dance and R&B would all find their way to the upper positions of the Billboard HOT 100....

Artists of the Year - Lady Antebellum

Lady Antebellum:

As 2009 was coming to an end Country super group Lady Antebellum finally crossed over onto the pop charts with their amazing ballad, Need You Now. It easily claimed a place in my 2009 Top 10 Favorite Songs of the Year. From the very first time I heard this song it was so much more than just another love song. It speaks to me, like it does for so many others, of that deep feeling of desire to be with the one you love when you are apart from each other. Hearing just the first few notes played at Charlie's, you can see the wave of emotions come over the room as everyone looks around to find that special dance partner with whom to share a very meaningful two-step.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWWDm9x48ak

This connection that people have with the song propelled it into the upper stratosphere of super huge mega smash hits. When the Album, Need You Now, was released it shot to #1 on the charts and became the best seller of the year. Need You Now is a wonderful collection of songs from beginning to end. The other singles all have become dance floor favorites at Charlie's. American Honey is a warm and sultry shadow and Our Kind Of Love is the undisputed favorite county line. They are now touching our hearts again with their latest single, Hello World.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tzzr7RbzUTs&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaOKbvpxnTo&feature=channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HXw3EIQoZk&feature=related

These fantastic songs have lead to many well-deserved awards throughout the year including the CMA Group of the Year, CMT Group Video of the Year and the CMT Artist of the Year. Lady Antebellum is also nominated for Grammys in the Album of the Year and Record of the Year categories.

2010 Year End Charts

The #1 album on the Billboard charts for all of 2010 is I Dreamed A Dream by Susan Boyle. None of the Miss American Idol finalists managed to get into the top 10 on the year end albums chart, but it's no surprise to see who got closest...Coming in all the way up at #12 is Play On, the hit packed third album from the Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood.

Further down at #29 for the year is the fun and energetic debut release by Season 8 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up, Adam Lambert, For Your Entertainment. And still going strong into another year, the second album by Season 5 Miss American Idol 3rd Runner Up Chris Daughtry, Leave This Town, lands at #59. The third album, Back To Me, from the Season 3 Miss American Idol winner, Fantasia, checks in at #105 while the debut from Season 8 Miss American Idol winner, Kris Allen, ends up at #115 for the year.

The Top 5 singles for 2010 on the Billboard HOT 100 are: #1 Tik Tok by Ke$ha, #2 the most spectacular song Need You Now by Lady Antebellum, #3 Hey Soul Sister by Train, #4 California Gurls by Katy Perry and at #5 OMG by Usher.

The Miss American Idol finalist who makes the highest showing on the year end singles chart is the Season 8 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up Adam Lambert at #45 with his top 10 smash Whataya Want From Me. Also landing in the top 100 songs of the year is the Season 8 Miss American Idol winner Kris Allen at #48 with Live Like We're Dying and the Season 1 Miss American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson #74 with Already Gone. Carrie Underwood lands at #88 with her crossover hit Undo It and Daughtry manages to squeeze in at #96 with Life After You.

With all of this Miss American Idol success on the albums and singles charts, they also did very well on the Billboard 2010 Top Artists of the Year chart: The Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood comes in the highest at #23, Adam Lambert is at #27, Daughtry is at #51, Kris Allen lands at #57 for the year and Kelly Clarkson makes the list at #90.

VIDEO OF THE YEAR!!!!!

The awards just keep coming for the Supreme Miss American Idol, Season Four Winner, Carrie Underwood!

After performing her smash single Undo It at the CMT awards, it was time to present the buckle for the CMT Video of the Year. It was no surprise at all the the fantastic video for Cowboy Casanova which is the first single off Carrie's latest album, Play On, ended up taking the top prize of the night.

As usual she was extremely appreciative of her fans in her acceptance speech.

Her toughest competition in the category came from Miranda Lambert's White Liar which ended up getting Female Video of the Year and Lady Antebellum's Need You Now which took home the Group Video of the Year.

Carrie also won the CMT Performance of the Year for Temporary Home from her CMT Invitation Only Concert.

The Results - Shania Twain

Unstoppable by Rascal Flatts is the latest in their long string of hits. They opened tonight's results show with an inspiring performance of this song.

Lee, Aaron and Crystal are safe leaving Michael, Casey and Siobhan as the bottom three this week.

Sons of Sylvia is a new band that is getting a huge break with the release of their new album - they are going on tour with the Supreme Miss American Idol, Season Four winner, Carrie Underwood! She was here tonight to introduce them as they performed their latest single. It was good, but to hear them at their best you really must listen to their duet with Carrie, What Can I Say, that is track 12 on her latest release, Play On. It's an outstanding song that is packed with emotional lyrics and wrapped up in an amazing vocal arrangement.

The best song of 2010 so far is actually a song that was a huge favorite in 2009 as well. Lady Antebellum released their single Need You Now last year and it was instantly a huge hit on the country charts, but it didn't stop there. This fantastic song about drunk dialing in the middle of the night just keeps getting more popular. With the Academy of Country Music Awards winners for Best Vocal Group performing tonight on the American Idol stage their audience of fans is certain to get even bigger.

Shakira is one of the first beneficiaries of the American Idol Bump when her single Hips Don't Lie skyrocketed to #1 on the Billboard HOT 100 after she performed it on American Idol in 2006. Tonight, she's sure to be hoping for a similar bump for her latest single, Gypsy, which she performed with Rascal Flatts.

Both Casey and Michael are safe which means that Siobhan Magnus is going home way too soon. She left the audience with one last performance of Think - you better think about what you're trying to do to me...

This week I only got one of my predictions correct with Casey being in the bottom three.

Entertainer of the Year! 2.0

The Supreme Miss American Idol, Season Four winner, Carrie Underwood was a true vision of loveliness as she performed Temporary Home at the Academy of Country Music Awards. Her vocals were complete perfection and her gown of spring flowers looked stunning as the auditorium was showered with colorful petals. Just a wonderful and moving musical experience.

Throughout the show Carrie looked beautiful even though she wasn't winning in her categories. Miranda Lambert was a big winner taking both Album of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year from Carrie. Then in the Song of the Year and Single Record of the Year categories, Carrie made room for Lady Antebellum's wonderful song Need You Now to take the awards.

But when it came down to the top, most prestigious award of the night, Carrie Underwood, for the second year in row, was named the ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR!

Carrie's latest album, Play On, is simply packed with amazing songs with incredible lyrics that showcase her wonderful voice. Pure enjoyment from beginning to end. She is totally and completely deserving of this fantastic honor.

Another American Idol GRAMMY win!

The 52nd Grammy Awards was a very fun presentation of musical entertainment filled with exciting performances. Lady Gaga, Beyonce and Lady Antebellum were the highlights of the live action on stage. In addition, there was a tribute to Michael Jackson that included two of the greatest Miss American Idol Finalists ever. There was a performance of MJ's Earth Song by Celine Dion, Usher, Smokey Robinson, Season Three Finalist Jennifer Hudson and the Supreme Miss American Idol, Season Four winner Carrie Underwood.

Carrie looked stunning on stage and both she and Jennifer sounded great. This was the only time that Carrie was on stage tonight although she should have enjoyed the pleasure of having her name called as the winner of the Best Country Collaboration Grammy for her duet with Randy Travis, I Told You So. This is the 5th Grammy that Carrie Underwood is adding to her collection of awards.

It should have been the night for her to get her 6th Grammy, but she ended up not winning the Grammy for Best Country Female Vocalist. After winning it three years in a row, she handed the torch over to Taylor Swift. The only other Miss American Idol finalist who was nominated for a Grammy this year also did not win. Season One winner, Kelly Clarkson, lost out on getting her Grammy for Best Pop Album for her latest release, All I Ever Wanted. In this case the Grammy went to the Black Eyed Peas.

Since one of Carrie's Grammy wins is the honor of Best New Artist, it's also interesting to see who is the latest to be added to this elite group. In year's past the Grammy for Best New Artist has gone to music superstars such as: Sheryl Crow, Alicia Keys, Norah Jones, Toni Braxton, Christina Aguilera, John Legend, Maroon 5, and of course, the standard was set by 20 years of platinum albums and #1 hits, Best New Artist winner, Mariah Carey.

Last year's winner was British artist, Adele. Although she is very talented, her win hasn't translated into having huge hits. This year the award went to hit making country act, The Zac Brown Band. They have two of my favorite songs: Chicken Fried and Whatever It Is. Of the nominees this year, they were easily my choice to win. My choice would have been a little different if it weren't for a rule that disqualified the amazing Lady Gaga from getting nominated for the award that seemed to have her name all over it. Turns out she was nominated in the dance category last year and therefore she couldn't be considered a new artist anymore.

Her loss was good news for The Zac Brown Band so I guess it all worked out in the end. :)

Personal Top 10 of 2009

What are your Top 10 songs of 2009? I'd love for you to share them with me. Here's mine:

Obsessed - Mariah Carey : She's the biggest pop superstar of all time who has set the standard for what all Miss American Idol finalists strive to achieve. Mariah has been in the music business for 19 years now and she can still crank out the hits that are getting huge sales and airplay along side the current crop of new artists who will be forgotten by this time next year. The single for Obsessed sold over a million copies and became yet another catchy sing along smash for Mimi.
Fire Burnin - Sean Kingston : With an urgent and exciting beat Fire Burnin demanded airplay on the dance floor all year long. It is undeniably fun and entertaining and the perfect example of what a great pop song should be.
I Know You Want Me - Pitbull : Having all the entertainment value of Fire Burnin, I Know You Want Me also became required music for every dance party. While the lyrics are somewhat suggestive, it was easy to overlook them as they were sung in Spanish so one could easily claim they did not realize what they were singing along with. Regardless, it was obvious that a good time was being had by all when this song was being played.
Need You Now - Lady Antebellum : The country radio airwaves were dominated all year with three smash hits from Lady Antebellum's debut album. But it wasn't until the first single from their second album, Need You Now, came out that they would hit the top 5 of the Billboard HOT 100. This song is a wonderful introduction of Lady Antebellum to the mainstream pop audience. Who cannot relate the the longing expressed in the lyrics, "It's a quarter after one, I'm a little drunk and I need you now"? And it's a wonderful song to do a two step with while holding a special someone close to you.
You Belong With Me - Taylor Swift : She became the best selling artist of the year by releasing catching songs like You Belong With Me that fans young and old can relate to. It also helps that when you play it loud while driving in your car you can sing along to it and have a blast!
Battlefield - Jordin Sparks : The Season Six Miss American Idol winner released another collection of great songs in 2009 including the title track and first single, Battlefield. It's a fantastic song that allows Jordin to command the stage and belt out power anthem notes that showcase her full vocal range. It became another top 10 hit for her proving that she is continuing to be a player in the tough game called the music business.
Love Sex Magic - Ciara : Teaming up with Justin Timberlake, Ciara released this infectiously catchy dance groove. Just try to hold back from shaking your hips and moving to the music when this jam is playing.
Just Dance - Lady Gaga : Just Dance was the first of a string of hits that has made Lady Gaga the heir apparent to the title of Best New Artist of the Year. She brings a unique brand of performance art to everything that she does, while at the same time ensuring that the music is fun, catchy and accessible to a mainstream pop audience. This song made us want to see what she was going to do next and we were not disappointed.
My Life Would Suck Without You - Kelly Clarkson : The Season One Miss American Idol winner became the first Idol finalist to hit #1 on the Billboard HOT 100 with a song that wasn't their American Idol finale single. My Life Would Suck Without You burst onto the scene early in 2009 and has stayed stuck in our heads ever since. It's the perfect example of what the fans want to hear from Kelly.
I Told You So - Carrie Underwood : Only the Supreme Miss American Idol, Season Four Winner Carrie Underwood could take an old country ballad and make it sound fresh for a new generation. Her fantastic vocals elevated the song, originally recorded by Randy Travis, to a new and vibrant place. Randy himself stated that her vocals are much better suited for the song than his.