8/31/2007 Stephen L. Betts For the second year in a row, no female artists were nominated in the Entertainer or Album of the Year categories of the CMA Awards. And there hasn't been a woman in the entertainer category since the Dixie Chicks in 2001. "What does this say about the state of the country music industry? In 2007, it is still a good ol' boys club." So writes The Tennessean's Beverly Keel, who wonders why Faith Hill, who co-headlined the highest-grossing one-year tour in the history of country music, or Martina McBride, whose media presence was all-encompassing in 2007, were both passed over the CMA Awards' top honor. "It's a problem of perception," writes Beverly. "Many still do not consider female country singers or songwriters to be on par with their male counterparts, especially those industry types who still use the term 'girl singer.' It's no wonder that this perception persists, given the images that are projected nationally." Beverly concludes: "The long-held notion that women can't sell as many country albums as men has been shattered. Isn't that right, Carrie Underwood? So it's time for the women to step up and claim their rightful place of influence and respect in the industry. Surely if a woman can be a presidential front-runner, a CMA entertainer nomination isn't far behind." To read the entire article. click HERE We want to know what you think about this. Send an e-mail to stevebetts@countryhound.com and share your thoughts on this subject.
