60th Annual Grammy Awards: Texas Viewing Party Anyone?

The nominations for the 60th Annual Grammy Awards were released on Tuesday, November 28. The awards gala will be televised in January, for which plans for a Texas viewing party should be in order! Miranda Lambert’s nominations (two) for the song “Tin Man” recognize her enormous talent as a solo performer as well as the gifts her and her fellow native Texas songwriters Jack Ingram and Jon Randall possess. And, of additional interest to viewers in the Lone Star State should also be the country music band called Midland. Formed in Dripping Springs, the band’s rich and traditional sound has earned them two nominations: “Drinkin’ Problem” is up for Best Country Song while the band itself is nominated in the Best Country Duo/Group Performance category.

Photo: Facebook/Bridgestone Arena

Also in the country music category, Chris Stapleton has received three nods, with Best Country Solo Performance for “Either Way,” Best Country Song for “Broken Halos,” and Best Country Album for From A Room: Vol. 1. Little Big Town and Taylor Swift earned Grammy nominations for the song “Better Man” (which Swift wrote,) and Sam Hunt’s “Body Like A Back Road” has received two nods – one for Best Country Solo Performance and one for Best Country Song.

Further notables are Lady Antebellum with two nominations (Best Country Album and Best Country Duo/Group Performance), a Glen Campbell track entitled “Arkansas Farmboy” which is up for Best American Roots Performance alongside “I Never Cared For You” by Alison Krauss, and Reba McEntire‘s “Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope” nominated in the Best Roots Gospel Album category.

Photo: Flickr/Colby Sharp

The Grammy’s are the only peer-chosen music award, voted on by the membership of the Recording Academy, representing all genres, styles, and formats. Of note was the fact that no country nominees were listed in the Album of the Year or Best New Artist categories, but in a statement from the academy, Neil Portnow, President/CEO, stated, “I’m inspired by this year’s nominees and the incredible talent each possesses. Their recordings are a true testament to how creatively alive and meaningful our music industry has become. Each nominee uses their craft to inspire, uplift, and tell stories of our world through their artistry. They provide a vibrant soundtrack that represents the highest level of excellence and continues to impact and reflect our culture.” The final Grammy voting round will be held December 7-21, with the awards presentations taking place live from Madison Square Garden in New York on January 28, 2018. For the full nominee listing across all genres check out the grammy.com website.