Who's gonna win next week

I spoke to my friend Tom Roland yesterday for an article that is going to be in Monday's Billboard magazine.   The concept of the article is about the Duo category now that Brooks and Dunn are done.

The betting money is on Sugarland.   A good bet but I commented that they did not have a great radio year.  That is where the radio people measure success but looking at the others in the category it is no contest when it comes to liver performances and CD sales.

Too bad for a duo like Thompson Square.  I think that they had the best radio year.  An explosion onto the charts with two top ten songs and a number one with their debut.   They will gain more traction but may never have a year like the last.   They may win many awards in years to come but this was a special year for the kids.

Christmas Music

This is the most wonderful time of the year.  Unless your trying to decide what Christmas Music to play on the radio.   I have said many times that I like Christmas Music but am not a fan of music about Christmas.   This is particularly true of Country Music that is about Christmas.

Santa was an 18 Wheeler is not a Country Song. There are not many new Country Christmas songs this year.

But this year, as I have been watching AC music more I am confused about what singer are thinking.

What would Maria Meadows, who has a INCREDIBLE voice, and does does a great version of The Christmas Song, release the song the same year that Justin Bieber and Usher release the song?

Where is Maria, who deserves to be heard, going to get the play she should get this year?