Country Year In Review 2011
2011 was quite a year in country music. Several weddings, several babies, lots of big hit songs, and huge tours. But the one country star who seemed to be in the news all year was Taylor Swift. Her Speak Now World Tour was the highest grossing tour of the year. Her album of the same name sold the most copies. And each of the four singles went to #1. It was no surprise that Taylor won both the ACM and CMA Entertainer of the Year awards in 2011. Here is a month by month rundown of the year in country music:
January: A couple of country star weddings took place on New Year’s Day 2011. Shania Twain married Swiss businessman Frederic Thiebaud, and Kellie Pickler wed songwriter Kyle Jacobs. Also attracting attention as the year began, the movie “Country Strong,” starring Tim McGraw and Gwyneth Paltrow. The film was shot in Nashville during the previous year, and earned an Oscar nomination for Original Song. The Band Perry celebrated their first #1 for “If I Die Young.”
February: Lady Antebellum won an incredible five Grammy awards, including the all-genre Record and Song of the Year for “Need You Now.” Kenny Chesney releases his second sports movie, a tribute to University of Tennessee football legend Condredge Holloway, made for ESPN.
March: Jason Aldean celebrated the success of his latest CD, “My Kinda Party.” Trace Adkins appeared with Matthew McConoughey in the movie “The Lincoln Lawyer.” Chris Young had his third straight #1 with “Voices.”
April: Taylor Swift was named the Academy of Country Music’s Entertainer of the Year. The Band Perry won ACM New Artist of the Year. Highlights include Carrie Underwood performing with Steven Tyler. Later in the month, Carrie Underwood appeared in her first movie: “Soul Surfer.” LeAnn Rimes marries actor Eddie Cibrian in Los Angeles.
May: Blake Shelton married Miranda Lambert on May 14th. Guests included Dierks Bentley, Reba, Lady Antebellum, and Kelly Clarkson. Keith Urban was inducted in the Music City Walk of Fame in Nashville. John Rich wins TV’s Celebrity Apprentice. Scotty McCreery was named the American Idol. Fellow country singer Lauren Alaina was the runner-up. On May 21st, Taylor Swift gave fans a sneak peak of her Speak Now World Tour in Nashville. On May 22, Reba was inducted in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
June: Taylor Swift won Video of the Year at the CMT Music Awards. Shania Twain announced that she will return to the stage as Artist In Residence at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. Shania also appears on the CMT Awards, where she slips on her way to the stage. Later that week, she introduces Sugarland at the CMA Music Festival in Nashville. Keith Urban launches his Get Closer World Tour, while Rascal Flatts kicks off Flatts Fest. Trace Adkins’ Nashville home burns.
July: Eric Church celebrates his first Gold Record. 
August: The Oak Ridge Boys become members of the Grand Ole Opry. On August 13th, an outdoor stage collapses just before an Indianapolis concert by Sugarland. Seven people die, dozens more are injured. George Strait reveals that his son Bubba got married last December, and they’re expecting their first child, a son, in February.
September: Jason Aldean celebrates Dirt Road Anthem going #1. Chris Young holds a party for his 4th straight #1. Blake Shelton attends the #1 party for Honey Bee. “Boots On” singer Randy Houser marries Jessa Lee Yatz. Country legend George Jones celebrates his 80th birthday.
October: Rascal Flatts become the newest members of the Grand Ole Opry. The remake of the movie “Footloose” is released, featuring Blake Shelton singing the title song. Brad Paisley celebrates double duet #1s at the Opry. Eric Church and his wife welcome their first son: Boone McCoy Church.
November: Alan Jackson is inducted in the Music City Walk of Fame. Taylor Swift wins the CMA Entertainer of the Year. She also wins the American Music Award Artist of the Year, beating four pop stars. Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles marries Justin Miller. A Nashville court says Tim McGraw is free to leave Curb Records, his label of 22 years.
December: Rodney Atkins files for divorce after his wife accuses him of abuse. Lady Antebellum’s Dave Heywood is engaged to record executive Kelly Cashiola. As the year ended, Wynonna announced she was engaged to musician Cactus Moser, best known as the drummer in the band Highway 101.
Be sure to vote in our poll for the Top Country Story of 2011.
Category: NEWS
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