Chad has beaten me up on more than one occasion for being "grumpy" about the Grammy Awards and claiming no country fan cares. And, I do believe for a number of years that was correct. The NARAS voters always looked at country like you'd look at a piece of melted gum on your shoe, or boot. But, in recent years, the Grammys have treated Nashville like a well heeled (there's that foot reference again) cousin. So, now the coups de gras: according to Cory Stromfeld over at Taste of Country, "Music City’s status will certainly rise with the announcement that this year’s ‘Grammy Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown to Music’s Biggest Night’ will be held in the home of country music. The stage will be aired on CBS on Dec. 5. from Bridgestone Arena, located in the heart of downtown Nashville".

This year’s telecast is a landmark occasion for the Grammy concert, as it’s taking place outside of Los Angeles for the first time in the event’s history. ”We are excited for the opportunity to bring ‘The Grammy Nominations Concert Special Live!!’ to Nashville this year as we recognize our nominees for the 55th Annual Grammy Awards,” says Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the Recording Academy.

“Nashville’s rich musical and cultural history is so important and vital to our industry, and indeed to the world — a fact The Academy has recognized for decades by locating one of our most thriving and active Chapters there,” says the industry leader. “We look forward to celebrating the year in music in such a passionate, vibrant, and flourishing city.”

Country music was represented proudly at last year’s Grammy concert, with Jason Aldean and Sugarland taking the stage. Aldean appeared alongside rapper Ludacris for a special performance of his No. 1 hit, ‘Dirt Road Anthem,’ and the ‘Stuck Like Glue’ duo gave a show-stopping performance of Lady Gaga’s ‘You and I’ alongside the pop megastar. See that's the kind of stuff that bugs me about it - but I am old school. In fact, a one room with outdoor facility.

This year’s concert special marks the fifth time nominations for the annual Grammy Awards will be announced during the prime time television special. The nominations telecast will air live on Dec. 5 at 9PM.

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