|
REVIEW:
1997 Academy Of Country Music Awards
Written By
Rick Ellis
If
I hear the word "synergy" one more time, I'm gonna scream.
For those of you who aren't familiar with the term, "synergy" is
one of those marketing terms that means some mindless corporation
buys a lot of properties, then cross-promotes them to death. Or
even better, *two* corporations get together and promote each other's
products. And then you get things like this year's Academy of Country
Music Awards.
Hey, don't get me wrong, this show had a lot of good moments. But
if you're looking for a kinder, more restrained Country Awards show,
watch the CMA Awards on CBS. The ACM Awards are produced by Dick
Clark, and include enough product placement to make the most ardent
adman scurry away in embarrassment.
The ACM Awards take place at the Universal Theater in L.A, and of
course lodging is provided by Universal Studios Hotel, and this
year's New Artists of the Year do special taped segments at locations
throughout Universal Studios, and..well, you get the idea.
And since the ACM Awards are broadcast on NBC, the peacock network
does more self- promotion than the average Spelling family member.
The hosts of the show were George Strait, Crystal Bernard and Jeff
Foxworthy. I'm sure it's only a coincidence that two of the three
are also stars of NBC programs.
Compare that to the CMA's, where you get Vince Gill as the host.
And then Stone Phillips makes an appearance as one of the presenters.
And the Entertainer of the Year was presented by...geez...what a
shocker... Jay Leno.
The problem with synergy is that more often than not, it's not good
entertainment. After George Strait wins both Album and Male Performer
of the Year awards, they follow up the moment with Crystal Bernard
singing a duet that seemed to go on about as long as "Stairway to
Heaven." Now Crystal's a talented singer, but her new "country"
album hasn't exactly been another "Rumours". So there was no real
need for her to be singing, other than the fact that she's an NBC
alumni.
And one other pet peeve. Am I the only one annoyed by those taped
new artist segments? There's something vaguely odd about watching
a tape of lip-syncing their hit, then watching the camera cut back
live to the auditorium, where the performer is sitting there in
the audience. Which brings me to my favorite odd moment of the night,
when the camera cuts to the latest celebrity in the audience..animal
trainer Jack Hannah.
Not that the show was all bad. As always, the live performances
were the only reason to be there. Garth Brooks opened the show with
a laser light explosion that proved both why he's a huge concert
draw and at the same time somewhat frustrated by country radio.
The fact is, country radio doesn't know what to do with him. His
last album sold millions. But he had a lot of trouble some cuts
played. Many in the industry feel he's just not "country" enough.
On the other hand, LeeAnn Rimes is pure country, and the fans and
industry love her. But watching her win award after award reminded
me of a comment I overheard years ago while watching the Grammys.
After Christopher Cross won his fifth or sixth award, the guy next
to me turned and shook his head sadly. "That poor guy. He's doomed.
How does he follow this?" And when I see Rimes, I think the same
thing. How does she ever follow this success...especially at such
a young age?
Overall, not a terrible show. But I think I'll tape it next year
and watch the CMA Awards show live.
Now *that's* country.
|
The Archives
Related Links