1.The Band Perry
These sibling newcomers have reminded country fans that new country does NOT have to be pop. We can thank legendary Garth Brooks for this find! We watched ‘If I Die Young’ climb the charts slowly, but once country fans got a hold of this one they STILL have not let go. Beautiful song by a beautiful band, and I can’t wait for more!
2.Chris Young
Chris might have been found on a talent show (winner of Nashville star 2006) but he has to be one of the BEST talent show finds! Have you heard those vocals? They will put any honky tonk loving women to sleep. Chris original released ‘Voices’ in 2008 and decided this year to release it again on his second album ‘The Man I Want to Be.’ Thank you Chris for this re-release!
3.Brad Paisley
A top 2010 list wouldn’t be complete without country music’s ‘Entertainer of the Year!’ Brad can rock your socks off live. He did headline a tour called Aquapalooza this year rocking it out in the middle of lakes across the country, and NONE of us will forget that emotional speech he gave at the CMA Awards. A true class act for country music!
4.Brantley Gilbert
Brantley Gilbert aka my country music boyfriend HA! Brantley is a breaking artist, and many of you might not know Brantley’s music yet…but you soon will. When I first saw the video “Kickin it In the Sticks” my reaction was “WHO IS THAT”! BG brings his country charm with some rock around the edges. What girl wouldn’t adore him, and what guy wouldn’t want to kick it in the sticks with him?!
5.Jerrod Niemann
One of country music’s favorite this year! In August of 2010 “Lover, Lover” went #1 in country music. Niemann did a great remake of Sonia Dada's 1992 debut album song "You Don't Treat Me No Good No More." However, Niemann is no newbie to country music he was scooped up by Garth Brooks in 2001 for song writing, and his written songs for Jamey Johnson, Neal McCoy, Julie Roberts, John Anderson, Flynnville Train and Zona Jones. Keep them coming Jerrod!
6.Luke Bryan
Luke caught the attention of every farmer in the US with his hit ‘Rain Is a Good Thing,’ which was such a success Luke earned another #1 single in 2010! Yallwire was lucky enough to catch up with Luke on the road with Jason Aldean this year. He discussed his music and talks about his respect for America's farming community, balancing his career with his home life, and his ACM nomination! ‘Rain is a Good Thing!’
7.Stealing Angels
These ladies blew us away at this year’s CMA’s in Nashville. The trio is made up by Caroline Cutbirth descendant of Daniel Boone, Jennifer Wayne is John Wayne's granddaughter, and Tayla Lynn is the granddaughter of Loretta Lynn. With that gene pool how could they not be amazing! Not only do these three have talent they’re charming and silly! We loved the interview they gave us on their tour bus, and loved the hillbilly buck dancing even more!
8.Zac Brown Band
ZBB has put out hit after hit this year! With a countless number of Grammy, CMT, ACA, and CMA nominations we can count on this group being around for a long time. Plus I can’t wait to hear more of Jimmy De Martini on that fiddle!!!
9.Jamey Johnson
The praise has not stopped for Jamey’s Gold album “The Guitar Song.” People who liked country music 20 years ago or people who just started liking country music this year will all probably tell you they LOVE Jamey Johnson. New country music has been criticized for going more and more pop. No one will ever claim Jamey is pop country; he truly is the newest country star that is true country.
10.Lady Antebellum
It was an AMAZING moment when Yallwire teamed up with MCN this year to capture the Lady A acoustic and interview at the 2010 CMA’s. The trio has had a GREAT year with nominations and wins across the board. Yallwire capturing ‘I Run to You’ which that broke Lady A into fame in 2009 goes down into a Yallwire 2010 favorite moment!
Kristi Lee- Yallwire Programmer