Brad Paisley at the 2008 Minnesota State Fair / Star Tribune photo by Jennifer Simonson
By Jon Bream
Sorry Taylor. Miranda Lambert is the queen of country music for 2009. At least according to a nationwide poll of 77 country-music critics conducted by the Nashville Scene, a weekly newspaper. Lambert and Brad Paisley dominated the 10th annual survey. Taylor Swift figured prominently, too.
Paisley was named artist of the year and best male vocalist. Lambert took top album for "Revolution," top single for "White Liar" and best female vocalist. Coincidentally, the critics' king and queen are currently touring together, headed to the X in St. Paul on Jan. 16.
Miranda Lambert at Country Splash in Somerset, Wis. in 2009 / Star Tribune photo by Anthony Souffle
Swift was recognized as the best live act. Jamey Johnson, who won album honors in last year's survey, was cited as best songwriter. Johnson, Paisley, Lambert and Swift dominated the singles category, occupying nine of the top 14 slots.
To no one's surprise, Sugarland won best duo/group, and Zac Brown Band earned best new artist.
I voted for "Revolution" for top album and for Swift, whose "Fearless" was released in 2008 and therefore ineligible in this survey, for best live act and artist of the year.
