Kacey Musgraves won Female Vocalist of the Year last night at the CMAs. Her album Golden Hour also won AOTY at the ACMs and the Grammys so she has a triple crown, despite the fact that Golden Hour was largely ignored by country radio - even after she took home the biggest award at the Grammys! 

I love Golden Hour. I don’t know that it should have won the Grammy over the other nominees but that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate the music. I’ve played the album from start to finish at least once a week for the last year and a half. “Space Cowboy” is my favourite song, followed by “Slow Burn” and then “Happy & Sad” but every track is solid and it makes no sense why it wouldn’t be supported by country radio. But Kacey is just one of many - almost all country female artists - who aren’t given the space and have spoken up about it because even though she did find success in spite of the status quo, there are even more countless, unknown names out there who have so much talent but who aren’t breaking through. 

Kacey performed last night with Willie Nelson. It was a dream come true for her and also maybe for cannabis enthusiasts because these two definitely rep the bud. I’m bummed though that I can’t find the full length version of their performance of “Rainbow Connection” because it’s GORGEOUS. It is, as she might say, “happy & sad at the same time”. Her voice is so crisp and light and clear. His voice is weathered, vulnerable but not weak, the sonic embodiment of a lived experience, and together they are magic. Brought a lump to my throat and then I had to take a deep breath and fight the urge to hug someone - which is f-cked up for me because I hate hugging.