Music awards shows can sometimes be uneventful happenings--ya know how it goes: no big surprises; the same ol' expected folks nominated over and over. I have to admit, this is particularly true in the realm of country music. However, this isn't necessarily a bad thing--if anything, it demonstrates that country is one of the few musical genres that respects loyalty and allows artists more than a mere flash-in-the-pan career.
That said, it is always fun to have something unexpected to look forward to when it comes to a big musical night. And, for tonight's Academy of Country Music Awards telecast, I'm laying my bet that the little surprise treat of the night will be the performance by newcomer Laura Bell Bundy.
I'm far from being the only one looking foward to Ms. Bundy's turn on the ACM stage. For those of you who haven't been introduced to her Nashville persona yet--there can't be too many of you out there who haven't seen her cheeky video for "Giddy On Up," right?--you may recognize her more readily as a seasoned Broadway actress: She is famous for her portrayal of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde and Amber Von Tussle in Hairspray.
This theatrical genius of hers has translated remarkably well into the world of country music. As I noted above, she's been catching eyes for months now with the campy, sexy/crazy, overall just plain fun clip "Giddy On Up," which features a dance sequence worthy of any hit musical. And, she's followed it up with an equally visual new video for second single "Drop On By," showing off her slower ballad chops.
Take a look at Laura's two videos, if you haven't seen them already (or, hey, have another peep just for the heck of it) and tell me that this girl is not going to rip up the stage at the ACMs tonight. I've got my money bet on it--don't forget the awards are in Vegas! In addition to her natural dramatic facility, she's been doing promotion for her debut album, Achin' & Shakin', which hit stores this week--so I'm sure she's extra rarin' to go.
Enjoy! And be sure to come back tonight for a recap of tonight's ACM Awards winners, covered by--who else?--yours truly.
As always, be sure to: