Stormy Speaks

Stormy Weather is opry.com's exclusive columnist. A veteran, though self-described "young and trendy music industry insider," Stormy takes readers along as she moves gracefully within Nashville’s elite inner circles and shares her own first-hand observations, take-no-prisoners opinions and juicy commentary on the movers and shakers inside Music City's illustrious entertainment industry. Read it from Stormy like you won't read it anywhere else.

Be sure to stop back each week for the latest Nashville Star update in Stormy Speaks.

It’s a Small, Small World

Stormy’s travels took her to New York City for Spring 2009 Fashion Week.  So many clothes, so little time … what is a girl to do? For now, Stormy is settling in to share the latest country music news. 

Stormy simply could not have been more excited about the release of Taylor Swift’s new video “Love Story” from her upcoming FEARLESS CD. Well, Stormy couldn’t dial Bettie Lou’s cell phone fast enough. The video for the song, which invokes William Shakespeare and Nathanial Hawthorne for you literary buffs, features none other than Mr. Justin Gaston.  Perhaps you remember him as the contestant eliminated on week three of this season’s Nashville Star. 

Tough break, yes, but it appears the, dare we mention this, underwear model is not only Romeo-ing his way through Taylor’s new video, which is quite a treat, but he’s also been spotted going to church with the Cyrus family.  You’ll remember Papa Cyrus, Billy Ray, hosted Nashville Star this season … Taylor made a guest appearance … Miley Cyrus used to date a Jonas brother … Taylor won’t confirm but is rumored to be dating a Jonas brother (not the same one).  Justin is said to be a huge fan of Taylor’s.  Isn’t Justin, proud promoter of designer tightie whities, 20 years old?  Isn’t Miley on the verge of a mere 16? Gasp! Regardless, Bettie Lou is completely enamored of the “Love Story” video.  She’s working on an idea for a remake of Mrs. Robinson, featuring Bettie Lou and Justin. 

While BL tweaks her script, another of her favorite songs has topped the charts.  “Waitin’ on a Woman,” Brad Paisley’s ode to time well wasted, topped the country single charts.  Bettie Lou has worked her way through several boxes of tissues watching that little video featuring her hero, Andy Griffith.  Bettie Lou is counting on a big win for Video of the Year at this year’s CMA Awards.

Speaking of the CMA Awards, Stormy is counting down the days until country’s biggest night. What will Stormy wear? Something stunningly fashionable, no doubt. What does a girl have to do to get a seat beside Nicole Kidman? Marry Keith Urban, apparently. While others are lamenting those who might have been overlooked, Stormy is celebrating those who weren’t. How sweet to see Sugarland in the Entertainer of the Year category with Kenny Chesney, George Strait, the Opry’s own Brad Paisley and Sunday Rose’s daddy, Keith Urban.  Will Jennifer Nettles go away a winner for “Stay,” a song of the year nominee? Ms. Nettles has some tough competition, in Stormy’s humble opinion, in Brad’s “Letter to Me.” It’s sheer genius. G with an O, O with a D, T with an I and M with an E spells good time, in case you have been living under a rock. 

Lanky Alan Jackson, another Opry favorite, could be celebrating if GOOD TIME takes home album of the year and/or song of the year.  Plus, a video of the year award and male vocalist of the year are both possibilities for our little troubadour.  Speaking of troubadours, Stormy would be remiss if she didn’t acknowledge the best friend a pair of Wrangler’s ever had, George Strait, who roped and wrangled five nominations.  November 12 can’t get here fast enough. And the Opry’s newest member, Carrie Underwood, must be over the moon with her female vocalist of the year and album of the year nods. Our little Nashville Star alum Miranda Lambert must be all fired up about the single of the year nomination for “Gunpowder and Lead,” not to mention her inclusion in the female vocalist of the year category. 

Well, Kix Brooks just purchased a $5.4 million, 13,000-square-foot house in Music City. A pool with a 45-foot waterfall; that’s not a pool, that’s a water park. Stormy’s headed to the kitchen to bake brownies as a little housewarming gift for Kix and wife Barbara. Frosted or plain? Nuts or not? Decisions, decisions. Stormy needs to go dust off the country music welcome wagon and preheat the oven. Where did Stormy put those oven mitts? Check back in two weeks for the latest news from Stormy!