Lookin' Back on '09 Part 1

This week, we will be looking back on country music in 2009, as well as prepare for our look back on the decade, airing over New Year's Weekend.

No one has had a bigger year in music than Taylor Swift. This year she was named Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards and became the youngest artist in the 43-year history of the Country Music Association, and the seventh female act ever, to be awarded country music’s highest honor when she took home the CMA Award for Entertainer of the Year. One of the most-talked about moments of the year happened at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. Taylor took the stage to accept the award for Best Female Video, when Kanye West stormed the stage and took the mic from her and went on say that Beyonce deserved the award. Later Beyonce went up to accept an award and gave the mic to Swift, who finally gave her acceptance speech. Ironically, Taylor Swift and Kanye West were named Billboard’s Artists of the Year for 2009. Other highlights for Taylor this year include hosting Saturday Night Live and having her sophomore album Fearless reach double Platinum status in just four weeks. Taylor headlined her first arena tour this year and will return to the stage in 2010 with 42 shows already scheduled. She’s also nominated for eight Grammy awards which will be handed out January 31st.

Rascal Flatts had a great year touring. In August they crossed the four-million mark in ticket sales. They became the first country act to perform at Wrigley Field, which the guys call a highlight of their career. Darius Rucker joined the trio on tour this year and will continue on the trek next year. Their album Unstoppable went Platinum bringing their album sales to over 20 million this decade. They made some interesting business partnerships such as teaming up with Denny’s to create the "Unstoppable Breakfast." Through iTunes, they also became the first country act to offer an iTunes pass for fans to receive downloads of previously unreleased music, such as live concert recordings. And when it came to awards, for the first time in five years, the trio was beat out by Lady Antebellum for the CMA Vocal Group of the Year award. However, they did take home the CMT Group Video of the Year award.

Darius Rucker continued to break boundaries in country music this year. His win for New Artist of the Year at the CMAs brought him to tears. His track record of releasing three number one country singles helped get him the credibility for such a special award. Darius enjoyed touring with artists like Brad Paisley and Rascal Flatts and continually kept busy on the road. His album Learn to Live was certified platinum this year.