At the press conference before the celebration, we (media) had a chance to interview everyone.
With Keith in the middle, the questions started.
“The Idea came to me (Blue Ain’t Your Color) waking up and the TV was on and the word “Blue” on the screen. I brought to Clint first then we knew Hillary needed to be a part of this”, said Steven Lee Olsen, (A Toronto native) Hillary Lindsey, said her thoughts on the creation of the song was “It was all for the song. Making the song the best it could be.”
Then it was Keith’s turn. “It was just a feeling, the melody where the words went. It was an immediately love” said Keith of his first time hearing “Blue Ain’t Your Color.”
Someone ask him, “What are you most proud of?” Keith responded very quickly and with a big smile, “Marrying Nic.” He went on to brag about how they have an understanding, and love in their marriage that has brought them through the bad and good.
When Keith was asked about being on the front row at the Oscars, he said, “I don’t rate to get the good seats. I’m the grateful plus one.” Laughs, Keith. The next question was about the Oscar snafu. “The moment was surreal at the Oscars. We were all in shock” quoted Keith.
Now back to the party. Then we went into the main room at The Basement East, where music row friends and family packed in to celebrate the teams behind the ACM Awards Song of the Year nomination and Keith Urban’s hit single, “Blue Ain’t Your Color.”
The celebration kicked off in high gear with an incredible live performance of “Blue Ain’t Your Color” by Urban, the songwriters and producer/guitarist Dann Huff.
Then the kudos from the music industry well-wishers who took to the mic to offer their congrats. Including Urban’s label home Capitol/UMG Nashville’s President Mike Dungan, then the publishers followed suit. Then came the songwriter’s turn. All three were standing and giving us the true meaning of the ‘Stars lining up on that day.’
The tune marked eighteenth chart-topper for songwriter Hillary Lindsey and the second for co-writer Clint Lagerberg, while songwriter-artist Steven Lee Olsen celebrated his very first #1 song. From the stage, Steven recalled a childhood memory. “I remember playing my guitar in my mom’s living room and I remember it was the first time it made me realize that I didn’t have to be anything I wasn’t. That being said it gave me the courage to move to Nashville.” He also stated, that he is one of Keith’s biggest fans and he being the reason he moved to Nashville 11 years ago.
NOTE: Lindsey is nominated for the ACM’s Songwriter of the Year award. Keith leads the pack with seven nominations in five categories, Keith Urban leads the field of nominees for the 52nd annual Academy of Country Music Awards. Urban is up for ACM awards in the categories: Entertainer, Male Vocalist, Album (for both artist and producer) Song Of The Year and Single of the Year.
“This song will live on through our lives for years to come,” said Mike Dungan.
Keith was signed to Capital in 1997, the same year Hillary was signed to ASCAP. They will celebrate their 20 year Anniversary with their respective companies. This is a perfect example of your music paths coming full circle.
The event was hosted by ASCAP’s Mike Sistad and Beth Brinker, the party was sponsored in part by First Tennessee Bank.
Here are the stats that was read from the stage!
* Keith has sold, 18 million records,1.4 billion downloads and has had 22 number one singles and 37 top 10 singles and a record holder in country music.
* 4 consecutive number one singles from RIPCORD
* 42 consecutive weeks in the 10 album charts.
* Most streamed country song in one week 140 million
* 2 Billion on Pandora and now outdone a band called U2. Number 4 country album of 2016 and 2017.
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