Chicks Rule Grammys

The Dixie Chicks are officially forgiven.

The country music trio swept the Grammys last night, winning in all five categories in which they were nominated, including the top prizes of record, album and song of the year. Their album, "Taking the Long Way", also scored best country album, and their single "Not Ready to Make Nice," took home the award for best country performance by a duo or group with vocals.

It was a bittersweet victory for the Dixie Chicks, who saw a huge slide in their popularity when lead singer Natalie Maines, at a London concert in 2003, famously quipped: "Just so you know, we’re ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas".

After the remark, record sales plummeted when several U.S. country stations boycotted the group for their supposedly anti-American sentiments. CD-smashing, fan protests, and even death threats ensued.

The backlash was chronicled in 2006's excellent documentary, "Shut Up and Sing", which debuted at last year's Toronto International Film Festival.

Other big Grammy winners included Mary J. Blige and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who won three and four awards, respectively.

However, it was clearly the Dixie Chicks who came out on top. Unapologetic, honest and brave, these three women deserve all the acclaim they get. It is the fickle Chicks critics who are now the ones shamed.

Source: [Link]