So for those reasons, and those reasons only, you decided you hate country. Well, think again.

Today’s country music is about more than just singing about drinking whiskey and lovin’ women.  In fact, many country artists, including Taylor Swift and Rascal Flats, have gone mainstream. And who could hate T.Swift?! I know I sure can’t…even though she’s had a fling with every Hollywood hunk that I’ve dreamed about dating.

Country music is honest and revolutionary—something completely different from any of your Pandora radio stations.  Country tells a story, involves the listener in the emotion of the song, and yes, makes even the die-hard country fan shed a tear.  Don’t believe me yet? Listen to Miranda Lambert’s “The House that Built Me.” That song gets me every. single. time.

And just in time for the very 1^st American Country Awards, I want country haters to gather ‘round, silence your opinions for 2 hours and celebrate all things country music.

It’s no surprise that Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood are up for every possible award (and they are wonderful, powerful performers in the country genre), but in order to truly appreciate country music, you must move past the mainstream country artists and appreciate those who may not show up on Us Weekly covers or get major coverage on E!.

One of my all-time favorite country bands is the Zac Brown Band. They are widely respected throughout the music industry and their catchy lyrics make it impossible not to sing along. And I can promise you, even the biggest country hater will fall in love with the Zac Brown Band’s music.

If you love Taylor Swift, you’ll love Miranda Lambert even more.  She’s sassy, classy, and makes revenge ever so sweet.  Miranda Lambert has a song for every situation. Dealing with a cheating boyfriend? Listen to “White Liar.”  Jealous girls trying to rain on your parade?  Make “Only Prettier” your anthem.  Wanna feel empowered when you’ve given up on love? Take a listen to this.  Miranda’s like Taylor 2.0. Gotta love her!

Luke Bryan is the typical country star— he’s a real gentlemen. His twangy country voice makes him irresistible, and he sings about what everyone loves the most: love and whiskey. “Rain is a Good Thing” is a country boy’s anthem, but also a great sing along song.  You can’t go wrong with “Do I.” And sorority girls across the country love this song and after listening, you’ll see why its many a girl’s personal anthem.

There are so many country stars that are worth listening to when you’re looking for new music.  So tune into the American Country Awards to see these musicians and more! I have a pretty strong feeling country haters won’t be hatin’ any longer.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN US TONIGHT AT 8 P.M (EST)

1. THE FASHION! The fashion. I’ll say it again. The CMA fashion! We’re bouncing out of our seats as we think of all the overalls, the dungarees, and the cowboy hats that will be present on stage tonight. Fingers crossed we see some authentic dung-covered cowboy boots go down the red carpet.

2. In the market for a new truck that can go off-roading AND get your kids to soccer practice on time? Look no further because it appears that the Chevy Silverado is sponsoring the show. Finally. A commercial we can’t wait to see over and over and over again. I’m getting excited just thinking about it.

3. Babygurl Tay Swifts is one of the few country crossover stars so she’s going to get a lot of camera time tonight. And if her PR people planned it just right, Jakey will be by her side for every camera shot. Because they’re TOTALLY together. Everyone knows that right!?! They’re dating. America’s newest sweethearts — and soon to be Taylor’s newest revenge song inspiration. Yay for love.

4. OMG. I’m freaking out. The shows is being hosted by Carrie Underwood and BADASS Brad Paisley (yeah we have NO idea who that is either).

5. Modern Family isn’t on tonight. So really there’s nothing else to watch besides this. And in case you’ve been studying and skipping your tabloid reading you know that country legend and creepy father of the year Billy Ray Cyrus is getting divorced. So there’s going to be a whole other kinda of family dysfunction going down.

6. You know when you’re driving to school and you hit a patch of highway with, like, no radio stations and your only choices are country and a conservative Christian talk show? After watching the the CMAs you’ll finally LIKE the country station. Well not, like, like-like, but, like, recognize the music. It won’t be long before you’re tapping your hand on the steering wheel to the soulful crooning of Keith Urban (he’s a country singer right?!).

7. Leann Rimes, America’s favorite home wrecker, will be handing out the very first award of the night in front of a live (and if that whole Shape Magazine cover debacle is any indication of her popularity, probably booing) audience. It will be like the Ashley Simpson Super Bowl show all over again! Do you want to be the only person who didn’t catch it live?

8. Our gal pal, Taylor Swift is nominated for vocalist of the year (and loyal CC readers know we totes agree with this nomination), so that means you’ll get another chance to see her her “oh I’m so shocked I won!” face.

9. Kid Rock will be performing. And Kelly Clarkson. And Gwyneth Paltrow?! Can a movie star born and raised in Los Angeles do country? You’re gonna have to tune in to find out.

10. We’re live blogging the entire awards show with one of our favorite celebrity sites, Crushable.com. So grab some moonshine and join us at 8:00 P.M (E.S.T) for a good old country music bashing celebration.

Let it all out, older Asian man. Let it alllll out.

First we learn what kind of behavior is too freaky to fix on a man… such as someone who Tweets every time you switch positions in bed. If you didn’t know that before reading Cosmo, then your behavior is probably too freaky to fix, too.

Then we move on to several quizzes, in which we learn that we will be rich one day if we answer yes to having played competitive sports or were on the debate team in high school. Somehow I have a feeling Bill Gates was involved in neither and look at him now.

This month’s Cosmo also teaches readers how to flirt with anyone and everyone, including the dry cleaner. Because that tiny little man who cleans the stains off of my bedding is exactly who I want to take home to momma….

Oh, and real quickly: when did horoscopes start mentioning text messages and what flavor lube I’ll be interested in this month? Does that change by the month? What happened to good old advice on what to do when my friend gets mad at me on the 8^th? And why does Carrie Underwood’s hair look so greasy that it appears she hasn’t washed it in months? Gross.

But even with all of that priceless information and advice, the March issue gets even better: What his Texts Really Mean. I know, it sounds groundbreaking, right? Like the kind of information that could earn those Cosmo girls a Nobel Prize. I mean, we’ve all wondered what the hell he was trying to say and now Cosmo is going to break it all down for us and help us respond!

Well, that was the intention anyway….

Cosmo Says:  A few words, like “hey.” Translation: He’s thinking about you and is craving reassurance that he’s on your mind, too. Your move: His ego needs a little stroking, so try “what’s up, sexy?”
Arielle Says: Well, Cosmo’s right – he’s definitely thinking about you. But I’m not sure the word “hey” actually means he’s insecure and unsure. Where I’m from, it’s just a greeting. Don’t feel the need to tell him how amazing he is just because he asked you what’s up. (Also, can Cosmo avoid the word “stroking,” please?)

Cosmo Says: Questions like “what are you up to tonight?” Translation: He wants to feel out your response before putting his neck on the line. Your move: Play coy.
Arielle Says: He obviously wants to hang out with you. Or is curious about what you’re doing. So stop wasting text messages and just get to the point.

Cosmo Says: A string of characters that are even more maddening because you can almost figure them out. Example: last nit u tuk it 2 krzy. Translations: He feels like the two of you can practically read each other’s minds. Your move: Let him know you are still on the same wavelength but have no clue what that meant.
Arielle Says: This is 2010. In a world where we abbreve the word abbreviate, it’s perfectly normal to shorten words in text messages. It’s super annoying, but I’m sure it’s just as annoying for him to hear you saying “obvi” and “totes” all the time.

…Or he’s drunk.

Cosmo Says: Stupid movie quotes. Translation: It’s an attempt at flirting. He’s trying to show you how funny he is. Your move: Google the quote to find out where it’s from and shoot one back.
Arielle Says: He’s just trying to get a giggle out of you. End of story.

Cosmo Says: Anything but a straight-up yes or no, such as “maybe.” Translation: He has zero interest in trying to come up with plans for the two of you. Your move: Don’t let the fact that he won’t give you an answer stop you from moving forward.
Arielle Says: Just because he’s not sure doesn’t mean he has zero interest in making plans with you. “Maybe” he has a Halo match tonight. Or “maybe” he needs to write a paper. No need to go to extremes, ladies. Either make the plans or give him some options to choose from.

Let’s be serious: everyone and their mother (literally) watches the Super Bowl. Whether it’s for phenomenal commercials, gorgeous athletes, a scandalous halftime show, or for the actual sport, the entire country stops what they’re doing on Super Bowl Sunday and tunes in.

Personally, I watch for a combination of all four of these reasons (plus 4 hours of dipping delicious crispy things into delicious mushy stuff), and revel in every second of it. Sure, I’m used to being a little more involved in the actual outcome of the game (I’m a Steelers fan, so I’m used to winning these type things….), but this time I really am excited, because its going to be a battle of two great powerhouses this season.

The Teams:

The Colts (14-2), an unstoppable force from Indianapolis, bring with them a strong team lineup as well as one of the greatest quarterbacks in the league. A four-time MVP, and first round draft pick his rookie year, Peyton Manning has done much more than just show up to play the game. The older and more successful brother of the Giant’s current quarterback Eli Manning, Peyton has shown his prowess on the field with his laser rocket arm and perfect sight on the field.

As for the Saints (13-3), they’ve got some hidden talent hiding among their ranks as well. Drew Brees, a highly underestimated quarterback from Purdue, has shown his worth; not only in his multiple pro-bowl appearances but his uncanny ability to lead his team to multiple early season victories (did anyone else watch the first few weeks of this season??). Though you don’t usually hear his name in many “best of the league” talks, you can be sure that he will do his job and do it well in the upcoming game.

As for the three most vital parts of any Super Bowl…

Halftime:

Experts say: No nip-slips this year. Be this good or bad, the TV moguls of the world are making sure that the Halftime Show is as clean as ever. The Who has been confirmed as the official halftime entertainment. Don’t worry, though; as always, those same moguls are trying to make everyone happy. Carrie Underwood will sing the Star Spangled Banner and Queen Latifah will sing America the Beautiful.

I say: I’m excited! There’s really not much else to say, except I’m pretty sure that nobody wants to see any wardrobe malfunctions that The Who will have…

Commercials:

Experts say: GoDaddy.com will be the very first commercial aired for the Super Bowl. And there’s a 99% chance it will involve a hot girl and her boobs. However, in even more controversial news, there won’t be any Pepsi commercials. At all. Despite the past 23 years where Pepsi commercials have been a mainstay during the Big Game, the company has decided to pull itself out. (Editor’s Note: probably because that stuff tastes like crap.) As for some other contenders in the commercial line-up, you can expect all of the regulars: Audi, Honda, Volkswagen, Dove, Disney, Coke, and more as well as a few surprises like…. The US Census Bureau? WTF?

I say: Fingers crossed for talking babies.

The GAME:

Experts say: Last, but certainly not least, it’s game time. According to ESPN, regular visitors to the site have voted the Colts at a significant advantage (nearly 20% when I casted my own vote!). Football experts and the people over in Vegas agree. On paper, the Saints actually come out with a higher likelihood of a win, but everyone (and their mother) believes that the Colts will come out on top.

I say: The Saints. Hands down. I think they’re a great team, and they deserve this win. They had a phenomenal start to their season and have shown dominance in this sport all year. Additionally, it’s their very first Super Bowl. Though this may make some skeptical, they’re a highly skilled team who knowwhat they’re doing and have proven to react well under pressure. After all, the Steelers won their first Super Bowl appearance (and then went on to win four of the next six ), so I have confidence that another team could certainly do the same. (Sorry, had to throw my boys in there at least once….)

And that, my friends, is all you need to know before Super Bowl Sunday. Now go grab a beer, some wings and a giant bowl of guac (everyone else can get their own) and enjoy the game.

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Do you ever listen to music that’s completely ridiculous? (Editor’s Note: Does Miley count?) To the point that you start feeling ridiculous and maybe even hide the fact that you listen to other people? (Editor’s Note: Miley definitely counts.) Or just sorta wonder what’s going on in the artist’s head?

OK, so clearly I can’t hide what I’ve been listening to this week – and I’ve already admitted previously to liking Demi Lovato – but that doesn’t mean this week’s new releases didn’t have me scratching my head a bit. And while that’s actually kind of what I’ve come to expect from Weezer and Say Anything, I was a little thrown by my homegirl, Carrie Underwood. Don’t get me wrong, she makes some amusing music, but have you ever stopped to listen to the lyrics?

Why does Carrie Underwood hang out with so many crappy men? Girlfriend needs some help!

Carrie Underwood- Play On

I am a shameless Carrie Underwood fan. Ever since the day she auditioned for American Idol (no lie), I knew she was going to make it big. And I was partially right; Carrie has made it huge. And she’s one of those girls you kind of just have to like. Seriously, do you really know anyone who has any hatred for Carrie Underwood? Her albums are non-stop good and full of hits. I first heard “Cowboy Casanova,” the first single from her new album, Play On, and I thought to myself, “Yes! Carrie Underwood is back again!” Carrie just has this sweet-girl-turned-angry kind of attitude and “Cowboy Casanova” displays that once again: “You better take it from me, that boy is like a disease/You’re running, you’re trying, you’re trying to hide/And you’re wondering why you can’t get free/He’s like a curse, he’s like a drug/You get addicted to his love.” Even though we may not know a whole lot of cowboys in our lives, we certainly know a lot of boys who can be described as “diseases.”

In a similar fashion is “Songs Like This,” with lyrics, “And if it wasn’t for guys like you/There wouldn’t be songs like this/And if you hadn’t gone and done me wrong/I wouldn’t go off like this.” And “Undo It” also reminds us a bit of “Before You Cheat” with another horrible guy: “You stole my happy/You made me cry/You took the lonely and took me for a ride/And I wanna undo it/You had my heart now I want it back/I started to see everything you lack/Boy you blew it/You put me through it/I wanna undo it.” Anyone else noticing a pattern here? Carrie’s got some seriously bad taste in guys. Who are all these jerks who have done Carrie Underwood so wrong?

We love you, Carrie; it’s time to find a man who will treat you right!
…But keep making amazing music while you’re at it.

Weezer- Raditude

From the very start of the album, you know Weezer is back in all their ridiculous glory. The first song, “Get Me Some,” starts off with “Right now everything sucks.” OK, so first of all, we highly doubt everything sucks for Weezer. And second of all, we’re pretty sure they’re getting plenty and don’t have much of a reason to be so unhappy. And after listening to this album, how could anybody be down?

I’m absolutely loving  “The Girl Got Hot,” which is a song about a girl who got hot after being nothing special in junior high. I also really like “The Prettiest Girl in the Whole Wide World” because it sounds a lot like the Weezer of the past… and because I want a guy to sing it to me: “And I got the prettiest girl in the whole wide world/And nobody can take her from me/And in the evening when she goes out walking alone/I wait at home patiently.” But honestly, the best song of the whole album is “Can’t Stop Partying” because, really? How amazing is that title? Oh, and did I mention Lil’ Wayne makes an appearance in the song. YES, LIL’ WAYNE. Holy awesome. And check out the lyrics: “Oh, I can’t stop partying, partying/I can’t stop, partying, partying/I gotta have the cars, I gotta have the jewels/And if you was me, honey, you would do it too/Screw rehab I love my addiction/No sleep no sleep I am always on a mission“

This might have to be our new club anthem. Bravo, Weezer, bravo.

Say Anything- Say Anything

I have never told anyone this, but I’ve been a fan of Say Anything in for awhile now. They definitely don’t sing the kind of music I typically listen to – it’s pretty angry, mean and snippy – but there’s just something about it that I totally dig. Just don’t tell my friends.  A few years ago, I listened to their song “Admit It!” non-stop for weeks and actually spent time analyzing the lyrics. (Don’t judge.) This album, Say Anything, is certainly no different. There may be no “Admit It!” on the album, but I’m certainly loving the lyrics just the same.

How about “Mara and Me,” which starts off with, “There are babies with guns beheading their friends/In shopping malls around the world/Yes somehow the Kings of Leon still find times to write about girls/I don’t suck much less/And if I claim revolutionary or I give to charity/They’ll all know it’s a plea for someone like me/Disgusted with lies and cut down by their own beatnik poetry.” See? Mean, snippy…. yet kinda awesome all at the same time. They’re angry (as proven by the song “Hate Everyone”) but everyone needs a little angry music now and then. If you’re jonesing for something a little rougher around the edges, I think this might be the perfect album for you.

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OMG. Someone loves Adam Lambert a bit too much.