Late last week we asked the question, “Did the Dixie Chicks receive five Grammys as a form of political vindication by a liberal entertainment industry for being snubbed by their fans after their comments about George Bush or because their latest album was one of the greatest pieces of the musical art in recent memory. Well, the Academy of Country Music has apparently weighed in with their opinion on this questions. When the nominations were announced for this year’s ACMs this morning, after receiving 5 Grammys, the Dixie Chicks received zero nominations. That’s right, none, nada, nil, zippy, not a one, zero. So now the question becomes, was their album that mediocre or is the Dixie Chicks original fan base still not ready to kiss and make up?

Over the past several decades, we have seen increasing numbers of actors, actresses, musicians, comedians, etc. attempting to use their celebrity status to push their own personal political agendas. I typically find this exceptionally irritating even when I agree with them. You’re an Actor! You are not a doctor, scientist, or any other kind of expert authority on anything other than acting. Do not expect me to listen to you just because your famous. Fame is a fickle beast (and so am I). The only thing that annoys me even more is when these folks are surprised when their political statements alienate their fans. Its a free country. Everyone is entitled to voice their opinions. But even when exercising one’s inalienable rights, no one ever said there wouldn’t be consequences. Like it or not thats life. The Dixie Chicks are a case in point. Until their recent album, the Dixie Chicks have essentially spent the last several years in musical exile and have still not attained their original level of popularity. The Dixie chicks should serve as a warning to all those celebrities who feel strongly enough about their pet cause to use their fame to help further that cause. Beware lest the fame which you use to support your cause be sacrificed in its name.