Luke Bryan reflects on elusive Grammy
NEW YORK — Luke Bryan dominates country music: He’s scored 10 No. 1 hits on Billboard’s country chart; he’s one of a few contemporary acts to sell out stadiums; and he’s achieved backto-back multiplatinum albums.
But Bryan, who has been on the music scene for a decade, has yet to earn a Grammy Award, or even a nomination.
“I guess a few years ago, I kind of was thinking I’d get a Grammy nomination or two and didn’t,” said Bryan, who had one of the top albums of both 2013 and 2014 with Crash My Party.
“I think the Grammys, sometimes accepting a guy like me is a little outside their deal,” he said.
Things could change with his fifth album, Kill the Lights, released Friday.
“My focus is doing what I can musically for my fans first and foremost. … Grammys stuff would be added, amazing stuff,” he said. “I’ve won quite a few AMAs (American Music Awards), and it’s so fun being out there and being recognized among all music as a country artist — that stuff ’s very flattering. ”
Bryan, who turns 40 next year, has connected with young country fans thanks to his party anthems. Recent winners for Grammys for country music include acts that have hit mainstream and topped the pop charts, from Carrie Underwood to Taylor Swift to Lady Antebellum, or traditional acts in the vein of Glen Campbell.
Others have been slow to give Bryan credit: He finally won his first Country Music Association Award less than a year ago when he was named entertainer of the year, the show’s top prize.
“I don’t feel pressure much anymore. … Up until this point in my career, obviously there’s been quite a bit of pressure, but it’s fun to be in a situation where that stuff starts chilling out and you can just relax,” said the married father of two boys.