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[Westword] held the first Westword Music Awards 21 years ago, in 1995. There were 55 nominees on the ballot that year, including such enduring names as Slim Cessna’s Auto Club, Ron Miles and Tim O’Brien. There was a lot of great music being made in Colorado then, just as there is now. This year, we asked over 200 of the state’s music experts, ranging from talent buyers to studio owners to fans, to nominate their favorite hometown acts. The results were overwhelming, with more than 800 bands and artists receiving votes.

The 214 finalists from that nominating process are listed [in the original article]. We’ve separated them by genre, but read those designations with caution: Most musicians find influence across many sonic aisles these days. A jazz artist might incorporate hip-hop; a rock band might borrow from Beethoven. So our categories, like the Awards themselves, are meant to be a starting point. Be sure to vote for your favorites (you can choose from our finalists or write in your own) using the ballot in this week’s print edition of Westword. An online poll will be open soon!

Because there are so many deserving musicians in this state, we’ve also limited this year’s ballot to bands and artists who have not been repeatedly recognized in the past. That said, we would be remiss if we didn’t pay tribute to our scene’s mainstays and most popular acts, which is why you’ll also find a group of Westword Music Icons listed [in the original article]. To qualify, an act must be currently active and must have been nominated at least four times in the past five years.

A live showcase has always been part of the Westword Music Awards. That first year 31 of the 55 nominees played on stages throughout LoDo. And on Saturday, June 20, more than 100 of the bands and artists featured in this space (along with a few out-of-town guests, including Flume, the Black Angels and MisterWives) will play on a dozen stages in the Golden Triangle. Tickets go on sale March 6 at 10 a.m.

IMPORTANT: If your band or project is listed, either as a nominee or an icon, please fill out the very brief form [attached to the original article]. You must do this in order to be considered for the Showcase lineup. We look forward to celebrating Colorado’s endlessly rewarding music scene with you!

http://www.westword.com/music/introducing-the-2015-westword-music-award-nominees-6587989

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‘AMERICAN IDOL’ FINALIST JOSH GRACIN LOSES HALF OF MUSIC RIGHTS IN DIVORCE

American Idol alum Josh Gracin, who finished in fourth place on the second season of the hit reality show, recently lost half of his music rights in an embroiled divorce battle.

According to divorce documents obtained by TMZ, Gracin’s ex-wife of 17 years, Ann Gracin, will receive a 50 percent stake in the 24 songs he recorded during their marriage. Gracin was also ordered to pay $1590 per month in alimony and $1436 per month for child support. The singer and his wife have four children together.

It’s been a difficult year for the 34-year-old, who sought help after posting what seemed to be a suicide note in August of 2014. Later that same month, he shared new music, apologized and indicated he was on the road to recovery.

Gracin first rose to fame during his stint on Idol, where his soulful voice and obvious passion garnered him thousands of supporters who dubbed themselves “Gracin Nation.” He released a self-titled debut album soon after finishing his run on the show, and it was certified gold by the RIAA. His sophomore album, We Weren’t Crazy, released in 2008, spawned five more chart singles, including a Top 10 in its title track. Gracin released his third album, Redemption, in 2011. His new EP, “Worth This Love,” will be available soon. Fans can visit his website for more information about his upcoming music and tour dates.

By Rebekah Bell

http://tasteofcountry.com/josh-gracin-divorce-music/

http://joshgracin.com/

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