DIXIE CHICKS GRAMMY QUINTUPLE SWEEP ABOUT MORE THAN MUSIC

The Dixie Chicks sweep of all five categories they were nominated in, and being the top winner at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday was about more than music. The Chicks beat out all comers in all categories including the coveted Album Of The Year, nominees for which included Justin Timberlake, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and John Mayer among others.

Many members of the Grammy committee have been swayed by their documentary Shut Up And Sing, about the hard times they were given in the Country music community after speaking out against the Bush administration. Presenter Don Henley let out a big “Yes!” when announcing them as winners for Album Of The Year, and it was at this last point in the evening where the Chicks got the message that they were judged on more than their music.

[Don Henley] “And the Album Of The Year goes to the Dixie Chicks (applause).” [Natalie Maines] “I’m ready to make nice! I think people are using their freedom of speech here tonight with all these awards. We get the message. There’s a lot of awesome music that’s here, some fantastic performances. I’m very humbled, and I think that people were using their voice the same way this loudmouth did.”

Vocalist Natalie Maines talked about their sweep backstage and hinted that there may have been more deserving artists.

“I don’t really know exactly. I just know that obviously it’s hard to put into words but I’m definitely aware that we were up against a lot of great music. I love our record and I think it’s the best one that we made, but I think that people had inspiration and different motivation for voting us to win five of five — is unbelievable — and I think people were using their voice.”

The Dixie Chicks also took home Record Of The Year and Song Of The Year for “Not Ready To Make Nice” along with two other Country format Grammys.