Country group Gloriana puts fate in fans' hands

Gloriana has yet to be fully embraced by country fans and radio -- but the fledgling group is on its way.

Debut single Wild At Heart was a modest radio hit, and the band's self-titled debut album debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. They earned the American Music Award for 2009 breakthrough artist and got a big lift when Taylor Swift picked them to open her Fearless tour (which includes two sold-out dates at Toyota Center.)

Gloriana is up for the 2010 Academy Of Country Music award for top new vocal group. It's a fan-voted honor and pits them against RodeoHouston performer the Eli Young Band and the Lost Trailers. (Vote HERE through 4 p.m. Friday.) The winner in each of three categories will move on to compete for top new artist of the year.

Vocalist and Dallas native Cheyenne Kimball talked briefly about the band's steady rise:

You seemed truly shocked by the American Music Award win for breakthrough artist. What was going through your mind?

I was thinking, 'Wow, I can't believe we actually did it!" Also, 'Don't fall, don't fall.'

What do you miss most about Texas when you're on the road?

In the middle of winter, I miss the heat. And the rain. Texas always has amazing thunderstorms.

Tell fans why they should vote for Gloriana above anyone else for the ACMs.

I know that we as a group would love to win this award solely based on the fact that it's a country music award. We have always wanted to be accepted by our peers in the country genre, and I feel like it would be quite a wonderful accomplishment. Considering we have worked very hard for the past three years, it would be amazing.

You'll be in town May 25-26 with Taylor Swift. Any fond memories of Houston?

I remember going to AstroWorld with my family when I was 7. I had a blast.

What's something you've learned being on the road with Swift?

Incorporate glitter and sparkly things to your stage outfits. It looks great.

The ACMs air 7 p.m. April 18 on CBS.

Source: http://blogs.chron.com/peep/2010/03/gloriana.html

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