Taste of Country Awards

Having the biggest country music scandal of any year is an honor that comes with few congratulatory messages, so it seems unlikely many will be showered upon Jason Aldean for winning at the 2012 Taste of Country Awards. His night out with dancer and former 'American Idol' contestant Brittany Kerr was named the Scandal of the Year by Taste of Country readers.

The image of a newly-shaved Kellie Pickler sitting alongside good friend Summer Miller as Miller prepared to begin her fight against breast cancer proved to be the most memorable of 2012. Pickler's photo was voted the Picture of the Year by fans in the 2012 Taste of Country Awards, which concluded on January 15.

The Best New Artist category at the 2012 Taste of Country Awards was near a statistical tie with just 24 hours left to vote, but Casey James's fans stepped up in a big way to push the 'Crying on a Suitcase' singer past his competition. James took almost 39 percent of the vote, beating Hunter Hayes and the Hayniacs by two percentage points.

Taylor Swift earned seven new honors, including Artist, Album and Song of the Year, at the second-annual Taste of Country Awards. The fan-voted awards concluded last night (Jan. 15 at midnight), with the 'Begin Again' singer outlasting fellow superstar Carrie Underwood in many of the categories.

Female country singers -- especially Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift -- are dominating the 2012 Taste of Country Awards with just seven days left for fans to vote. The superstars are pulling away from the competition in six of the 10 categories.

The nominees for all 10 Taste of Country Awards categories have now been announced. You have six weeks to vote for stars like Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Brantley Gilbert, Eric Church, Jason Aldean and more in categories like Song, Album and Live Act of the Year.

Nominees for Artist of the Year lead country music in concert ticket and record sales, radio airplay and general exposure. All 10 of the artists up for this 2012 Taste of Country award were rewarded for many years worth of hard work. Some, like Kenny Chesney and Taylor Swift, are regular nominees, but more than one singer finds themselves among country's elite for the very first time this year. Re

Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood ... 2012 was a great year for superstar albums. Which release was your favorite of the year? The Taste of Country award for Album of the Year is one of the most prestigious of honors. Last year, the win went to Blake Shelton for 'Red River Blue,' and he was just named CMA Entertainer of the Year!

While there were a few shocking scandals in country music this year, there were a flurry of heartwarming moments that leave fans covered head to toe in goosebumps. Country artists opened their hearts (and wallets) to help out individuals, families, and groups in need. Which heartwarming moment did you enjoy reading about most in 2012?

There are a few country stars one always waits to see walk down the red carpet at major awards shows. From the CMAs to the ACMs and ACAs -- not to mention all of the non-country shows -- the best dressed artists of the year always seem to look sexy and stylish wearing top duds from major designers. Who do you think is the best dressed country star of 2012?