Finally, a Grammy nod for FGL

By Kristin M. Hall

Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn.

Country powerhouse duo Florida Georgia Line has been dominating the sound of the genre for eight years and setting historical records in sales, airplay and streaming, and they’ve finally landed a coveted acknowledgement from the Recording Academy with their first Grammy nomination.

The two are nominated with pop singer Bebe Rexha for best country duo/group performance for their chart-busting hit of the year, “Meant to Be.” It’s been a long road since their debut in 2012, mostly paved with a string of multi-platinum radio hits such as “Cruise,” “H.O.L.Y.” and “This Is How We Roll,” but they say the timing is just right.

“We have so much respect for the Grammys and, you know what, I wouldn’t say it’s overdue,” Brian Kelley, 33, said in a phone interview from Las Vegas, where they just wrapped a residency. “I think timing is everything, and this timing is perfect. We’re super thankful and humble to be nominated. ‘Meant to Be’ has taken us on a crazy, crazy, crazy ride.”

“It kind of feels like we’re the new kids on the block again,” said Tyler Hubbard, 31.

Their competition at the Grammys include Dan + Shay’s mega-hit “Tequila”; Little Big Town’s “When Someone Stops Loving You”; Brothers Osborne’s “Shoot Me Straight”; and Maren Morris and Vince Gill’s “Dear Hate.”

Some were surprised that the ubiquitous “Meant to Be” only garnered one nomination, and was shut out of categories such as record of the year, song of the year and best country song. But the duo isn’t focused on that.