By Jeremy Blacklow

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. --

I had never heard of Lady Antebellum before the Grammy Awards nominations in early December. Now, say you, country music is not my forte, but I have certainly come to appreciate it over the past several years.

‘Lady Antebellum?’ I thought to myself. Lady GaGa’s long lost country cousin, perhaps?

At first, I pictured some slightly backwards country-singing drag queen whose shtick persisted on anachronistic political un-correctness.

When I learned that, in fact, they were a country trio of two men and one woman, with Dixie Chicks-like harmony, I was even more intrigued.

So, I picked up their self-titled debut album and gave it a listen leading up to this year’s Grammys, and what I discovered is a band who I truly believe is poised to become “the next big thing” in country music crossover success.

Now, those of you in Nashville are probably saying, “You’re a little late to the ballgame buddy! Their album came out in December 2007!”

Well, you’re right, I am, but at least I’m playing ball now!

Many of you may be surprised to learn that band member Charles Kelley is the brother of pop singer Josh Kelley (who is married to actress Katherine Heigl). Charles also recently got engaged. All three band members, including Dave Haywood and Hillary Scott, are young, pretty and talented.

The first two songs on Lady Antebellum’s album, “Love Don’t Live Here,” and “Lookin’ For A Good Time,” are rockin’ fun country anthems. They charted big in 2008 for the band.

Current single, the slightly more down tempo “I Run To You,” was just currently serviced to radio. Download any of them, and you’ll be satisfied – country music fan, or not.

They’ve already won Top New Duo Or Group at 2008’s Academy of Country Music Awards and New Artist Of The Year at the 2008 Country Music Association Awards.

And for those of you who said I was late to the game, don’t be surprised if when Lady Antebellum likely walks away with the Best New Artist Grammy this coming Sunday, their crossover popularity skyrockets with many more mainstream music fans than myself.

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