The KC nomination
For a promo-less remix of a mediocre first single... I think Don't You Wanna Stay probably had more to do with this nomination. Maybe they decided to recognize Kelly because her and Aldean were so clearly snubbed at the Grammy's...
And hold up y'all, we got a double standard going on here. From what we've heard from Taylor's new album, it seems like it's going to be much more Pop than Country. Does that mean she can't get nominated for Country awards any more? No.
Kelly's had a history with the Country music industry. There was that duet with Reba, the duet with Aldean and of course, the Mr.KIA remix. Not to mention a lot of her songs could be sent to Country radio and would do well because they sound like Country songs, see The Sun Will Rise, Breaking Your Own Heart or Cry.
Sure, other people deserved to get nominated too. As I said, Kelly's probably being recognized primarily for her duet with Aldean, which was one of the biggest songs on Country that year and is the best-selling country collaboration in digital history.
Only the queen tho.