Brad Paisley Wins Popularity Contest

Brad Paisley is the most popular singer on country radio today. That's according to a survey of more than 13,000 listeners, conducted by the Country Radio Brodcasters Inc. and Edison Research.

Only those who cited a country radio station as the station they listen to the most were allowed to take part in the poll. Several artists were rated on a scale of 1 - 5, with Paisley taking the highest rating of 4.5. Right behind him are George Strait and Brooks & Dunn with a 4.4 each, followed by Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Toby Keith and Trace Adkins with a 4.3.

A separate question was asked about newer artists -- those whom listeners have discovered in the last year or two. They named Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum, Sugarland, Carrie Underwood and the Zac Brown Band as the Top 5.

In the category of "All-Time Favorites," George Strait leads the pack, followed by Kenny Chesney, Garth Brooks, Toby Keith and Rascal Flatts.

More than 75% of respondents say they are listening to more country radio nowadays than they were one year ago. Eighty-four percent agreed with the statement, "Country makes a positive contribution to American life."