He once cited an exuberant early comment of his own, then dismissed it as "gush," not music criticism.

Slovakia, which he once cited as a prime candidate, is no longer on his list of leading candidates.

He also favors acoustic guitar over electric, once citing:

He once cited Duke Ellington and church as his main influences.

Chief Turner agreed to be interviewed but canceled, once citing a scheduling conflict and the second time because of illness.

Haugen once cited the passage to urge Christians to harness the power they had at their disposal.

Johnny Cash once cited Yoakam as his favorite country singer.

I once cited this remarkable statistic to a defense contractor pal.

Rubén Blades once cited this as his least favorite effort of his musical career.

But those familiar with the process also cited once talked-about candidates who are not on the list.