Academy of Country Music Awards 2002 - Recap

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The Academy of Country Music Awards were held at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles on May 22, 2002. The show was hosted this year by Reba McEntire, who did a wonderful job, as I knew she would.

While I watched the CMT pre-show, I didn't comment on that. You can find a great recap by Jennifer in the link in "Elsewhere On The Web." She did a great recap, and rather than write pretty much the same thing, I am linking to that.

The show started with Alan Jackson singing his latest single, "Drive." He had a set with several screens behind him which played the video, and there were also several large steering wheels on the stage.

Lolita Davitivich (sp) and Montgomery Gentry presented the first award of the night for "ACM Group of the Year." The award went to Lonestar. All the guys weren't there and Dean Sams came up alone to accept the award.

Clint Black was up next to present the "ACM Song of the Year" award. The award went to Alan Jackson for "Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)". Alan seemed visibly touched and said "I don't feel like I can accept an award for this song without sharing it with, and dedicating it to, the thousands of people -- men, women and children -- who died or suffered and are still suffering because of that cowardly and heartless attack on America and mankind,."

George Strait performed his latest single "Living and Living Well."

The next award, the "New Female Vocalist, was presented by Gary Allan and Jamie O'Neal. The award went to Carolyn Dawn Johnson.

Next came one of the highlights of the night, Toby Keith singing "Courtesy of the Red White and Blue," which is his new single, and the first from his upcoming album, Unleashed. The song talks about how America isn't going to take the attacks sitting down, and he sang it while playing a guitar decorated with a flag pattern, and flags played on videos on the screens behind him. The audience members each were given small flags which they waved as he sang. When he was done he received a well-deserved standing ovation.

Next Trisha Yearwood sang "I Don't Paint Myself Into Corners." She strayed from her usual black attire, dressed in a beaded maroon gown.

The next award, "ACM Video of the Year," was presented by Mark Wills along with Greg and Katie from CMT's Most Wanted Live show. The award went to Brooks & Dunn for "Only In America." This was their 14th ACM award, and the first of the night.

In introducing Brooks & Dunn, Reba mentioned that the year she toured with them she got a shirt that said "I Survived Touring with Brooks & Dunn." She said that now she's been replaced by a bubble-blowing goat, and she sent it a sympathy card.

Brooks & Dunn performed "My Heart Is Lost To You," with Sheila E. playing the percussion during the song.

Rascal Flatts and Ty Herndon presented the "ACM New Vocal Duo or Group" award next. Rascal Flatts were dressed in fatigue colors, not matching, but all three had on some sort of fatigue style. Ty Herndon looked more formal in a black suit. The award went to Trick Pony." The group was shocked and so happy, and in his acceptance speech, Ira thanked Tanya Tucker for firing him, and Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings for playing on their album.

Next performance was Lee Ann Womack and Willie Nelson. They sang their duet, "Mendicino County Line." The song seemed like it could have been rehearsed more. They sound much better on the record.

Reba then told about the people in country music that we lost last year, and mentioned Chet Atkins and Harlan Howard. Then, Hank Williams Jr. came out and spoke about Waylon Jennings, who was also another star we lost in the last year. He sang an acoustic version of "Eyes of Waylon."