Note: This recap is a combination of my notes from being backstage at the show, Jennifer watching the show on TV, and Marilyn also watching the show on TV. It wouldn't have been this way if my VCR worked correctly, and I apologize if my portion of the recap is rather brief. I had to compete with people walking between me and the monitor, and listen above all the people talking, and artists coming in to be photographed, so I may have missed something.
Reba McEntire is the host for the ACM Awards once more this year. But before we get to hear Reba's introduction, we get to see Kenny Chesney perform "Beer In Mexico."
Shania Twain came out to introduce Reba. (I remember thinking, is that all she's here to do?)
I think Reba gave an opening monologe, but I didn't catch it. She then introduced Tracy Lawrence and Hannah Storm, who presented the award for Song of the Year.
I was sure that Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats" would win, but George Strait's "Give It Away" took home the hat. Bill Anderson, one of the songwriters said, "Let me just say how much this means to me personally. I'm old enough to be Carrie Underwood's grandfather. And for y'all to still let Bill Anderson be a part of the country music business is wonderful.
Next, Justin McBride introduced Miranda Lambert, who performed her current single, "Famous in a Small Town." I was shocked to see her in a beautiful blue sequined dress. I don't think I've ever seen her in anything but jeans. She looked and sounded fantastic.
Martina was up next, and the feed from the show went out back in the press room, so I didn't see this at all. She sang "Anyway."
Martina then presented Album of the Year, which predictably went to Carrie Underwood's recently certified 6X platinum album, Some Hearts.
Next Josh Turner sang "Would You Go With Me."
CSI's Gary Dourdan and The Wreckers presented the New Male Vocalist Award, which went to Rodney Atkins.
George Strait sang "Wrapped."
Michelle Stafford and Brad Mates of Emerson Drive presented the New Duo/Group award, which went to Little Big Town.
Carrie was next to perform, and she sang "Wasted."
Emma Roberts from Nancy Drew introduced Taylor Swift, who gave one of the sweetest moments of the show as she sang her big hit, "Tim McGraw" with Tim McGraw in the first row. After she finished, she reached over and shook his hand, saying "Hi, I'm Taylor." They hugged, as did Faith and Taylor. That was so cute.
Rascal Flatts performed "He's Not the Leaving Kind" with a backdrop of photos and faculty members who were shot to death at Virginia Tech. A message said "In memory of Virginia Tech."
Carrie Underwood presented the New Female Vocalist Award to Miranda Lambert.
Brad Paisley sang his popular new song, "Ticks."
Dr. Phil and Robin introduced Toby Keith, who sang his recent hit "High Maintenance Woman," complete with dancing girls in skimpy outfits with yellow hard hats.
Vince Gill talks about how he built a Kaboom playground for kids in New Orleans. This year there are two recipients and they are Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn. Since 1991 they've worked with dozens of charities. Everyone stands up and applauds.
Ronnie says everyone deserves the award because they all do charity work. Then he said they had to remind the people that there were two of them so they'd get two awards. So he jokes they are getting a Kaboom and a Boomerang.
Gretchen Wilson and Cowboy Troy plugged their new music as well as mentioned John Anderson's new album, Easy Money. Then they decide to give a shout out to Big and Rich and John Legend who performed "Lost In This Moment."
After commercial Reba introduces the Top New Vocal Group, Little Big Town by name. "A Little More You" is what they sing.
Winner of Top New Male Vocalist Rodney Atkins then sings "These Are My People."
Terri Clark walks out with Hootie and the Blowfish's Darius Rucker. "It's music you can't get enough of," he says about the next award - Single Record of the Year.
Nominees are: Carrie Underwood with "Before He Cheats," "Give It Away" by George Strait, Heartland's "I Loved Her First," "What Hurts the Most" by Rascal Flatts, and Josh Turner's "Would You Go With Me."
George Strait wins. Tony Brown joined him on stage. In his acceptance speech, George said, "First of all, I have to thank the songwriters -- Bill Anderson, Jamey Johnson and Buddy Cannon -- for writing such a great song for me. Tony Brown for producing it. Thank you, fans and radio, for playing it."