The CMA Awards started with a bang as Rascal Flatts opened the show with psychodelic graphics all behind them, singing "Still Feels Good." Towards the end of the song, the screens displayed footage of previous CMA winners reactions as they won, and their thank you speeches. Very nice.
This year there won't be one single host for the entire host. Instead, therw will be a series of segment hosts. James Denton is our first segment host. He introduces the next performance, Miranda Lambert, singing "Gunpowder & Lead." I love her dress. She's wearing a v-neck sparkly red short dress and stiletto heeled boots. I could do without the bright lights shining out into the audience.
Sheryl Crow presented the first award tonight, for Single of the Year.
The award goes to: "Before He Cheats" by Carrie Underwood.
James Denton introduces another performance. This time it's from George Strait, who sings "How 'Bout Them Cowgirls." Compared to the past two performances, his set is very basic. Just a blue wall, and George and the Ace in the Hole Band. What else do you need?
Montgomery Gentry come out next to present Song of the Year.
The award goes to "Give It Away" Bill Anderson, Buddy Cannon and Jamey Johnson.
James Denton is back to introduce the first Horizon Award nominee Taylor Swift. She sings "Our Song."
Taylor is wearing the short, black sparkly dress, long black fingerless gloves and black cowboy boots from her video "Our Song," and playing her sparkly silver guitar. She rises out of the floor, and has a head microphone. She sounds a little breathless. I've heard her sound better. Maybe it's the sound.
Sara Evans is the next co-host and she comes on to introduce Brad Paisley. She says to welcome the band... and all of a sudden a marching band comes marchine down the aisles playing Brad Paisley's "Online" Next thing, Brad comes on stage and starts singing along. Cute. Taylor Swift and Kellie Pickler reprise their roles from the video.
Sara is back, and she introduces Alison Krauss, who performs "Simple Love." As Alison sings, there is video playing along with her song. Alison is wearing a pretty floral long dress.
After the commercial, Sara is back to introduce Big & Rich, who will sing "Loud." They dedicate the song to the "late great king of bling, Porter Wagoner." Kenny's wearing his big top hat, jeans, and a tshirt, with a leather jacked with fur trim. John Rich is in jeans with a red velvet jacket with satin lapels and a white shirt and white cowboy hat. They have the Musik Mafia girls dancing behind them and lots of graphics on the screens behind them.
Sara Evans introduces Luke Bryan, Bucky Covington and Jason Michael Carroll. They're presenting the award for Vocal Group of the Year.
The award goes to Rascal Flatts.
Sara Evans introduces our second Horizon award nominee, Rodney Atkins. he sings "These Are My People." They play his video on the screens behind him, and he has his band on stage with him. He's wearing a black t-shirt, jeans, and his brown ball cap. Very down-to-earth.
Kate Walsh comes out to introduce Carrie Underwood. Carrie sings "So Small." Carrie goes the George Strait route with a very simple set. Just an orchestra behind her. She stands on a circular stage wearing a long sleeveles golden dress with a really long train. She looks like a princess.
Vince Gill comes out next to introduce the Eagles. They perform their current country single, "How Long." Again, no crazy pyrotechnics. Just the band, their instruments, and a few scenes of the desert behind them every so often.
Kate Walsh introduces Brooks & Dunn, who perform their latest single "God Must Be Busy." They also have a basic set, with lights shining out into the audience. They aren't shining so much right into the camera, but more like an angle, which makes them look like spotlights.