Memorable Moments from the 2007 CMA Awards

I can still remember back to the 2005, when newcomer Miranda Lambert light up the night with her fiery performance of "Kerosene" from her debut album of the same name. This showed the world a whole new side of Miranda that fans who only knew her from Nashville Star didn't know, and it started the upward trend of sales of her album, which would eventually sell over 1,000,000 copies. This performance didn't have the fire, but it had all the attitude, and Ran still made quite the impression.

Brad had been nominated year after year, without winning the Male Vocalist award, so people really sat up and took notice when his name was announced as the winner this time. He even mentioned in his acceptance speech how he had always wanted to win this award, just once. I doubt that once is all he will have, though.

Brooks & Dunn have a knack for performing songs that are meaningful. Sure, they can perform the fun "Boot Scootin' Boogie" and "Mama Don't Get Dressed Up For Nothing" type of songs, but this is one of those that really can touch just about everyone that listens. And listen we did, to this beautiful poignant rendition of their current single.

My mom described Carrie's appearance while performing this by saying, "She looks like pure butter." She meant that in a good way, of course. The dress was indeed incredible, but not lacking was the understated set that she used. No fancy pyrotechnics, or flashing lights. Just Carrie, and the orchestra. That incredible voice. Mmmm.

I've had the opportunity to see Kellie sing this touching song live, and it brings tears to your eyes to see the emotion she feels when she sings it. Beautiful performance, and very heartfelt. I think everyone wanted to give her a big hug after she was through. I know I did.

Taylor Swift is one of the sweetest people I've ever met. I'm so very happy for her, winning this. She is so loving of her fans, and she truly appreciates the things that she receives. Of course, what most people will remember most, is her remarking that "this has definitely been the highlight of my senior year!"

A few weeks prior to the CMA Awards show, it was announced that the newest inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame would not be a part of the broadcast. They'd receive their medallions in an invitation-only ceremony. Columnists were upset at this news, thinking it was disrespectful to leave out our past. Well, the CMA must have heard that loud and clear, and the short and simple introduction was appreciated. I think it was done as well as it has been in the past, and I commend the CMA for not sweeping our newest Hall of Famers under the rug, but instead choosing to showcase them on the show.

First of all, I love Brooks & Dunn, but, I think it's time to honor other artists in the category, and Sugarland was my choice of who I wanted to win the award. I didn't think they'd do it, but they did, and I'm thrilled for them. After seeing them live in concert a few weeks ago, I can attest to their talent as entertainers. Congratulations Jennifer and Kristian!

It was great to see this country rock group performing together on the CMA show. The appearance had been long awaited, and the magic was worth the wait. America loves this band, and they proved it by buying over 700,000 copies of their latest album, Long Road Out of Eden.

This song is so moving, and the video is incredible. While the CMA version wasn't quite as intense as the video, the performance was breathtaking. This made the night for me.