Carrie Underwood starts off the ACM Awards show with a performance of her current hit, "Last Name," wearing a one piece sleeveless white pantsuit, and a glittery belt.
Reba McEntire hosts the show. This is her 10th time hosting, and she starts out the show with a short monologe. She tells of her first year hosting being 1986, and back then Underwood was a typewriter, Sugarland was a donut shop, and the pickler was someone that made pickles. And back then Roger Clemmons wasn't even interested in country music. She introduces each of the Entertainer of the Year nominees, and tells everyone they can cast their vote throughout the show.
Next to perform is Toby Keith, who performs his current single, "She's a Hottie."
The first two presenters are Poppy Montgomery and Chris Angel. They present "Single Record of the Year."
The award goes to Sugarland for "Stay."
Jason Alexander introduces Brad Paisley.
Brad performs his current single, "I'm Still a Guy."
Lady Antebellum comes out to present the award for "Top New Female Vocalist."
The award goes to Taylor Swift.
Blake Shelton comes out to introduce Miranda Lambert, saying he doesn't want to screw up the introduction, 'cause the last thing he needs is a crazy ex-girlfriend.
Miranda performs "Gunpowder & Lead."
Little Big Town is next to present the award for "New Duo or Vocal Group."
The award goes to Lady Antebellum.
Reba introduces Rodney Atkins, who will sing a melody of his hits.
Rodney performs a melody of "Watching You," "These Are My People," "Cleaning This Gun (Come On In Boy)," and "If You're Going Through Hell."
Clay Walker and Brad Mates of Emerson Drive present the award for "Top New Male Vocalist."
The award goes to Jack Ingram.
Reba introduces Kenny Chesney.
Kenny performs his latest single, "Better As a Memory."
Next to perform is George Strait. Reba introduces him, saying it's his 56th No. 1 hit, and his 56th birthday, but we get the present of listening to him perform it.
George performs "I Saw God Today."
Next George Strait and Kenny Chesney will perform together. This is the first time they've performed the song "Shiftwork" together.
Next to perform is Sugarland.
Sugarland performs their new single, which is the first song from their upcoming album. The song is called "All I Want to Do." What was really cool was the ending. Jennifer and Kristian climbed the stairs and they fell straight backwards off the platform. You couldn't see where they fell, but I'm assuming it was either into some people's arms, or a foam support. About 10 seconds later, they both climbed up and peeked over the top of the platform, laughing.
The next presenters are Jewel and John Rich. They present the award for "Album of the Year."
The award goes to Miranda Lambert for "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend."
Randy Owen talks about the various events that went on during the week, and they show some footage from the Motorcycle Ride, the Fremont Street concerts, the Golf Tournament, and more.
Reba introduces Brooks & Dunn.
Kix & Ronnie perform "Put a Girl In It." Towards the end of the song Reba came in and started singing with the guys.
Next presenters are Julianne Hough and Clint Black. They present the award for "Song of the Year."
The award goes to Sugarland for "Stay."
Reba introduces Taylor Swift.
Taylor performs "You Should Have Said No." She is performing while sitting on a stool, wearing a black hoodie and jeans. She tosses her guitar to someone on the side of the stage and sings the chorus. Then, two dancers come on either side of her and they pull off her hoodie and jeans to reveal she is wearing a black dress underneath. Interesting! Then, in the final chorus, she walks to the rear of the stage where it's raining. Boy, I'd be afraid of being electrocuted with that microphone. She gets a standing ovation.
Next, Brooks & Dunn present the Home Depot Humanitarian Award to Rascal Flatts.
Dr. Phil and Robin McGraw are next to present the award for "Top Vocal Duo."
The award goes to Brooks & Dunn.
Reba introduces Trace Adkins.
Trace performs "You're Gonna Miss This."
Reba introduces Garth Brooks.
Garth performs a melody of his hits. "The Thunder Rolls," "Callin' Baton Rouge," "Friends in Low Places," "We Shall Be Free," "The Dance," "Good Ride Cowboy," and with Trisha, "In Another's Eyes," "More than a Memory," "Rodeo," and "Ain't Goin' Down 'til the Sun Comes Up."
Reba then comes out to present the Crystal Milestone Award to Garth. In his acceptance speech, he mistakenly called Reba "Miss Yearwood." I guess we all know who he was thinking of.
Next Kaley Kuoco and Kimbo Slice. They present the award for "Top Vocal Group."
The award goes to Rascal Flatts.
Reba introduces Keith Urban, who is performing from the audience, with Sarah Buxton singing backup.
Keith performs "Tu Compania."
David Spade introduces Rascal Flatts.
Rascal Flatts perform "Every Day."
Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley perform a tribute to Eddy Arnold, singing "Make the World Go Away." Loved this beautiful duet of one of Eddy Arnold's most popular songs.
Sara Evans is up next to introduce Kellie Pickler.
Kellie sings a new song, "Don't You Know You're Beautiful." What a great song. I love the inspiring message of the lyrics.
Trisha Yearwood comes out next to present the award for Male Vocalist of the Year.
The award goes to Brad Paisley.
Reba introduces LeAnn Rimes.
LeAnn performs "Family," which is the title cut of her latest album.
Karolina Kurkova and Dwight Yoakam present "Top Female Vocalist."
The award goes to Carrie Underwood.
Reba introduces Montgomery Gentry.
The guys perform their latest hit, "Back When I Knew It All."
Reba presents the "Entertainer of the Year" award.
The award goes to Kenny Chesney.
Well, that's the show. I thought it was really well done. Some surprises, some not so surprising results. Definitely a night to remember.