Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood take on the hosting job
Brad Paisley next joined with co-host Carrie Underwood to welcome everyone to the show, and tell some jokes. My favorite was Brad's teasing of George Strait's longevity, saying he's been coming to the show for years. He's had 42 nominations and taken home 19 awards. He has seen so much happen over the years -- fire, the wheel, a man landing on the moon. Sugarland, when they were a trio. Too funny!
CMA Single of the Year
Time for the first award, which will be presented by Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, co-stars in the upcoming motion picture, Australia. They present the award for CMA Single of the Year.The award goes to George Strait for "I Saw God Today."
Kellie Pickler performed her new single that she wrote with Taylor Swift, "The Best Days Of Your Life." She's wearing a black leather mini dress that's very form-fitting. She's also got some awesome looking black leather boots.
Next to perform is Alan Jackson, who perfoms his former No. 1 song "Good Time." About halfway through the song, a bunch of line dancers come down the aisles of the Sommet Center to dance along with the song.
CMA Song of the Year
Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus are the next presenters. They present the award for CMA Song of the Year.The award goes to: Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland for "Stay."
Miranda Lambert gives a tender performance
Miranda Lambert is next to perform her current single "More Like Her." (This is the first time she's performed a ballad on an awards show.) She's dressed in jeans and a sparkly short sleeved shirt, and multiple gold chains for jewelry. I loved this acoustic performance, and hope that people realize that Miranda is more than in-your-face, crazy ex-girlfriend types of songs. When she is understated, she really shows off her wonderful vocals, and the tender nature of this song.Lady Antebellum is the first New Artist nominee to perform. The song they choose to perform is their debut single "Love Don't Live Here." They really showed why they were nominated. Excellent performance!
Martina McBride is the next performer. She sings her new single "Ride."
Rodney Atkins is the second New Artist nominee to perform. He sings a brand new song which I believe is called "It's America." Was it just me, or did he sound a little off key in places on this? I've never heard Rodney being off key before, so that's why I noticed it.
CMA Vocal Group
Heidi Newfield and John Rich of Big & Rich present the CMA Vocal Group of the Year award.The award goes to: Rascal Flatts. They accepted the award, which was their sixth year in a row winning this category, making sure to pay homage to their fans.
Taylor entertains with a quick costume change during Love Story
Taylor Swift is next to perform her latest single "Love Story." I love the set which is similar to her video for the song, with people ballroom dancing. There was even a fountain. There are some pitch problems during the song, but I did enjoy her performance for the most part. Towards the end of the song, the dancers all line up in front of her, and in it seems seconds they part, and Taylor has a wardrobe change from the beautiful purple ballgown to a gorgeous white dress. That was amazing, and that really made this performance special. Then, Justin Gastin (who played the part of "Romeo" in the song's video) comes out and they stand face to face. Very cool. If you watched Nashville Star this year, you'll recognize Justin as one of the contestants. Also, I just read that he's part of Billy Ray Cyrus' band, and that he's cutting his debut album.Next, we have a performance from Kid Rock, who performs his hit song "All Summer Long." I'm not a huge fan of his, and he's not someone I think of when I think country music, but his performance was exciting, and I enjoyed it. I remember them saying that he has someone special playing guitar on this song. Of course, being that I only listen to contry music, I have no idea who that person could be. I read later that it was rap star 'Lil Wayne, who didn't rap on the show, but just played guitar.
George Strait was the next to perform. He chose to sing his newest single "River of Love." I love George Strait, but this song doesn't do much for me. Still, anytime I get to see the King perform is a treat.
Jason Aldean is the third New Artist nominee to perform. He sings his next single "She's Country." He mentioned on the Red Carpet while talking to Katie Cook that this song is from his upcoming album, due out in April. I really enjoyed this song, and his performance.
CMA New Artist
Taylor Swift comes out to present the New Artist award.The award goes to: Lady Antebellum. The threesome is ecstatic as they make their way up to the stage to collect their award.
Remembering Jerry Reed
As we come back from the commercial, Brad Paisley is playing a tune on his guitar with photos of Jerry Reed, who passed away earlier this year. Wow, that was a fast tribute! What about the other stars that passed away since last year?
Kix & Ronnie join up with Reba for a special duet
Next to perform is Brooks & Dunn who perform with Reba McEntire on their latest single "Cowgirls Don't Cry." This song was inspired by Reba, so how fitting it was to have her help sing it. The only problem was the sound wasn't working correct on Reba's mic to begin with, and you couldn't hear her until that touching line she sings as the father is telling the daughter not to cry. I certainly cried when she sang that line. This song always does that to me, but was especially poignant sung by Miss Reba.
CMA Vocal Duo
Julianne Hough, Jimmy Wayne and Jake Owen present the award for CMA Vocal Duo of the Year.The award goes to: Sugarland.
They announced the winner of the Musician of the Year award. That went to Mac McAnally.
