Most Memorable Moments from the 2008 CMA Awards

As co-host of the 2008 CMA Awards, Carrie Underwood used her on-camera time in a unique way by mixing it up and changing outfits multiple times. I don't have pictures of each look, but she had nine of them altogether. I thought it was a very "Reba" kind of thing to do, and loved seeing her change looks so often. Fun!

It's been quite a while since Shania Twain had been seen in Nashville. Can we hope she is recording for her next album? An album that will most certainly be Mutt-less. He's had such a big part of her rise to fame, but Shania is an excellent songwriter, and I'm sure she will come out on top. But back to her CMA Awards appearance. Shania was in attendance to present the big award of the night - CMA Entertainer of the Year. For the fourth time, the winner was once more Kenny Chesney. Shania looked lovely, and even Kenny acknowledged her appearance, telling her she looked "really good."

Keith Urban lead off the show with his duet performance with Brad Paisley, but he also scored a solo performance slot singing his latest single "Sweet Thing." The song is the debut single from his upcoming studio album, due out in 2009.

Kid Rock may not be a country star, but he burned up the country music charts, dare I say it, "All Summer Long" with his Top 3 country hit. His performance was exciting and really ramped up the energy level in the Sommet Center. Add a special appearance by rap star 'Lil Wayne on guitar. That's something you probably never thought you'd see on the CMA Awards show, yet one that was highly entertaining.

Lady Antebellum hit it out of the park, with their spot-on performance of their debut single "Love Don't Live Here." As one of the five nominees vying for the CMA New Artist award, Lady A. proved that they are worthy of the nomination, and later in the show, the win.

Miranda Lambert is well known for her attitude-infused songs, like "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend," "Gunpowder & Lead," and "Kerosene." These are the types of performances she has given on award shows in the past. Miranda chose to perform her current single, the poignant "More Like Her," which gave people a view at the tender side of her, and showed off her lovely voice.

Sugarland chose to perform a song that has not been released as a single yet, from their current album Love on the Inside. The moment was magical as the stage was set with umbrellas surrounded by tiny lights, and the CMA Duo of the Year singing their hearts out.

It's always a treat to get to watch Brooks & Dunn perform, but add Reba McEntire to the performance, and you get something truly special. Ronnie Dunn wrote "Cowgirls Don't Cry" with Reba in mind, so who better to have join them on this performance. While the sound wasn't quite right at the beginning of the song, when it came time for Reba's solo, her mic was working perfectly. Another touching song to bring a tear to your eye, made even more special by having Reba sing the line where the father utters his last words to his daughter, telling her not to cry.

Taylor Swift's performances on award shows have always been memorable. The scenario of her performance of "Love Story" was very similar to her video for the song, as she started at the top of a staircase in a deep purple ballgown. Below her were couples dancing in a ballroom style from the 1800s. About three quarters through the song, Taylor was hidden from view, behind the dancers. When the dancers parted, what seemed like mere seconds later, Taylor had changed from her purple ballgown to a gorgeous white floor-length gown. I had to say "wow" when this happened. At the very end of the performance, her "Romeo" from the video met her at the middle of the stage, and they stood face to face. Again, wow! Really loved this performance!

Carrie Underwood's performance was announced by Leslie Ponder, a widow of a US soldier who was lost his life while serving in Afghanistan. This truly touching moment brought tears to many people that watched the pictures of a loving father and his children. When Carrie actually performed this song, it was even more emotional. She gave her usual flawless vocal performance, dressed in a beautiful long, black gown.