The ACM Awards show was held at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, NV on May 26, 2004. For the third consecutive year, Reba McEntire hosted the show.
This was my first year to actually attend the show live, and the recap is based on my notes from the show.
Montgomery Gentry opened the show with a performance of their single, "If You Ever Stop Loving Me." This was the first of 21 performances of the night, which ran a bit over the scheduled time period.
Kenny Chesney and Uncle Kracker performed their former No. 1 duet "When The Sun Goes Down."
Dr. Phil and his wife then introduced Brooks & Dunn who performed a new song, "That's What It's All About."
The first of the five New Artist nominees was announced, and it was said that they would show short clips from their videos. The first nominee was Buddy Jewell. After the video clip was shown, Buddy and Karri Turner presented the first award of the night for "Vocal Duo."
The award went to Brooks & Dunn.
Next performance was from Toby Keith, who performed "Whiskey Girl."
Marty Roe and Dana Williams of Diamond Rio came out to talk about the Home Depot Humanitarian Award, reading the three nominees; Charlie Daniels, Martina McBride and Brad Paisley, saying people could continue to vote online throughout the show. They then introduced Nascar driver Sterling Marlin who introduced Rascal Flatts
Rascal Flatts performed "Mayberry" on a stage in the rear of the arena.
Next to perform was Alan Jackson who sang "Remember When."
The second New Artist nominee was announced; Josh Turner. Josh came out and presented along with Las Vegas magician, Lance Burton. Lance made flowers turn into a chicken, and he pulled a duck from his cape. The duck had a bowtie around his neck and the card for the "Single of the Year" award.
The award went to Alan Jackson for "It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere."
Next to perform was Terri Clark, who sang "Girls Lie Too."
Toby Keith and Kenny Chesney announced that the winner of the "Gene Weed Award for Special Achievement" was going to Willie Nelson this year. Willie came out and Toby and Kenny sang "Stay a Little Longer" with him. During Kenny's part, he seemed to forget the words to the song. Willie then accepted his award.
The third nominee for the New Artist Award was announced; Dierks Bentley. Dierks came out with Sasha Alexander to present the "Song of the Year" award.
The award went to "Three Wooden Crosses," which was performed by Randy Travis, who came up to help accept the award.
The next performance was from Martina McBride, who sang "How Far."
The fourth nominee for the New Artist award was announced; Jimmy Wayne. Jimmy then came out with Penn and Teller. They did a hilarious bit where Teller had onion rings on top of his head, under his cowboy hat. Penn then removed his cowboy hat to show he had some dip, and they beckoned Jimmy to try some. He did seem to dip an onion ring in the dip but instead of eating it, he put it in a napkin he had in his pocket. They presented the award for "Album of the Year."
The award went to Toby Keith for Shock 'n Y'all.
The next performance of the night was George Strait singing "Desperately."
The final New Artist nominee was announced; Pat Green. Pat came out with Jaci Velasquez, and they presented the "Vocal Collaboration" award.
The award went to Alan Jackson & Jimmy Buffett for "It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere."
