The CMA Awards Show was hosted for a second year by the talented award-winning duo, Brooks and Dunn.
The 2004 Entertainer of the Year, Kenny Chesney kicked off the show, by singing "Living in Fast Forward" from his recently released album, The Road & The Radio.
Walk The Line stars Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon, who play Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash in the film were the first presenters of the evening. They presented the award for Single of the Year.
The Award went to Lee Ann Womack for "I May Hate Myself in the Morning." “I love Country Music,” Womack said. “If you listen to music that doesn’t touch you or mean anything to you, listen to Country Music. We have songs that speak to you and songs that will touch you.”
The next performers of the night are Big & Rich, who make their entrance from outside the venue. They perform "Comin' To Your City," complete with confetti. I liked their performance, but had to comment that I don't understand why their drummer wasn't wearing a shirt. You would think someone going on national television would wear a shirt. I mean, it's not the middle of the summer or something.
Next, Female Vocalist Nominee Sara Evans performed her new single, "Cheatin'"
Brad Paisley performed "When I Get To Where I'm Goin'" acoustically. I thought it was weird they didn't have Dolly sing with him like she does on the album cut of the song, since she was at the awards. About halfway through the song, you could hear Alison Krauss singing the harmony part, but then she never came out on the stage, and then after that one time, you couldn't hear her anymore. So, not sure what that was about. Brad received a well-deserved standing ovation for his touching version of the song.
Reigning Vocal Group of the Year Rascal Flatts performed their recent No. 1 song, "Fast Cars and Freedom"
Willie Nelson, Paul Simon presented Song of the Year. Before announcing the nominees, they each sang one of the other's songs. Willie sang "Still Crazy After All These Years," and Paul sang "Crazy." Norah Jones accompanied them on the piano.
The Award went to Bill Anderson and Jon Randall for "Whiskey Lullaby." “I am so honored to be standing up here with this legend to be getting this award,” Randall said. A choked up Anderson replied, “I’m supposed to be whispering but I feel like shouting. Thanks for letting me be a part of the Country Music business still, after all these years.”
Lee Ann Womack performed "20 Years and Two Husband's Ago."
George Strait was up next to perform. He sang the upbeat "High Tone Woman."
Wynonna and Cowboy Troy came out next to present Album of the Year.
The Award went to Lee Ann Womack's "There's More Where That Came From."
Kix Brooks introduced New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomburg. He introduced Garth Brooks, who was live in Times Square singing "Good Ride Cowboy, Good Ride", his tribute to Chris LeDoux. Kix said that they recently honored Chris LeDoux with the CMA Chairman's Award of Merit.
Next up was Kris Kristofferson, who is the writer of "Help Me Make It Through The Night." He introduced Martina McBride, who performed her version of that song. She does it so well too. After she finished, Kris walked over and hugged her.
Brooks & Dunn introduced Alan Jackson, who performed the Eric Clapton tune "You Look Wonderful Tonight."
Joe Nichols and Olivia Newton-John came out next to present Vocal Duo of the Year.
The Award went to Brooks & Dunn. Ronnie accepted the statue, saying, “Thank you for allowing us to stay members of this family.”
Then Kix noticed he had to introduce the next performer, which was Sugarland.
Jennifer, Kristen and Kristian totally rocked out with their hit, "Something More."
Bon Jovi performed next, and Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland joined them on "Who Says You Can't Go Home."
Kix Brooks introduced Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, who performed their duet, "Like We Never Loved At All."
Vince Gill came out next to induct the two of the three new CMA Hall of Fame members. Leave it to Vince to bring some humor to the night. He started talking with a New York accent, kidding that "you ain't allowed to have a show in New York without a guy named Vinnie."
The first induction was to DeFord Bailey. His family was in the audience and stood up as everyone congratulated them.
The second induction was to Glen Campbell. “I can’t tell you what a thrill it is to be here,” Campbell said. “I am honored to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. It’s a thrill for me to be included with the artists that inspired me and became my friends and colleagues.”
I was expecting the third induction of Alabama next, but instead Kix and Ronnie introduced Miranda Lambert, who performed "Kerosene." Before the end of the song, flames came up from around the raised platform where Miranda was singing. Wow!
