Next to perform was Keith Urban, who sang his recent Six Week No. 1 hit "Better Life."
Trisha Yearwood and Trace Adkins came out next to present Male Vocalist of the Year.
The Award went to Keith Urban. This was his second Male Vocalist Award.
Gretchen Wilson was next to perform. She sang "I Don't Feel Like Loving You Today." She sang it acoustically, and it sounded great!
Alison Krauss + Union Station performed "My Poor Heart."
Next out, LeAnn Rimes and James Gandalfini. James sent out his thanks to the troops in Iraq. I had to laugh at LeAnn's joke, saying that she wasn't nominated for Female Vocalist this year, and next year, James will "fix" that for her (referring to him being mobster Tony Soprano on the Sopranos TV show). They presented the award for Female Vocalist.
The Award went to Gretchen Wilson. As a very emotional Gretchen took the stage, she remarked, “I am going to try not to be a cry baby up here,” as she held back the tears that threatened. “I want to thank the fans who make all of this possible.”
Horizon Award nominee Dierks Bentley was next to perform. He sang "Come a Little Closer" acoustically, sitting on a step on the stage at first, then he got up and sang with his band, and minus his guitar. I've never seen him sing without his guitar, so this was different. He kind of looked like he didn't know what to do without it.
Vince Gill came back to induct Alabama into the Hall of Fame.
Alabama came on the stage, and got a standing ovation from the crowd. “This is the pinnacle of the awards right here,” said band member Jeff Cook. Unfortunately, as Mark Herndon stepped to the mic to say a few words, they cut to a commercial. This was kind of annoying, as Glen Campbell got to talk more when he was inducted.
Julie Roberts, the final Horizon Award nominee performed "The First To Never Know." She was wearing a different dress than she wore on the Red Carpet, and this one did nothing for her. She had a belt that was tight around the waist and it made her look like a sack of potatoes, whereas she looked stunning in a long black gown on the Red Carpet.
Montgomery Gentry presented the Horizon Award.
The Award went to Dierks Bentley. As the shocked Dierks took the stage, he said, “I didn’t have anything prepared. I really did not expect this.” He's not alone. I really expected Sugarland to win. Not that Dierks doesn't deserve it, but I thought Sugarland had a better year.
Carrie Underwood came out next, and sang "Jesus, Take the Wheel." That girl has sure got the pipes. She sounded every bit as good as Martina McBride.
Carrie next presented the CMA Group of the Year Award.
The Award went to Rascal Flatts. When the guys accepted their award, Jay DeMarcus remarked, “We love you guys, we love Country Music and we love being right here."
Brooks & Dunn performed their current single, "Believe."
Dolly Parton and Elton John were scheduled to sing next. Elton sat at his piano and played and sang the first verse of "Turn the Lights Out When You Leave," then Dolly came out and joined him. Then, they performed "Imagine" together.
Shania Twain and Billy Joel came out next to present the final award of the night. Entertainer of the Year!
The Award went to Keith Urban. Wow! I was sure that Kenny Chesney would win this, but in my predictions, I said that I wouldn't be too surprised if Keith won it, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised.
Keith looked stunned, and he went and hugged Kenny Chesney on his way up to the stage and seemed to be apologizing. I thought to myself. Oh yeah, Kenny Chesney gave him a Harley Davidson motorcycle. As Keith took his award, he said, “I have been out with Kenny [Chesney] this year and last year,” Urban said of his tour mate. “So I want to thank Kenny for teaching me so much about entertaining.” He also thanked his whole road band, and the fans. Winning the Entertainer of the Year Award set a record for Keith Urban. He is the only Country artist in CMA Awards history to win the Horizon, Entertainer and Male Vocalist of the Year Awards. He won the Horizon Award in 2001.
Well, that is another CMA Award show under the belt. I really enjoyed the show, and hope you got to see it as well. CMT will be re-airing it if you didn't see the whole show, or would like to watch it again. They are re-airing the entire show on Thanksgiving evening from 8pm - 11pm ET/PT.