Brooks & Dunn, hosts of the 40th Annual Awards kick off the broadcast with a performance of their CMA Event nominated song, "Building Bridges" with Vince Gill and Sheryl Crow. Is it me, or did Sheryl Crow sound like she was singing too high? I think the single version must have her muted down or something, cuz I didn't like how she sounded.
Kix and Ronnie welcome everyone to the 40th Annual CMA Awards. The first award to be presented is the CMA Single of the Year. Presenting the award is LeAnn Rimes, Jon Bon Jovi, and Richie Sambora of Bon Jovi.
The Award goes to:
"Believe" Brooks & Dunn
Since it's the 40th Anniversary of the CMA's we'll be looking back at moments from previous shows. But, looking forward, we are treated to a performance by Carrie Underwood, who sings her most recent No. 1, "Before He Cheats."
Carrie is wearing a different dress than she did on the Red Carpet. This one is gold, sparkly, and short, showing off her terrific legs. Wow, great performance!
Next, we have another performance. This time from Brad Paisley, who sings "She's Everything." Brad's got a new guitar that I've never seen before. Paisley, of course, but Blue and gold with white. Great performance.
Our first look back, we go back to 1977 and see Johnny and June Carter Cash sing "Jackson." I love when Johnny pulls June to him and lays a big sloppy kiss on her when she was trying to sing. So cute. They were such a lovely couple. :)
Sugarland is next to perform. They sing "Settlin'" which is a song from their album, Enjoy the Ride, which comes out on November 7th. Jennifer and Kristian are dressed all in black.
Kix says if you want to see the behind the scenes look at what goes into putting on the show, go to CMA.ABC.COM. He introduces Gretchen Wilson, who performs her latest single, "Come To Bed," along with John Rich of Big & Rich. Gretchen has a long sleeved white top with jeans. John is dressed in a black shirt and jeans that have part bleached denim and part darker denim, with a black leather jacket and black cowboy hat.
Presenting the CMA Song of the Year, Lee Ann Womack and All My Children's Cameron Matheson.
The Award goes to:
"Believe" written by Craig Wiseman and Ronnie Dunn.
Music Video of the Year was presented prior to the show.
The Award goes to:
"Believe" by Brooks & Dunn
Next performance is from Alan Jackson, who sings "Like Red On a Rose." He's wearing a black pinstripe jacket and dark gray shirt underneath, with faded blue denims, and his trademark white cowboy hat, and is backed by a symphony orchestra.
Little Big Town is next to perform, and they sing an album track from their album, The Road To Here, called "Bones." They're wearing the same thing they wore on the Red Carpet. All coordinated in black and white. I really like Karen's hair more poofy, sort of like Sara Evans' style. As they sing, they are surrounded by fog. I just love their harmonies.
Another look back to 1983, and Kenny and Dolly singing "Islands in the Stream."
Rascal Flatts perform "My Wish" next. I just love this song. Gary's wearing a distressed brown leather jacket and black pants with a black t-shirt underneath. Joe Don has black long-sleeve shirt with a gold snakeskin-patterned vest and jeans. Jay is wearing a black t and jeans with a black leather jacket.
Presenting the CMA Vocal Group Award next are Gary Allan and Kimberly Williams-Paisley. She says one of the side effects of her pregnancy is that she can't see the lines. So, Gary helps her, telling her that she can't sing, but she can appreciate people who can like him, and she then adds "and I married one, and now I'm knocked up and blind."
The Award goes to:
Rascal Flatts
In a ceremony earlier, the CMA Musician of the Year was presented.
The Award goes to:
Randy Scruggs