Katie Cook welcomes everyone to the show, saying they have a full 90-minutes of Red Carpet action tonight, but that she can't handle it all herself, so she's got help from Lance Smith. They talk about the show, and the great performances that are set. Lance says that time is ticking, so he asks Katie to kick things off. Katie Cook talks with Sara Evans, who is wearing a gorgeous white gown. She tells Sara that she looks "like a goddess," and asks if the gown is vintage or new. Sara says it's new by Reem Opera (sp). She saw the gown at the New York Fashion Week and said "I've got to have that gown, so Reem made it for her.
Katie asks Sara if she's going to change clothes for her performance, which Sara says she will. Then, Katie asks Sara, of the two nominations, Female Vocalists and Vocal Event with Brad Paisley, if she could take home just one, which one would it be. Sara says her mom is there with her and she'd really like it to be Female Vocalist. She apologizes to Brad, saying she wants to win with him too, but that it would be really special if she could win Female Vocalist with her mom there with her.
They talk about Sara getting hurt while making the "Cheatin'" video. Sara explains that she hurt her foot and had to get a tetnus shot, "and those things hurt!"
Lance talks to Miranda Lambert, bringing up her Horizon Award nomination. She says "Last year, I was watching it from my hotel room in Nashville in my pajamas eating popcorn, and this year I'm on the Red Carpet. It's a big change." Lance asks her how she's going to celebrate if she wins. She says that she'll celebrate with pizza and beer either way.
Lance asks her about going on tour with George Strait. She's really excited about that, as his opening acts usually do really well, and she hopes some of that rubs off on her. Lance tells her that she's part of an upcoming show called CMT's Sexiest Videos. He says, "I don't know where you rank, but it's up there somewhere."
Miranda says after the show she plans to go to a local New York pizza joint and relax.
Katie and Lance talk about the CMT poll for CMA Male Vocalist. According to the poll, Keith Urban is ahead with 43% of the vote.
Katie talks to Billy Currington. She asks him to turn around so everyone can see how gorgeous he is, calling him the man in black. She asks him who he's wearing. He says the shirt and pants are made by Taye Lindburg, and the coat is made by Paul Smith.
Katie wishes Billy luck in his nomination for "Party for Two" with Shania Twain. He says he loved doing the song, and how great it was to be able to work with one of the best country superstars of all time. She tells him that his video for "Doin' Something Right" made the list for CMT's 20 Sexiest Videos which will premiere Saturday night. She asks him about his duet with Michael McDonald on his new album, Doin' Somethin' Right.. Billy says that Michael McDonald is his favorite vocalist of all time. He says he'll be touring starting in mid-January, and will be all over the United States.
Lance talks to Carrie Underwood, dressed in a beautiful long red dress with thin straps. He talks to her about her album, Some Hearts came out today. She says her mom and her went to the Virgin Store in Times Square and picked up a couple copies. Lance asks her what she's looking forward to at the CMAs. She says she's honored to be there. She's sitting behind Vince Gill, and Billy Currington is to her right. Asked what she's planning on doing after the show, she says she'll probably be hitting some of the parties.
Lance talks to Trace Adkins all in black. When asked what he's wearing, he says he was told to say he's wearing "faux" but it's really "horse." Trace says Madison Square Garden is awesome. He says everyone he's met in New York has been positive about having country in New York City. Lance asks him what he does in New York City, which Trace said he doesn't do too much. He says, "It's noisy and fast, and it kind of freaks me out after a few days."
Next, we see Lee Ann Womack and Big & Rich rehearsing.
Katie talks to Van Zant. They're excited to be in New York City. They say the weather is kind of weird for November, though. They talk about their video for "Nobody's Gonna Tell Me What To Do." They filmed it in Nashville. They say the song is the 21st Century Johnny Paycheck "Take This Job and Shove It" kind of song. Katie asks how 38 Special and Lynyrd Skynyrd fans feel about them as VanZant.
Lance talks to Gretchen, who's looking stylish in a black jacket. She feels good about Big & Rich nominated for the Horizon, saying she thinks they should win. She said she wishes they'd win everything they're up for. She says that she is much more relaxed this year.
Katie and Lance look at the CMT Poll for Female Vocalist. Sara is leading at 46%.