The CMT Music Awards started out with a skit involving Jeff Foxworthy and Blake Shelton. It was a parody of Jeff's "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader," but this version was "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grade Country Music Star," and Blake is asked a question, which he blows. There are several kids dressed as country music stars. There's a Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Willie Nelson, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. Jeff tells Blake what a dummy he is, missing his question (What state can't you reach on your tour bus?) Blake's answer was "Rhode Island, because it's an island." Jeff says he's smarter than the kids, and they make him take a try at one of the questions. He gets the question "Who sang this, Kenny Rogers, or Mr. Rogers - You've Got To Know When To Hold 'em, You've Gotta Know When To Fold 'em." and answers "Mr. Rogers. He was talking about those sweaters." which is of course, wrong. Kind of silly, but Jeff then says that he's not smarter than a 5th Grade Country Music Star, but he's smart enough to host the CMT Music Awards Show.
Jeff does his opening monologe, which is somewhat funny, and includes, of course, a Dixie Chicks jab.
Rascal Flatts open the show with the fan-voted song, "Life is a Highway." Hmm, that's not the song I picked.
The first award is presented by Carrie Underwood, who Jeff says has as many trophies as the New York Yankees, and is as handy with a bat. It is for "Breakthrough Video"
The buckle goes to Taylor Swift. She is thrilled, and thanks her MySpace fans, and says she is going out on the road with Brad Paisley, and she'll be bringing the award along with her, so that at the meet & greets, people can see the award that they won for her.
Video of the Year nominees are down to four songs. They are:
Kenny Chesney - "You Save Me" Toby Keith - "A Little Too Late" Rascal Flatts - "What Hurts the Most" Carrie Underwood - "Before He Cheats"
Fans can vote during the show and at the end of the show, they'll announce the winner. Jeff says that you can't vote for Sanjaya. LOL
Paula Deen ("Paula's Home Cooking") couldn't be there because of the storms in the Northeast, so Blake Shelton has to fill in for her. He comes out with Ron White (Comedian) wearing an apron and holding a pie. They are presenting the award for "Duo Video of the Year."
The buckle goes to Sugarland for "Want To."
Next to perform is Kenny Chesney, who sings "Summertime." Ok, I really don't understand why he sang such an old song. You'd think he'd sing something more current. Also, I wonder if he's trying to save his voice. He was letting the crowd sing a lot on the chorus, and you couldn't even hear them that well. It just looked very awkward to me.
Big & Rich introduce Hank Williams Jr. who performs "Country Boy Can Survive." Hank improvises a few lines, and it's a great performance.
Presenting next is Taylor Swift and Jeff Burton (Nascar driver). they are presenting the "Video Director of the Year" award.
The buckle goes to Roman White for directing the video "Before He Cheats."
LeAnn Rimes announces a performance by Keith Urban, who is in Australia.
Keith performs "Stupid Boy." The performance was interesting. It was filmed in an empty theater, with just Keith and his guitar. I was expecting a live performance in front of a crowd, but this was nice too.
Josh Turner and Randy Owen of Alabama present the award for "Female Video of the Year."
The buckle goes to Carrie Underwood for "Before He Cheats."
Sugarland is next to perform, and they play something new, "Stay." This is a great song. I hope they'll release this as a single.