Live blog: 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards
Reba and Blake Shelton
7:00 p.m.: We’re starting out with Tishomingo resident Blake Shelton “serenading the woman he loves,” according to the announcer, and we see the handsome Ada native playing a guitar and strolling up to a blonde sprawled on a chaise. But the purple nail polish gives it away that we’re seeing Reba in a wig, who tells him, “All right, that’s enough rehearsing for your wedding night. We’ve got a show to get ready for.” Looks like Miranda almost forgot to smile there; she seemed a bit confused, so maybe that opening skit was a surprise for her.
Brad Paisley (AP file)
7:02: Blake introduces the night’s first performer and it’s a great one, Brad Paisley doing “Old Alabama,” featuring, naturally, Alabama. It is a new song off his upcoming album “This Is Country Music.” Brad is smoking on the guitar as usual, and the crowd gives a well-deserved standing ovation to three of the guys from the superstar country group. Who doesn’t love Alabama? It’s another great opening number for the ACMs.
7:07: “Give me a yeehaw!” shouts Brad Paisley, as this collaboration becomes the foot-stomping good time we hoped it would be.
7:08: From the classic country of Alabama, we go to the decidedly un-country Celine Dion. Of course, she is a mainstay of the Las Vegas entertainment scene, so she’s here to welcome everyone to Vegas and tout her love of country music, since it’s “always sung from the heart.”
7:09: Celine quickly kicks it to tonight’s co-hosts, Oklahoma natives Reba and Blake. Blake starts out by reading Reba’s part about being so glad he’s here to host his 13th ACM Awards. “Didn’t you read the book I sent you?” Reba says. “‘Co-hosting for Dummies,’ yes, I read it cover to cover,” Blake replies. They say they aren’t going to make any jokes about Charlie Sheen, Lindsay Lohan or any other celebrity scandals, so “good night!” Reba advises him to make quick quips about the country stars, so they’re good-naturedly picking on Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift and Jake Gyllenhaal, Brad Paisley and of course, Miranda. Ouch, that was a big hit on LeAnn Rimes’ marriage swapping activities, and another Blake swipe at Reba’s age, including her “natural” redhead status. Hey, she was once a natural redhead.
Toby Keith (AP file)
7:14: Reba and Blake send it to Norman resident Toby Keith for the first of the entertainer of the year nominee’s performances. Toby is performing his current single, “Somewhere Else,” his favorite track from his 2010 album “Bullets in the Gun.” It’s a deceptively bouncy brokenhearted ballad with a lot of clever wordplay.
Fan voting for entertainer of the year continues up to the start of the third hour of tonight’s show. Along with Toby and Miranda Lambert, the nominees are Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban.
7:17: Blake and Reba, who look sharp in their coordinated outfits, with Blake in the gorgeous gray jacket and Reba in the multicolored sparkles, are getting a ride from Brad Garrett to the Strip to the new ACM Fan Jam, a big tie-in concert for the fans. Sugarland is presiding over the first-ever Fan Jam, and the duo’s Jennifer Nettles is set to perform with Rihanna.
7:20: So far, I think Reba and Blake make a pretty good co-hosting duo, which isn’t surprising. They’re both funny people and they have close family ties – her stepson is Blake’s longtime manager – but I hope they’re going to let more of Blake’s crazy sense of humor show. Maybe not, since if you follow his Twitter feed, his language isn’t exactly PG or even PG-13. Maybe the censors fear letting him go too far off script, and I can’t say that I blame ‘em.
7:23: Professional surfer Bethany Hamilton and AnnaSophia Robb, who plays Hamilton in the movie “Soul Surfer,” are onstage, so they must be introducing Carrie Underwood, who makes her movie debut in the biopic as a youth leader. The movie opens Friday.
Interestingly, they pointed out that Carrie is the only woman to win ACM entertainer of the year award twice, without noting that she did accomplished that by winning it back to back over the past two years. Yet she is NOT nominated for EOY tonight. Ripoff. I’m just going to come out and say it. It’s a ripoff. She should have a chance to defend her title. But with the award being fan-voted and her fans going by the well-earned moniker “Carrie’s Army,” I wonder if the producers wondered if there would ever be anyone else win it if they let her defend.
Carrie Underwood (AP file)
People.com is reporting that Carrie, the 2005 “American Idol” winner, is performing with current “Idol” judge Steven Tyler. She’s playing her hit “Undone It,” and sure enough, here comes the Aerosmith frontman. This is actually a great song choice for this pairing, and the crowd is on its feet, with a big cheer for one of Steve’s big notes. Carrie is wearing a sassy, sparkly gray and black short dress, while Steven is decked out with Elvis flair in a white jumpsuit and full-length white coat.
Steven Tyler (AP file)
7:26: Not surprisingly, they’re not stopping with “Undone It,” launching into a duet of the Aerosmith favorite “Walk This Way.” It’s still a fun performance, even if it’s not my favorite Aerosmith song and not, in my opinion, the best showcase for Carrie’s huge pipes. But she did get in a faux kiss with Steven Tyler, so that’s fun and playful.
I can hear the country traditionalists screaming right now about how not country this is, but it is a very Vegas sort of thing. Just look at the red streaks in Carrie’s hair. It’s not meant to be traditional; crossover is here to stay.
Still, as entertaining as this is, I still wish Carrie was paying tribute to fellow Checotah native and great country music voice Mel McDaniel, who died Friday.The crowd is on its feet and cheering for the rocking performance.
Sugarland (AP file)
7:30: Brad Garrett has ushered Blake and Reba to Mandalay Bay – despite the co-hosts getting distracted by the “sights” (Chippendale dancers and showgirls) and Brad’s grousing – and they’re introducing the artists throwing the big bash, Sugarland. The duo has its usual extravagant staging going – another good hit for the Vegas setting – and Jennifer Nettles is nailing the big note for their anthem “Tonight.”
7:36: As Blake puts it, the focus is on keeping the energy high, so he’s kicking it back to the MGM Grand Garden Arena, where the ACM Awards are taking place. Dierks Bentley struts onto the stage singing his new single “Am I the Only One.” I adored Dierks’ last album, “Up on the Ridge,” which is up for album of the year and made my cross-genre top 10 albums of 2010, but it is so wonderful to hear raucous new music from Dierks. He’s a personal favorite, and this performance is just terrific fun, as he sprints to the upper deck to sing and party with the folks in the cheap seats. See why I love him?
7:40: OK, as much as I’m enjoying tonight’s performances, we’re 40 minutes in and we haven’t given away one award, except for the special awards that won’t be televised and were announced last week and the two awards given on red carpet. Isn’t this the ACM AWARDS? Get on with it!
Keith Urban (AP file)
7:45: Entertainer of the year nominee Keith Urban is performing the sweet-sounding ballad “Without You” on a darkened stage lit by a table lamp. It’s referencing his romance with his wife, Nicole Kidman, and the arrival of a baby girl. They recently welcomed their second daughter, Faith, who was carried by a surrogate. It’s a lovely song, but I can’t help but giggle thinking of Blake joking he’ll start writing sweet songs for Miranda when she wins an Oscar like Nicole in tonight’s opening joke barrage.
Eric Church
7:49: We’re zipping back to Mandalay Bay, where Sugarland is introducing Eric Church, who already has won the fan-voted top new solo artist award and is vying with The Band Perry for the fan-voted top new artist prize, to be announced tonight. I don’t like Eric’s chance of beating The Band Perry and their legion young fans and white-hot momentum. But you gotta like his performance of “Smoke a Little Smoke,” which Blake used as the punchline for his Miley Cyrus joke. Not only is Eric putting in a smoking hot performance, he’s even managing to carry off the aviator sunglasses look.
7:52: People, “Gossip Girl” star Chace Crawford and model/actress Brooklyn Decker are taking the stage, and Chace is carrying an envelope. Nearly an hour in, and we may actually see this award show give out an award. Shocking, I know.
It’s gonna be the song of the year. Go Miranda!
Nominees:
Song of the Year [Award to Composer(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]
A Little More Country Than That – Easton Corbin
Composers: Rory Lee Feek, Don Poythress, Wynn Varble
Publishers: A Sling And A Prayer Music (ASCAP), Chrysalis One Music (ASCAP), Don Poythress Songs (ASCAP), Precious Flour Music (BMI), Universal Music-MGB Songs (ASCAP), Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI)
As She’s Walking Away – Zac Brown Band Featuring Alan Jackson
Composers: Zac Brown, Wyatt Durrette
Publishers: Angelika Music (BMI), Weimerhound Publishing (BMI)
If I Die Young – The Band Perry
Composer: Kimberly Perry
Publishers: Pearlfeather Publishing (BMI), Rio Bravo Music, Inc. (BMI)
Love Like Crazy – Lee Brice
Composers: Tim James, Doug Johnson
Publishers: Mike Curb Music (BMI), Sweet Radical Music (BMI), T-Bird’s Music (BMI), Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI)
*The House That Built Me – Miranda Lambert
Composers: Tom Douglas, Allen Shamblin
Publishers: Built On Rock (ASCAP), Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI), Tomdouglasmusic (BMI)
Miranda Lambert (AP file)
7:55: Winner: “The House That Built Me”! Miranda takes the stage in a gorgeous short and sassy hot pink dress, but she gives the microphone over to the songwriters, Tom Douglas and Allen Shamblin, who definitely deserve a chance to thank everyone and give a shoutout to all the kids out there who haven’t found a home yet. It’s amazing that someone else wrote this song, which closely reflects events in Miranda’s real life.
Even though it’s primarily a songwriting award, it still would have been nice to hear from Miranda. And come on, it’s supposed to be an AWARDS show, and they barely gave Douglas and Shamblin 30 seconds to say their thank yous. Not cool.
Taylor Swift (AP file)
7:59: Entertainer of the year nominee Taylor Swift is debuting her new single “Mean.” And she’s playing the banjo. I wasn’t expecting that. But she’s totally pulling it off, and the crowd is clapping along with her pointed message to the vitriolic critics who have sometimes dumped on her. I think her performance is great, but speaking of dumpy, I’m not crazy about the beige lace frock she’s wearing. I like it much better when she rocks one of her sassy-sparkly dress, which OKC fans should get a chance to witness this fall.
She sounds great, and she has once again proven that she knows just how to deal with those who do her wrong: Write a hit song about her. Several in the star-studded crowd got to their feet to applaud her, including Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley. It wasn’t quite a standing O, but it’s clear that the crowd was won over by young Taylor’s awards show performance.
8:04: Back to Mandalay Bay and the Fan Jam, where quartet Little Big Town introduces fellow vocal group The Band Perry, which is the winner of the top new group or duo award and my favorite to win the fan-voted top new artist. They sibling trio is playing its smash “If I Die Young,” which is a good song, but I wish we were hearing a new song from them tonight.
8:07: The handsome Luke Bryan, 2010′s top new artist winner, takes the stage at Mandalay Bay to present the 2011 top new artist victor. The choices are The Band Perry and Eric Church, and Luke says it will be a “life-changing vote” for someone.
The Band Perry (AP file)
8:08: Winner: The Band Perry. Eric Church is graciously congratulates the young trio, and Kimberly Perry notes that since they’re a family band, she and her brothers want to thank they’re parents. They are also thanking the fans – “our songs are yours,” Kimberly says – along with their extended family at the increasingly big Big Machine, country radio and Eric Church. Like the graciousness being shown there.
8:14: Reba is telling everyone that Blake hosting yesterday the first-ever ACM Celebrity Shoot and wants to know how it went. Blake: “Great. I shot three celebrities and Luke Bryan.” Of course, since it’s Reba, she’s already changed outfits into a lacy navy dress, and Blake has ditched the gray jacket so he can match her.
Jason Aldean
They’re kicking it over to entertainer of the year nominee Jason Aldean, for his tongue-twisting new song “Red Dirt Anthem.” I think this one is going to have to grow on me. I usually love Jason, but the rapid-fire, nearly rap vocal delivery on this song has really taken me aback. It’s so different, I’m going to have to give it a chance to settle on my ears before I pass a final judgment on it.
8:18: Welcome “Entertainment Tonight’s” Nancy O’Dell, a bit of CBS product placement here to announce the single record of the year winner. Not crazy about this network homer as a presenter of one of our precious few awards tonight, but love the gold gown. Here are the noms, at any rate, and again, go Miranda!
Single Record of the Year [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company]
A Little More Country Than That – Easton Corbin (Mercury) – Produced by: Carson Chamberlain
As She’s Walking Away — Zac Brown Band Featuring Alan Jackson (Southern Ground / Roar / Bigger Picture / Atlantic) – Produced by: Zac Brown, Keith Stegall
If I Die Young – The Band Perry (Republic Nashville) – Produced by: Paul Worley
Love Like Crazy – Lee Brice (Curb Records) – Produced by: Lee Brice, Doug Johnson
The Boys of Fall – Kenny Chesney (BNA) – Produced by: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney
*The House That Built Me — Miranda Lambert (Columbia Nashville) – Produced by: Frank Liddell, Mike Wrucke
Miranda Lambert
8:20: Winner: Miranda Lambert! That’s three ACMs tonight for “The House That Built Me.” She’s thanking the producer and songwriters as amazing, but she’s not nearly as animated as she has been with past award show wins. She looks radiant in her hot pink dress and shimmering, towering gold heels, but she’s just not as bubbly as usual. She is recovering from a respiratory infection, or maybe she’s just saving her energy for her performance – and for her show Thursday in Norman.
Blake Shelton
8:25: Reba is introducing her co-host with a “man can he sing,” and Blake takes the stage in all black to perform his new song “Honey Bee.” It’s a spirited ballad, and I’m liking it. Blake’s rowdy sense of humor and country-boy antics tend to overshadow his incredible skills as a balladeer, and I’m happy to see him sort of merging those different aspects of his persona her. Plus, it’s a sweet, uptempo little song.
8:29: “Thank y’all already, by the way,” Miranda Lambert says with a big smile. She’s radiant and she’s going to be presenting album of the year, which she won last year. I’m rooting for Dierks, but I imagine Ran’s pals in Lady A or Jamey Johnson have got this. Here are the noms in this very competitive category:
Album of the Year [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company]
Hemingway’s Whiskey – Kenny Chesney (BNA) – Produced by: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney
Need You Now — Lady Antebellum (Capitol Records Nashville) – Produced by: Lady Antebellum, Paul Worley
The Guitar Song – Jamey Johnson (Mercury) – Produced by: Arlis Albritton, Dave Cobb, The Kent Hardly Playboys
Speak Now – Taylor Swift (Big Machine Records) – Produced by: Nathan Chapman, Taylor Swift
Up on the Ridge – Dierks Bentley (Capitol Records Nashville) – Produced by: Jon Randall Stewart
You Get What You Give – Zac Brown Band (Southern Ground / Roar / Bigger Picture / Atlantic) – Produced by: Zac Brown, Keith Stegall
Lady Antebellum
8:31: Winner: Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert shouts with a huge grin. The trio stops for hugs from Taylor Swift, and Lady A’s Charles Kelley starts their acceptance speech by thanking Miranda Lambert for winning the category last year and not being in it this year. “That really helps a lot,” he jokes. They’re thanking all the usual suspects. I must say, the speeches tonight have been admirably short but rather boring tonight. We need someone to just get up there and gush and lose their mind with excitement if the awards are going to come close to matching tonight’s performances.
8:38: Blake notes of the MGM Grand that it is huge and it would take Charlie Sheen forever to trash it. Reba: “I thought we weren’t doing any Charlie Sheen jokes.” Blake: “That’s not a joke.” Nope, but it’s funny because it’s true.
Sara Evans
Their introducing Sara Evans, who is making a big comeback with her new album “Stronger.” And she looks and sounds amazing in slim black pants and top as she croons the title track. It’s good to have Sara back and sounding wonderful. And I’m not the only one who thinks so: She’s getting a standing ovation from the appreciative audience.
8:42: Donny and Marie Osmond are taking the stage, and they’re making a joke about their old song, with Donny declaring “Tonight, we’re all a little bit country.” They’re going to give out the vocal group of the year award, and interestingly, Rascal Flatts isn’t nominated after dominating it for so long. I love that Randy Rogers Band is, but I think Lady A takes this one without much effort.
Top Vocal Group of the Year
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Randy Rogers Band
The Band Perry
Zac Brown Band
Lady A
8:44: Winner: Lady A. And apparently Charles Kelley heard my plea for some entertaining speeches. He jokes, “Sharing the stage with the Osmonds, look mom and dad.” Hilary Scott leads the trio in thanking every star who has ever let them open for them. Nice.
8:45: Duo Montgomery Gentry are introducing a montage of all the activities the ACM hosted this week as Vegas went country. They’re flubbing the canned dialogue, but it’s good to see Eddie Montgomery, even if he isn’t any good a reading a prompter. The singer said on the red carpet that he is cancer free. Awesome news.
8:51: Blake looks quite handsome in his simple black jacket and white shirt. He’s introducing the woman who will in 5 weeks become his wife, ending their career as wedding planners. “Actually, she’s the wedding planner. I’m just the guy who stands here and does this,” he said, tossing money all over the stage. “Take it. Take it all!” Hilarious!
Miranda’s got on a different but equally incredible hot pink dress as she sings her latest single, “Heart Like Mine.” She’s got a big smile, a matching pink mic and sparkles on the neckline that match her guitar strap. Even better, it seems that her recent bout of illness may have scuttled her Australian dates with Alan Jackson, but she sounds fantastic. Can’t wait to see her Thursday at OU’s Lloyd Noble Center (even if it means entering enemy territory for an OSU Cowboys alum and fan). “Heart Like Mine” is the last single from her career-changing “Revolution” album, and it really suits Miranda. But I am so ready to hear what she’s doing next. The crowd seems to love Ran as much as country fans and I do.
Rihanna
8:55: Country traditionalists, please just avert your eyes and plug your ears, or better yet, just run screaming from the room. We’re back to the Fan Jam at Mandalay Bay, where Sugarland’s Kristian Bush is introducing a never-before-seen bit of music history, which means it’s time for the much-ballyhooed pairing of Jennifer Nettles with Rihanna on the pink-haired diva’s “California King Bed.”
8:58: So, I’m personally loving this performance. Both Jennifer (sleek in her black pantsuit) and Rihanna (glamorously playful in her short white dress with fringe on the bodice) have powerhouse voices, and this heartbroken ballad could easily be a straight-up country strong with fewer electric guitars and more fiddles and pedal steel. With the electric guitars, it’s not any less country than most of the show. And you cannot fault the performances, even if you can argue they don’t belong on this show, because both singers sound amazing and the guitar solos burned up the stage.
I know this show happens in Vegas, but I’m really wishing that Easton Corbin or George Strait were performing tonight to bring some more traditional country to the show. Or maybe Randy Travis, who is celebrating 25 years. Plus, I think a tribute to Mel McDaniel is definitely needed here. C’mon country music, showing your roots isn’t just a hair faux pas, it’s a good idea for a format known for its rich history and strong values.
I like both traditional and contemporary country, but I think some balance is definitely needed here.
Ronnie Dunn
9:05: “Here we are, just two kids from Oklahoma in Las Vegas,” Reba says. She notes that back in Kiowa, the Fluffy Bunny Ranch is a petting zoo. “It kind of here is, too,” Blake quips, getting a sideways look from Reba. She encourages people to “give the kid of break” as former Tulsan Ronnie Dunn makes his awards show debut; obviously he’s no novice, he’s just making his post-Brooks & Dunn premiere singing his first solo single “Bleed Red.”
It’s a gorgeous piano ballad, and it should appeal more to traditional country fans, even though it has violins instead of fiddles. Ronnie sounds terrific, and I think part two of his career is going to be just amazing. I can’t wait to hear the full album. And he’s getting a stand O: Carrie Underwood has a beautiful smile for him, and Taylor Swift mouths “wow.” Wow, indeed.
9:11: The Judds are here talking about what it takes to be a successful duo, and Wynonna comments, “If it’s not one thing, it’s your mother.” These sassy ladies are almost enough to make me wish I had Oprah’s network. Almost. Here are the top vocal duo noms:
Top Vocal Duo of the Year
The JaneDear Girls
Joey + Rory
Montgomery Gentry
Steel Magnolia
Sugarland
Sugarland
9:12: Winner: Sugarland. “We’ve never been presented these nice trophies by people with such big feathers before,” Jennifer Nettles jokes as the showgirls at Mandalay Bay gives them their awards. Cute. On a side note, Jennifer gets the Reba McEntire Award for quick change artistry, for changing swiftly into that lovely purple gown.
Martina McBride
9:13: Reba, who has changed into a shimmery pale gown, and she’s praising fellow Martina McBride, who penned the song she is about to debut, “Teenage Daughters.” She has three daughters, so not only is the perpetually young Martina – who is the perennial exception to my black is boring rule – the great country voice, she’s also the voice of experience tonight. As a mom of three, including a teenage boy myself, I love this song for being so relatable.
Clearly, I’m not the only one who could relate and love this song: She got a standing O. The crowd seems to be loving this show.
9:22: Another CBS homer, “CSI” star Marg Helgenberger, gets the honor of presenting the top male vocalist award. Go Blake!
Top Male Vocalist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Brad Paisley
*Blake Shelton
George Strait
Keith Urban
Brad Paisley (AP file)
9:24: Winner: Brad Paisley. I hate to see Blake go home empty-handed, but I can’t argue with the pick. He says “I’m honestly shocked. This is way too many of these for me.” He thanks country fans for giving him the chance to do this for a living, and he’s praising the other nominees, noting “I don’t want to even know how close the voting was.” He’s thanking everyone, including his parents, wife and kids and even his dog, Holler. Go Brad.
Darius Rucker
9:25: Chris Young and Julianne Hough are talking about their work with the ACM Lifting Lives music campers, people young and old who struggle with developmental disorders and issues but whom Chris says blew him away with their talents. Chris and Oklahoma-bred songwriter Brett James wrote the song “Music from the Heart,” which the campers and Darius Rucker are going to perform. It’s this year’s project from ACM Lifting Lives, the academy’s charity branch.
The crowd is on it feet clapping, and both Taylor and Carrie can be seen with tears in their eyes at the end of the performance. A few of the 25 campers also have tears on their cheeks, and they and Darius are bubbling with happiness. It’s an uplifting moment for a good cause.
The special performance will support the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, whose mission is to facilitate discoveries and best practices that make positive differences in the lives of persons with developmental disabilities and their families. The VKC has hosted a music camp for people with Williams Syndrome, Autism and other developmental disabilities for six years, and this past summer, ACM Lifting Lives sponsored the camp for the first time. Being so touched by the experience, the academy has sought to do more for those with developmental disabilities ever since, hence this performance.
Reba (AP file)
9:34: Blake is getting tongue tied as he introduces his co-host, who won a special off-camera ACM for being the academy’s most-awarded female star. Reba looks sophisticated in her slim, dark pantsuit as she croons new single “When Love Gets a Hold on You.” She sounds incredible as usual; it’s no wonder she’s nominated again for top female vocalist.
Today is my 34th birthday, but when I finally grow up, I want to be Reba.
Apparently, the crowd agrees, because they’re back on their feet to cheer for the flamehaired songbird from Chockie.
9:39: “Twilight” heartthrob Robert Pattinson guides “Water for Elephants” co-star and “Walk the Line” Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon. They shot part of “Water for Elephants” in Tennessee, and Rob tells her his favorite part about Tennessee was drinking moonshine and botches the common Southern phrase “hey, all y’all.”
They’re presenting top female vocalist. Go Miranda!
Top Female Vocalist of the Year
*Miranda Lambert
*Reba McEntire
Taylor Swift
*Carrie Underwood
Lee Ann Womack
Miranda Lambert
9:42: Winner: Miranda Lambert! Woohoo! “We say ‘How are all y’all,” Miranda tells Rob and Reese, and then comments that she doesn’t know why she’s up there. She gets effusive as she lavishes thanks on her fans for supporting her. I guess she was just trying to give her collaborators a chance to talk with her previous acceptance speeches, because she seems plenty thrilled now. Go Ran! Can’t wait to see here Thursday.
Zac Brown Band (AP file)
James Taylor (AP file)
9:46: Reba and Blake are back, and he’s noting that she was recently was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Wax. She’s correcting him that it’s Country Music Hall of Fame and scold him, “When you’re in a hole, quit digging and start introducing.” Alan Jackson gets some big cheer as he takes the stage; unfortunately, it’s not to perform. But he’s introducing a performance that “ought to be really cool”: His recent collaborators Zac Brown Band with singer-songwriter James Taylor.
ZBB always gives such great performances on these awards shows, and they’re doing another fantastic job with Taylor on “Colder Weather.” This is definitely a highlight of tonight’s show. (Yes, Alan Jackson with ZBB would have done more to appease traditional country fans, but we’ve seen it already.) Now, James Taylor and ZBB are segueing seamlessly into Taylor’s classic “Sweet Baby James.” Oh, yeah, definitely deserving of that standing O. That was just amazing.
9:56: Ryan Seacrest is up to give EOY, and he notes, “People say this has been a great night for country music; I disagree. This has been a great night for American music.” Hmm. Interesting.
He says this is the most votes ever cast in the EOY category. Here are the nominees. Can Miranda continue to dominate?
Entertainer of the Year
Jason Aldean
*Toby Keith
*Miranda Lambert
Brad Paisley
Taylor Swift
Keith Urban
Taylor Swift
9:58: Winner: Taylor Swift. “This is the first time I’ve ever won this, and I’m losing my mind,” says Taylor, who looks lovely and shocked in her long, lacy yellow gown. “The fact that this is from the fans, you’re the best thing that ever happened to me ever.” She notes she just came back from touring Asia and thanks her fans for not forgetting her.
Hmm, again. It’s not really a surprise, since it seems the ACMs set her up to win by eliminating Carrie Underwood and her huge fan base from contention. No doubt Taylor Swift had a great year with the runaway success of “Speak Now” and the accompanying tour. But I would have loved to see Miranda make it a sweep tonight. Ah, well, she did OK anyway.
9:59: Reba gives Blake the final word of the evening. “Good night,” he says. “That’s two words!” she scolds. “Damn,” says Blake.
Traditional country fans probably couldn’t have put it better. It makes me sad that Mel McDaniel didn’t get a tribute or that special award winners like Garth Brooks didn’t get any notice at all, except for Reba (and only because she was co-hosting).
Still, it was an interesting night in Las Vegas and for the annual BAM’s Blog ACM Awards live blog. It’s my birthday, so I’m going to treat myself to a piece of cake. I invite you guys to celebrate or cope with your disgust, whichever your country music affiliation, with the pastry of your choice.
Thanks for spending the evening and my b-day with me!
-BAM
Hemingway’s Whiskey – Kenny Chesney (BNA) – Produced by: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney
Need You Now — Lady Antebellum (Capitol Records Nashville) – Produced by: Lady Antebellum, Paul Worley
The Guitar Song – Jamey Johnson (Mercury) – Produced by: Arlis Albritton, Dave Cobb, The Kent Hardly Playboys
Speak Now – Taylor Swift (Big Machine Records) – Produced by: Nathan Chapman, Taylor Swift
Up on the Ridge – Dierks Bentley (Capitol Records Nashville) – Produced by: Jon Randall Stewart
You Get What You Give – Zac Brown Band (Southern Ground / Roar / Bigger Picture / Atlantic) – Produced by: Zac Brown, Keith Stegall
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Comments
Where on earth is the country music? This should be the Academy of Heavy Metal Music Awards. Good grief Carrie, get over it, and get back to dancin’ with who brung ya — country music fans !
I loved the Brad and Alabama song and love your comments. A very interesting show so far and very entertaining.
I find it hard to figure out how most of the groups or singles were picked to compete in the award show. Not too many can sing, maybe rap a little!!!!! Lady Antebellum and Sugarland are the only two that truly can sing and carry a tune!!!!!!!!
Were is country music, it gets more rock every year. Nashville should be ashamed to call this music country. Sad to watch this show. The last few years the awards have slipped away. They used to bring out some of the older star’s and pay tribute, they have forgotten where country music came from. We have lost our music. Sad Sad Day……….
I was watching and had the DVR recording the show, eliminating some other shows I usually record. Definitely not watching after the first 45 minutes. This isn’t country music and doesn’t even seem like an awards show. I am a traditionalist and when we say Country; make it Country! Very sad.
I like rock and I like country but not together. If this show stays in Vegas I will definitely skip it next year. Catering to a younger audience is getting really tiresome. A Huge waste of time.
Enjoyed watching “music from the heart” and Loved Zac Brown and James Taylor! Glad I kept watching for that but could’ve just read your blog for everything else so far. Thanks Brandy!!
So happy for Miranda!!! She deserved every award that she received last night. Revolution and The House that Built Me were just awesome.
Great Blog and the show was spectacular! Come on, Sara Evans was out of this world good and the Carrie – Steven Tyler duo was a show stopper. Everybody loves James Taylor and Reba is always great. Best awards show in a long time.
As a country traditionalist, I am screaming. Give me George Strait anyday.