Live blog: 2011 CMA Awards
Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley
7:00: Blake Shelton is getting the proceedings off to a country-rock start performing his cover of the iconic movie theme “Footloose.” Blake’s looking dapper in his all-black look, wielding a guitar while surrounded by a troupe of appropriately action-packed dancers.
Blake Shelton (AP file)
7:02: “Footloose” originator Kenny Loggins takes the stage, getting big cheers from the crowd as he joins in on the movie theme he made famous.
7:04: Co-hosts Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley are making their first appearance in this their fourth straight year to preside over the story. And what the heck is Carrie wearing. It looks like there were a few extra yards of white fabric left over from her wedding that they stapled in random places and then attached with a bling belt.
7:05: Brad is cutting right to the jokes, coming out and playing an acoustic riff on Hank Williams Jr.’s “All My Rowdy Friends,” calling himself Brad-cephus and asking “Are you ready for an awards show?” Carrie quickly scolds him and tells him to switch to plan B, singing as he strums a new version of “Family Tradition,” pondering “Hank why do you drink before an interview?” And of course, Bocephus himself shows up behind them. Of course, they’re feigning surprise and then getting Hank Jr. to sing them into their jokes.
Faith Hill and Tim McGraw (AP file)
7:08: OK, that may have been the most hilarious and wrong thing I’ve ever seen on an award show: Carrie and Brad gave each other Tim McGraw and Faith Hill Ken and Barbie dolls, and Brad squeals, “I can’t wait until after the show, can we play with them now?” And now they’re making the dolls make out as Brad sings “I like it, I love it, I want some more of it.” “Hey do you think these things are anatomically correct?” “Only one way to find out?” They turn around, check and then issue apologies to Faith.
Blake also takes a hit as Brad says he inspired “The Voice” concept: “People have been turning their chairs when Blake sings for years.” Brad also praises Blake for opening the show with the “country classic ‘Footloose.’” Funny because it’s true, folks. It’s an odd choice.
7:10: “Modern Family’s” Eric Stonestreet joins the party but before presenting the first award, he scolds Brad and Carrie for not mentioning Kim Kardashian’s short-lived wedding. Brad, Eric and Carrie begin performing a riff on Randy Travis’ “Forever and Ever Amen,” making fun of Kim, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, Blake and Miranda Lambert, Carrie and her hubby Mike Fisher and Brad and his long-suffering wife Kimberly Williams Paisley along the way.
7:12: Now it’s time for the first award, single of the year, and Blake is among the nominees:
(Award goes to Artist and Producer(s))
“A Little Bit Stronger”
Sara Evans
Produced by Tony Brown
RCA Nashville
“Colder Weather”
Zac Brown Band
Produced by Keith Stegall and Zac Brown
Southern Ground Artists/Atlantic Records
“Don’t You Wanna Stay”
Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson
Produced by Michael Knox
Broken Bow Records
*”Honey Bee”
Blake Shelton
Produced by Scott Hendricks
Warner Bros. Nashville
“If I Die Young”
The Band Perry
Produced by Paul Worley
Republic Nashville
The Band Perry (AP file)
7:14: Winner: The Band Perry’s breakout mega-hit “If I Die Young.” I doubt it will be the first time the sibling trio is thanking their fans, radio and label head Scott Borchetta.
Keith Urban (AP file)
7:17: Carrie has changed into a much less, um, distinctive but much more attractive short, sparkly golden dress. Brad is thanking her for the Tim doll to complete his set, which includes Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban. He’s showing her a standard-size redhaired Barbie, paired with a little blond action figure guy holding a guitar. Like Brad needs to mock anyone for height issues. But it’s a good intro for Keith’s performance of “You Gonna Fly with Me,” and his taking his guitar and soaring ballad onto the lighted runaway out in the crowd. It’s been a pretty energetic show so far.
Sara Evans
7:21: This year’s comeback girl Sara Evans is slowing it down, singing her anthemic hit “A Little Bit Stronger” against a blue backdrop and billowing smoke. She looks terrific in her all black pant suit, and she’s accompanied by aerial dancers suspended from long red ropes. Sara is in great voice, and she’s getting big applause at the end of her performance. It’s a warm welcome back for her.
Miranda Lambert
7:28: Carrie is in a sparkly pink dress with a sassy sash at the waist, and she’s reading a copy of Brad’s book “Diary of a Player.” When he asks if she’s read anything interesting, she tosses it over her shoulder and says “nope.” Speaking of sassy, they’re quickly kicking it over to Tishomingo country star and reigning CMA female vocalist Miranda Lambert, who’s belting her new smash single “Baggage Claim.” It’s the lead-off single from her new album “Four the Record,” which I love, love, love. Miranda looks terrific in her slim black pantsuit with the long silver fringe and the silver, bejeweled ginormous belt that covers her whole midriff. I love it when she does her stomping around the stage, hair-tossing dance. Blake is on his feet to cheer on his honey, and I can’t blame him. She’s awesome!
7:32: Kellie Pickler comments to “Twilight” actor Kellan Lutz that “They always give me the cute co-presenter.” “Me, too,” he replies. They’re going to present song of the year. Are the CMAs openminded enough to give it to “Dirt Road Anthem,” or will it go to something a bit more traditional?
Song of the Year
(Award goes to Songwriter(s))
“Colder Weather”
Zac Brown, Wyatt Durrette, Levi Lowrey, and Coy Bowles
“Dirt Road Anthem”
Brantley Gilbert and Colt Ford
“If I Die Young”
Kimberly Perry
“Mean”
Taylor Swift
“You and Tequila”
Matraca Berg and Deana Carter
The Band Perry
7:34: Winner: Nope, it’s The Band Perry with another win for “If I Die Young.” Kimberly Perry says she believes the song was “always meant to be but I sure was glad have pen and paper in hand when it decided to come down to Earth.” She’s calling her brothers the backbone of the band and effusively thanking their parents.
Zac Brown Band (AP file)
7:35: Zac Brown Band, who have five nominations tonight, are playing a tribute to their home state with “Georgia on My Mind.” It’s a cover that would do Ray Charles proud, with Gregg Allman contributing on vocals and piano. Allman and Zac Brown sound terrific together, and the crowd is giving that performance a standing ovation. ZBB always give such great performances on these shows.
Rascal Flatts and Natasha Bedingfield (AP file)
7:42: Rascal Flatts is taking the stage to perform their latest hit “Easy,” a duet with pop star Natasha Bedingfield, who will be joining them shortly. Love those three-part harmonies these guys make look so easy! Natasha is wearing another, um, unusual dress. The top is just a plain black camisole, but the skirt looks like an enormous magenta towel all bunched up around her. Because terry cloth is an underutilized fabric in formal wear, right? Yes, please turn the camera toward Picher’s own Joe Don Rooney and his big guitar solo and away from the scary dress. I think the performance is pretty good, but I keep waiting for Natasha to turn into Muppet, since her dress is already halfway there.
7:45: Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas of the new ABC fantasy series “Once Upon a Time” are going to present the award for duo of the year. Oklahoma now has a pair in this category, with Thompson Square, which includes Miami native Keifer Thompson. But can he and his wife Shawna overcome the Sugarland powerhouse?
Vocal Duo of the Year
The Civil Wars
Montgomery Gentry
Steel Magnolia
Sugarland
*Thompson Square
Sugarland
7:47: Nope, Sugarland wins for the fifth straight year. Jennifer Nettles tells Gregg Allman that she’s the one who shook his hand on the red carpet, and even though he doesn’t know who she is, “I really like you.” They’re dedicating the award to their fans, whom Kristian Bush says “saved us this year,” and the good people of Indiana, where that horrible accident happened this year at their state fair show.
Eric Church
7:48: Brad points out that there are lots of newcomers in the mix at this year’s awards, and they’re going to showcase a few of them, starting with new outlaw Eric Church, playing “Drink in My Hand.” Eric is going to play Dec. 3 at WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, and I got to interview him recently. He was a super nice guy to chat with on the phone, and he’s making the most of this showcase for his raucous country-rock.
Thompson Square
7:50: Now Thompson Square is getting the chance to show their stuff. The husband-and-wife duo looks so adorably in love every time I see them perform together. Shawna is in a black dress with a puffy-filmy black shirt and albino peacock earrings and Keifer’s wearing a golden leather jacket and strumming a white guitar as they play their huge breakout hit “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not.” Good luck to those two in the new artist category, even though they’ve been trying to break through in Nashville for about 15 years now. Oklahoma fans will get to see them live in January when they open for Lady Antebellum at Tulsa’s BOK Center.
Chris Young
7:54: The third newcomer in this three-act showcase is the super-sexy, smooth-voiced crooner Chris Young performing his wonderful family tribute “Voices.” Chris is playing the Diamond Ballroom in OKC in February before embarking on tour with Miranda Lambert, and I’m going to do my best to make that show!
Taylor Swift (AP file)
8:00: Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, who is nominated for five awards tonight, is perched on a couch strumming her guitar as she croons her earnest ballad “Ours.” She looks cozy in her bright pink sweater and black pants. It’s a sleepy little love song, and you can hear some of her fans shouting “We love you Taylor” in the crowd. It’s a well-written song and a decent but not fantastic vocal performance. She still sounds so much better in concert, but the star-studded crowd likes it: Led by Tim and Faith, they’re giving Taylor a standing O.
Luke Bryan
8:05: Carrie is wearing a jaunty black hat and a spangly black jacket, as if she might be called upon to break into her feisty hit “Cowboy Casanova” at any moment. But she’s encouraging the crowd “Let’s hear it for Taylor” and then kicking it to Luke Bryan, who is surrounded by a troupe of curvy dancers decked out in short shorts and writhing around chairs as he performs his smash “Country Girl (Shake it for Me).” He quickly grabs his trademark trucker hat so he can get in the spirit of the downhome rowdy hit, jumping up on one of the dancing girl’s chairs, but he sounds a bit breathless while singing. Still, it’s an energetic perforance that gets the crowd up on its feet again. The Georgia boy spikes his hat and toss his arms triumphantly in the air when it’s done.
Mac McAnally
8:08: The announcer just told us that the musician of the year award was given out before the show to Mac McAnally.
Musician of the Year
Sam Bush – Mandolin
Jerry Douglas – Dobro
Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar
Dann Huff – Guitar
Mac McAnally – Guitar
8:13: Brad comes rushing out in black jeans and black shirt with sparkly silver jacket and white cowboy hat, saying that they’re not quite set up for the next number. And he wonders where’s Carrie since she’s supposed to be out there. A stagehand rolls out Miss Piggy caterwauling “Remind Me,” and Carrie comes out claiming that someone locked her in the dressing room. When Miss Piggy demands that Brad make Carrie leave, the pink-clad songstress tells the porcine diva that she got into show biz because she loved the Muppet so much as a kid. When that seems to soften Miss Piggy’s grudge against Carrie, Brad says “No, it’s you and me Piggy, we go together like bacon and eggs.” Miss Piggy responds by backhanding Brad to the floor, and Carrie comments, “I’ve always wanted to do that.”
Miss Piggy, of course, is promoting her new movie “The Muppets,” which I’ve seen and promise is much funnier than that little awards show interlude. I even got to talk to Miss Piggy, which was awesome!
8:15: Lady A is out to sing their new hit “We Owned the Night,” which is my absolute favorite song from their new album. But the trio usually puts on absolute electric performances, and this one seems a bit subdued.
8:19: ESPN sportscaster and “Good Morning America” correspondent Erin Andrews and 2011 World Series MVP and St. Louis Cardinals third baseman David Freese are going to present album of the year, and I’m rooting for Blake and betting on Brad.
Album of the Year
(Award goes to Artist and Producer(s))
*All About Tonight
Blake Shelton
Produced by Scott Hendricks
Warner Bros. Nashville
My Kinda Party
Jason Aldean
Produced by Michael Knox
Broken Bow Records
Speak Now
Taylor Swift
Produced by Nathan Chapman and Taylor Swift
Big Machine Records
This Is Country Music
Brad Paisley
Produced by Frank Rogers
Arista Nashville
You Get What You Give
Zac Brown Band
Produced by Keith Stegall and Zac Brown
Southern Ground Artists/Atlantic Records
Jason Aldean
8:20: Wow, Jason Aldean wins it for “My Kinda Party,” which has undeniably been a huge album for him. He’s reached superstar status, but Jason still seems a bit stunned when he says “Man what a year” and thanks his wife, daughters, fans, record label and producer. The CMAs really seem to be giving the newcomers room to shine this year.
Kenny Chesney and Grace Potter (AP file)
8:21: Rocker Grace Potter is joining Kenny Chesney to sing their hit duet “You and Tequila.” Man, they sound amazing together on this song. Kenny is wearing a pair of ragged jeans, but Grace looks like her usual gorgeous diva self in her short white dress with the fringe. They’re both strumming acoustic guitars, and I tell you, I could listen to this all day.
8:31: It wouldn’t be the CMA Awards with Brad Paisley without Little Jimmy Dickens, who is dressed as Justin Bieber in a New York Yankees hat and leather jacket and joking that his new song will be “It Ain’t My Baby, Baby.” So silly.
Lionel Richie (AP file)
8:32: But it’s over quickly as Brad and Carrie introduce R&B legend Lionel Richie, who is readying a country duets album called “Tuskegee.” Quartet Little Big Town start off “Deep River Woman” with those wonderful harmonies, and the crowd leaps to their feet for standing O as Lionel takes the stage with a grin and begins crooning with them.
8:34: There’s more big applause as LBT exits the stage and Darius Rucker joins Lionel for “Stuck on You,” which has several famous folks in the crowd singing and smiling along. That’s too smooth Southern voices right there.
8:36: Rascal Flatts returns to the stage to turn up the tempo again, performing “Dancing on the Ceiling” with Richie. Gary LeVox’s high, clear voice contrasts nicely with Lionel’s, and Joe Don really knows how to rock a guitar solo. Oh, what a feeling, indeed. I love Blake in the crowd bobbing his head like a kid; he and I are about the same age and we both grew up with this song. Lionel takes a big bow the Flatts as the crowd lavishes them with applause.
8:44: Brad and two students from the Nashville School for the Arts are performing a lovely rendition of The Band Perry’s “If I Die Young” to promote CMA’s charitable partnership with Nashville Public Schools and Chevrolet. He’s letting the students introduce The Band Perry, who aren’t performing “If I Die Young”; instead they’re playing their newest ballad “All Your Life.” Kimberly Perry looks like an old-school diva in a long column of red sequins and her long blond hair swept into a loose updo. Very pretty and elegant. And lots of applause for The Band Perry.
8:50: LeAnn Rimes and Billy Currington are going to give out the award for vocal group of the year. Can the upstart Band Perry beat out Lady A?
Vocal Group of the Year
The Band Perry
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
*Rascal Flatts
Zac Brown Band
Lady A
8:51: Nope, Lady A wins it again. Dave Heywood said, “There’s no way we can be singled out in this group this year.” But they are. They’re thanking their family and friends and fans, and Charles Kelley literally shouts out that he wants to see you when they go out on tour starting Friday. They’ll be at the BOK Center in January, and you have your orders, Lady A fans.
Matt Nathanson
8:52: Folk-rocker Matt Nathanson is joining Sugarland to sing “Run.” He and Jennifer Nettles are actually fairly well matched vocally. It’s my first time to hear this duet, and it’s working better than I anticipated. It’s actually kind of a sexy song, despite Matt’s scraggly goatee.
8:55: We’re finding out that video of the year was handed out before the show, and the prize went to Kenny Chesney and Grace Potter’s “You and Tequila.” It’s hard to argue with that, except for the part about them not actually awarding the award at the awards show.
Music Video of the Year
(Award goes to Artist and Director)
*”Honey Bee”
Blake Shelton
Directed by Trey Fanjoy
“If I Die Young”
The Band Perry
Directed by David McClister
“Mean”
Taylor Swift
Directed by Declan Whitebloom
“Old Alabama”
Brad Paisley featuring Alabama
Directed by Jim Shea
“You and Tequila”
Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter
Directed by Shaun Silva
Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley (AP file)
9:01: Brad and Carrie are going to perform their chart-topping duet “Remind Me” for the first time on national TV right now. When I talked to Carrie about working with Brad, she likened him to the big brother she never had. Carrie looks like a true diva in her long strapless black and white gown with the swirling pattern and long slit up the side. It seems like it took them the first verse and chorus to get warmed up, but now she’s belting and he’s working that guitar and it isn’t hard to see why their superstars – and why I’m pretty sure we’ll hear a third duet from them in the not-too-distant future. They’re getting a standing O, Carrie is grinning and Brad is sweeping off his hat.
9:05: Lauren Alaina gives a shoutout to “my girl Carrie” before she and Jake Owen read off the new artist nominees. I’m betting it’s The Band Perry.
New Artist of the Year
The Band Perry
Luke Bryan
Eric Church
*Thompson Square
Chris Young
The Band Perry
9:06: Winner: The Band Perry. It was a pretty safe bet with the night they’re having tonight. Kimberly Perry simply thanks the crowd for the past two years and vows to keep working hard on the road and in the studio to keep earning the award.
Scotty McCreery
9:07: Now another new artist is taking the stage, “American Idol” winner Scotty McCreery is singing his “Walk in the Country” and then smoothly transitions into recognizing the CMA radio award winners. I’m still amazed at that deep voice of his.
Jason Aldean
9:13: Album of the year Jason Aldean is crooning the latest single from “My Kinda Party,” the anthemic “Tattoos on This Town.” It just amazes me how his career has totally blown up in the past couple of years. It’s historically been hard for an artist on an indie label to make a mark on the CMAs, but this Georgia Southern rocker just won’t be denied it seems.
9:17: Oscar-winning actress and Nashville’s own Reese Witherspoon, who looks stunning in a short fire-engine red dress, is back home to give the male vocalist award. I hope Blake repeats!
Male Vocalist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
*Blake Shelton
Keith Urban
Blake Shelton
9:19: Winner: BLAKE! Woot! He gives Miranda a big hug and kiss before saying, “Y’all are spoiling me … I didn’t really prepare anything because I didn’t think you’d let me get away with this twice.”
Martina McBride
9:20: Carrie looks like a tropical princess in her short floral printed dress, and she’s introducing “one of our greatest vocalists,” Martina McBride, who is performing her hopeful cancer anthem “I’m Gonna Love You Through It.” Such a touching song. And I know I probably say this every time, but is Martina McBride just ageless or is just me. She looks so pretty and youthful in her white suit. And the arena has been darkened, and the whole crowd is waving white glow lights. Such a moment to go with this song. I just got goosebumps.
Glen Campbell
9:29: We’re coming to what is sure to be a highlight of the show: Oklahoma native Vince Gill, Keith Urban and Brad Paisley are going to perform a tribute to Glen Campbell. Kudos to Vince for his fellow Okie shoutout; Vince says “No one sings a Jimmy Webb song like Glen Campbell.” Amen.
Vince Gill (AP file)
Vince is singing “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” while Campbell and his wife watching with smiles from the crowd. Keith, who briefly spoke of Campbell’s global influence, and Brad, who praised Glen for facing Alzheimer’s with grace, are playing guitar. Love watching Glen mouthing the words and Reba looking like she might burst into tears at any moment.
9:31: It’s another Jimmy Webb hit for Campell: Keith Urban is crooning “Wichita Lineman,” and it’s a fine rendition. But I’ll never forget Blake’s performance of this song with Jimmy Webb at the 2007 Oklahoma Centennial celebration. Gotta give Keith props for his great guitar solo, though. So far this tribute is tuneful and tasteful and totally living up to my expectations.
9:33: Brad is taking over with yet another Webb hit for Campbell, “Galveston,” which really suits his voice and gets a double thumbs up from Glen. He’s mouthing the words again, the whole crowd is on its feet, and great old photos of Glen’s career are flashing on the giant video screen. And people I may be crying on the keyboard any moment.
Jimmy Webb
9:34: Awesome! Jimmy Webb is there playing piano along with these great guitar slingers and singers. The Oklahoma songwriter gets introduced just before Campbell and gives Glen a huge hug once he makes the stage. Campbell gives the others hugs, too, before strumming to commercial. It’s great that they did this tribute tonight. Lavish praise to all involved for recognizing a legend before he left us.
9:41: Carrie is looking fabulous in her short black dress with the long silvery fringe, and Brad is on his cell. It seems the Oscars are looking for a host, and he’s going to have their people call the Oscar people. I guess now that Eddie Murphy is out as the Academy Awards host, anything goes. Although I’ll bet Brian Grazer, who just got named the new producer of the Oscars telecast tonight, comes up with something.
Carrie and Brad are introducing Faith Hill for her first CMA Awards performance in five years. She’s singing a fervent plea called “Come Home,” but it seems like she’d rather be doing something more uptempo. Decked out in a silver-adorned black pantsuit and working some big hair, she’s waving her arms and jumping up and down like someone swapped her country-rocker with a piano ballad. After hearing her sing the rollicking “Sunday Night Football” theme for years, that was kind of odd. But the crowd is on its feet and Tim is grinning like mad for his wife.
9:45: Dierks Bentley and “Revenge” star Emily Van Camp are going to present female vocalist. Hoping for two in a row for Miranda!
Female Vocalist of the Year
Sara Evans
*Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
Taylor Swift
*Carrie Underwood
Miranda Lambert (AP file)
9:47: Woot for Miranda! “Seriously?” she asks. After having such a big year last year, she says she didn’t expect to win two in a row. She praises her fellow nominees as deserving it as much if not more as she does. She also congratulations her hubby. “It’s gonna be a good night tonight, baby,” she squeals as Blake rubs his hands together and grins a bit maniacally.
I love Miranda’s short, sparkly purply-pink dress, but I thought it was hilarious that she kept pulling at the sleeveless top when she learned about the award. She’s just so real sometimes.
9:50: And we heard that Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson won the vocal event of the year off camera.
Musical Event of the Year
(Award goes to each Artist)
“As She’s Walking Away”
Zac Brown Band featuring Alan Jackson
Southern Ground Artists/Atlantic Records
*”Coal Miner’s Daughter”
Loretta Lynn, Sheryl Crow, and Miranda Lambert
Columbia Records Nashville
“Don’t You Wanna Stay”
Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson
Broken Bow Records
“Old Alabama”
Brad Paisley featuring Alabama
Arista Nashville
“You and Tequila”
Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter
BNA Records
9:52: Carrie now is dressed like she’s going to get kidnapped by a sheik and taken to live in the Arabian desert at any moment – but she’s quickly kicking it to fellow Oklahoma native and newest member of the Country Music Hall of Fame Reba, who will present the entertainer of the year award. Here are the possibles:
Entertainer of the Year
Jason Aldean
Brad Paisley
*Blake Shelton
Taylor Swift
Keith Urban
Taylor Swift (Sherry Brown, Tulsa World Archives)
9:56: Winner: Taylor Swift. After hugging everyone in sight, she takes the stage with her usual enthusiasm and gushes about the camaraderie among artists this year. She’s reading off her arm a list of all the stars who sang with her on her tour this year, including Ronnie Dunn, Kenny Chesney, B.o.B. and Justin Bieber. “You’ve just made my year!” she exclaims.
9:57: Carrie – still dressed like she’s getting ready to join a harem – and Brad thank everyone for watching. “We’ll see you at the Oscars,” Brad says. At least they know how to close a show on time. We’re even seeing a few minutes of highlights to fill time ’til 10 p.m.
That’s the live blog for this year. Thanks for following along. Congratulations to all the winners. It’s gonna be a happy night in the Lambert-Shelton household!
Look for more coverage on the CMA Awards on my blog later tonight and Thursday.
-BAM
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Luke Bryan was AWESOME!!!!