Clear Channel to promote Carrie Underwood’s new album “Blown Away” across multiple platforms
Carrie Underwood (AP file)
Clear Channel Media and Entertainment today announced a partnership with Sony Nashville to launch Checotah native Carrie Underwood’s fourth album, “Blown Away,” set to release next Tuesday, May 1.
Beginning today, Clear Channel will launch a two-week-long on-air and online Artist Integration Program designed to leverage Clear Channel’s powerful properties and audiences to introduce Blown Away to listeners and fans, according to a news release. The multi-platform promotion also will feature a special performance by Underwood for iHeartRadio Live, a Clear Channel entertainment production at the iHeartRadio Theater presented by P.C. Richard & Son in New York City.
Underwood is a five-time Grammy winner, two-time Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year, three-time Country Music Association and ACM Female Vocalist winner and proud member of the Grand Ole Opry. Since her debut in 2005, Underwood has amassed more than 14 million in album sales and has placed 14 No. 1 singles on the charts. Underwood’s new single, “Good Girl,” from “Blown Away” is currently soaring up the charts.
The campaign will include a series of on-air spots created by Clear Channel’s top Imaging Directors, which will run across its network of country stations nationwide and their online station streams, featuring audio clips from an exclusive interview with Underwood.
As part of the program, one winner and a guest will receive a trip to the Bayou Country Superfest to meet Underwood and see her perform, courtesy of Arista Nashville. Additionally, on Monday,, Underwood will join “Elvis Duran and the Z100 Morning Show” for a live, in-studio interview on Z100.
Other elements of the campaign will include a custom content portal featuring the extended interview with Underwood and a banner ad campaign, driving listeners to purchase her latest album on iTunes. Fans also can check out Underwood’s artist-seeded station, which will be showcased on the homepage of iHeartRadio.com, Clear Channel’s centralized online radio network.
“Carrie Underwood is an established music icon. We’re thrilled to partner with Sony Nashville on her album release, utilizing our multi-platform capabilities to create an event around the release and bring our audiences that much closer to her music,” said Tom Poleman, President of Clear Channel National Programming Platforms, in the release. “The Artist Integration Program and iHeartRadio Live performance are a perfect complement to one another, combining the power of our audience reach across our radio network and digital platforms.”
To kick off the new album’s release on May 1, Underwood will perform to a group of Clear Channel listeners songs from “Blown Away,” as well as other hit singles at an exclusive, private show at the iHeartRadio Theater presented by P.C. Richard & Son, the live performance home for Clear Channel radio stations in New York City. The intimate show also will stream live for fans at iHeartRadio.com.
“Clear Channel is such a great supporter of superstar Carrie Underwood,” said Gary Overton, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Nashville, in the release. “She is excited about sharing the music from her new album ‘Blown Away’ with her fans in the Clear Channel and iHeartRadio studios in New York.”
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Carrie Underwood, Justin Bieber, LMFAO and The Wanted first performers announced for Billboard Music Awards
Carrie Underwood
Justin Bieber (AP file)
Checotah native Carrie Underwood, Justin Bieber, LMFAO and The Wanted are the first performers announced 2012 Billboard Music Awards, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The May 20 show will air from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas for the second year in a row on ABC.
Underwood, who earlier today received a leading five nominations for the June 6 CMT Music Awards, will add the Billboard Music Awards to what is shaping up to be a busy spring and summer for the 2005 “American Idol” winner. On May 1, she will release her fourth album, “Blown Away,” which includes her new top 10 single “Good Girl.”
The country superstar’s latest album follows three best-selling efforts – 2005′s “Some Hearts,” 2007′s “Carnival Ride” and 2009′s “Play On” – that spawned 14 smash singles including “Jesus, Take The Wheel,” “Before He Cheats” and “Cowboy Casanova.” Her three previously albums have sold a combined 12 million copies, according to the trade publication, citing Nielsen SoundScan.
Bieber also is readying to release a hotly anticipated new album, “Believe.” The June 19 already boasts an infectious lead single, “Boyfriend.” The teen phenom topped the Billboard 200 chart twice last year, with his “Never Say Never: The Remixes” album and his “Under The Mistletoe” holiday release, after scoring his first No. 1 album with “My World 2.0″ in 2010.
Electro-pop duo LMFAO have reached the top of the Hot 100 twice in the past year, with “Party Rock Anthem” and “Sexy And I Know It,” and became trend-setting stars by performing alongside Madonna at the Super Bowl Halftime Show in February.
U.K. pop vocal group The Wanted have exploded to success in the U.S., with their hypnotizing single “Glad You Came” hitting the top 5 of the Hot 100 and performances on “American Idol,” “The Voice” and “Today.” Their self-titled debut U.S. EP is due out Tuesday.
More announcements are on the way, with additional acts and presenters to be revealed in the coming weeks, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Last year, the Billboard Music Awards returned in grand fashion at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, with show-stopping performances by Beyonce, Pitbull, Nicki Minaj, Lady Antebellum, the Black Eyed Peas, Rihanna and Britney Spears, among others.
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Carrie Underwood leads CMT Music Awards nominations; Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts, Thompson Square, Toby Keith and Vince Gill also earn nods
Carrie Underwood (AP file)
A version of this story will appear in Tuesday’s The Oklahoman.
Checotah native Carrie Underwood will compete for a leading five prizes and Tishomingo resident Miranda Lambert will vie for four trophies when the 11th annual CMT Music Awards are handed out June 6.
Women dominated the field and Oklahomans were well represented when the nominations for the fan-voted awards show were announced Monday morning on the “Today” show. Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts, Thompson Square, Toby Keith and Vince Gill also are among the nominees with state ties.
Underwood earned two nominations in the top category, video of the year: one “Good Girl,” the video to her uptempo first single from her forthcoming album “Blown Away,” and one for “Remind Me,” the mini-movie for her chart-topping duet with fellow country superstar Brad Paisley. She also received a female video of the year nod for “Good Girl,” and she and Paisley share a collaborative video of the year nomination for “Remind Me.” In addition, the 2005 “American Idol” winner and “Idol” judge and Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler are nominated for CMT Performance of the Year for their medley “Just a Dream/Dream On” from “CMT Crossroads: Steven Tyler and Carrie Underwood From the Pepsi Super Bowl Fan Jam.”
Lambert received two nominations for her solo work and shares two with her bandmates in her all-girl trio Pistol Annies. The Texas native is nominated for video and female video of the year for the video to her heartbreaking hit “Over You.” The Pistol Annies, which include Lambert, Angaleena Presley and Ashley Monroe, garnered nods for group video and USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of the Year for “Hell on Heels,” the mini-movie to their sultry debut single.
Lambert’s husband and fellow Tishomingo resident Blake Shelton earned three nominations, with the video for his heartfelt ballad “God Gave Me You” getting the nod for video of the year and male video of the year. Plus, the Ada native will compete for CMT Performance of the Year for his cover of the movie theme “Footloose” from “Invitation Only: Blake Shelton.”
Rascal Flatts (AP file)
Superstar trio Rascal Flatts, which includes Picher-bred guitarist Joe Don Rooney, shares two nominations with British pop star Natasha Bedingfield, the band’s duet partner on its gold certified hit “Easy.” The video for “Easy” is nominated in the video of the year and collaborative video categories. In addition, Rascal Flatts will vie for group video of the year for “Banjo,” the mini-movie to their rollicking new top five single.
Breakout duo Thompson Square, which consists of Miami, OK, native Keifer Thompson and his wife Shawna, received three nominations, too. The couple is nominated for USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of the Year and duo video of the year for their playful ballad “I Got You.” The pair garnered a second duo video nod for the black-and-white mini-movie for their emotional love song “Glass.”
Norman resident Toby Keith’s “Red Solo Cup” continues to run over: The star-studded viral video smash earned two nominations, for video of the year and male video of the year.
Country Music Hall of Famer Vince Gill, who was born in Norman and raised in Oklahoma City, and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Sting share a nod for CMT Performance of the Year for their duet rendition of Sting’s “If I Ever Lose My Faith in You” from “CMT Crossroads: Sting and Vince Gill.”
Voting for the CMT Music Awards got underway this morning and continues through June 4, and fans can cast their ballots online at CMT.com, on their mobile device at CMT Mobile or the CMT Insider app available on iPhone, iPad and Android.
The CMT Music Awards will air live from Nashville June 6 on CMT and CMT.com.
The five finalists for video of the year will be announced at the beginning of the live show, and fans in the Eastern and Central time zones can then vote at CMT.com, CMT mobile, on the CMT Insider app and via text message throughout the live telecast to determine the night’s biggest winner.
Here is a complete list of the nominees:
Video of the Year
Jason Aldean — “Dirt Road Anthem”
Kenny Chesney Featuring Grace Potter — “You and Tequila”
*Toby Keith — “Red Solo Cup”
Lady Antebellum — “We Owned the Night”
*Miranda Lambert — “Over You”
*Brad Paisley With Carrie Underwood — “Remind Me”
*Rascal Flatts Featuring Natasha Bedingfield — “Easy”
*Blake Shelton — “God Gave Me You”
Taylor Swift Featuring the Civil Wars — “Safe & Sound”
*Carrie Underwood — “Good Girl”
Male Video of the Year
Jason Aldean — “Dirt Road Anthem”
Luke Bryan — “I Don’t Want This Night to End”
Eric Church — “Drink in My Hand”
*Toby Keith — “Red Solo Cup”
*Blake Shelton — “God Gave Me You”
Keith Urban — “Long Hot Summer”
Female Video of the Year
Sara Evans — “My Heart Can’t Tell You No”
*Miranda Lambert — “Over You”
Martina McBride — “I’m Gonna Love You Through It”
Kellie Pickler — “Tough”
Taylor Swift — “Ours”
*Carrie Underwood — “Good Girl”
Group Video of the Year
Eli Young Band — “Crazy Girl”
Lady Antebellum — “We Owned the Night”
*Pistol Annies — “Hell on Heels”
*Rascal Flatts — “Banjo”
The Band Perry — “All Your Life”
Zac Brown Band — “Keep Me in Mind”
Duo Video of the Year
Love and Theft — “Angel Eyes”
Montgomery Gentry — “Where I Come From”
Sugarland — “Tonight”
The Civil Wars — “Poison and Wine”
*Thompson Square — “Glass”
*Thompson Square — “I Got You”
USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of the Year
Lauren Alaina — “Georgia Peaches”
Brantley Gilbert — “Country Must Be Country Wide”
Hunter Hayes — “Storm Warning”
Scotty McCreery — “The Trouble With Girls”
*Pistol Annies — “Hell on Heels”
*Thompson Square — “I Got You”
Collaborative Video of the Year
Best video that featured a special collaborative appearance by artists; awarded to the artists (individual, group or duo)
Kenny Chesney Featuring Grace Potter — “You and Tequila”
*Brad Paisley With Carrie Underwood — “Remind Me”
*Rascal Flatts Featuring Natasha Bedingfield — “Easy”
Lionel Richie With Shania Twain — “Endless Love”
Taylor Swift Featuring the Civil Wars — “Safe & Sound”
Zac Brown Band Featuring Jimmy Buffett — “Knee Deep”
CMT Performance of the Year
(Musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on CMT)
Jason Aldean — “Tattoos on This Town” from 2011 CMT Artists of the Year
Lady Antebellum — “Dancin’ Away With My Heart” from 2011 CMT Artists of the Year
Little Big Town — “Fix You” from Music Builds: The CMT Disaster Relief Concert
*Blake Shelton — “Footloose” from Invitation Only: Blake Shelton
*Sting and Vince Gill — “If I Ever Lose My Faith in You” from CMT Crossroads: Sting and Vince Gill
*Steven Tyler and Carrie Underwood — “Just a Dream/Dream On” from CMT Crossroads: Steven Tyler and Carrie Underwood From the Pepsi Super Bowl Fan Jam
-BAM
Carrie Underwood to be featured April 30 on “Live on Letterman” webcast
Carrie Underwood (AP file)
CBS Interactive Music Group’s award-winning concert webcast series, “Live on Letterman,” will showcase country music superstar and multiple Grammy Award winner Carrie Underwood in a live webcast concert from the world-famous Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City at 7 p.m. Central Time Monday, April 30.
The Checotah native will play music from throughout her career, including her newest single, “Good Girl,” from her forthcoming album “Blown Away,” which hits stores May 1, the day after her webcast performance.
The “Live on Letterman” franchise, which has surpassed 100 million views to date, has been host to some of the most established bands and musicians across the globe, staged in an intimate and dynamic setting for worldwide followers to enjoy.
Fans will get to watch Underwood’s webcast live or on-demand at www.cbs.com/late_night/liveonletterman. In addition, the show will be available live and on-demand through CBS properties, broadcast on select CBS RADIO stations, viewable live on CBS’s JumboTron in Times Square, as well as via a live audio stream on Radio.com’s mobile applications. The webcasts also are offered through VEVO’s website and most mobile apps, with on-demand performances available across the entire VEVO platform including VEVO.com, mobile and connected devices and syndication partners.
Underwood’s “Live on Letterman” webcast will follow the taping of her performance on the “Late Show with David Letterman,” which will be broadcast later that evening. Letterman airs at 10:35 p.m. weekdays on the CBS Television Network.
Underwood is a five-time Grammy Award winner, a two-time Academy of Country Music Awards Entertainer of the Year, a three-time Country Music Association and ACM Female Vocalist winner and a proud member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Since her debut in 2005, the “American Idol” winner has amassed more than 14 million in album sales and has placed 14 No. 1 singles on the charts. Underwood’s new single, “Good Girl,” from her fourth album, “Blown Away,” is currently skyrocketing up the charts and was certified gold only six weeks after it was released.
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Video: Carrie Underwood featured in Parade’s “What People Earn, Then and Now” issue, out Sunday
Country music superstar and Checotah native Carrie Underwood is featured on the cover and highlighted in Parade Magazine’s 30th Annual Report: “What People Earn, Then and Now.”
The magazine describes the issue as “a peek at American paychecks over the past 30 years: the ups, the downs, and the surprising turnarounds,” reports The Oklahoman Features Editor Matt Price.
As revealed on the cover, Underwood made $15,980 as a waitress in 2004. Now, her income is pegged at $20 million.
The 2005 “American Idol” winner’s fourth album, “Blown Away,” is set for release in May.
The “What People Earn” issue of Parade will be included in Sunday’s edition of The Oklahoman.
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ACM Awards top Sunday night’s ratings
Tishomingo resident Miranda Lambert poses with her trophies for album of the year and female vocalist of the year at Sunday's Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas. (AP photo)
The Academy of Country Music Awards led CBS to a big Sunday victory as the awards broadcast was easily the night’s top program in viewers and key demographics, according to the network.
The ACM Awards was first in households (7.8/12), viewers (12.97m), adults 25-54 (4.2/09) and adults 18-49 (3.1/08), reports the network, citing Nielsen preliminary live plus same day ratings for April 1. Compared to last year’s ceremony, the ACM Awards was up 3 percent in households (from 7.6/12) and even in adults 25-54.
For the night, CBS was first in households (7.5/12), viewers (12.21m), adults 18-49 (2.6/07) and adults 25-54 (3.7/09).
Social media mentions around this year’s show hit an all-time high and was up more than 330 percent from last year’s show, according to social TV analytics company BlueFin. A new record was set in terms of fans voting in both Entertainer of the Year, which Taylor Swift won, and Best New Artist, which “American Idol” victor Scotty McCreery won. Total votes neared 1 million and was up more than 25 percent year-over-year.
Oklahoma-born and bred superstars Blake Shelton and Reba McEntire co-hosted the show for the second straight year, and Shelton’s wife and fellow Tishomingo resident Miranda Lambert was one of the night’s big victors, winning the top female vocalist and album of the year honors. Other winners with Oklahoma ties included Shelton, Thompson Square and Toby Keith. Shelton, Lambert, Keith, Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts performed on the show.
To read my live blog of the ACM Awards, click here.
Updated Sunday ratings will be available later in the week.
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Photo gallery 3: 2012 ACM Awards
Thompson Square - Shawna Thompson and her husband, Miami, OK, native Keifer Thompson - kiss their vocal duo of the year trophies Sunday at the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas. (AP)
The 47th Annual Academy of Country Awards aired live from Las Vegas Sunday night, with Oklahoma born-and bred superstars Blake Shelton and Reba McEntire co-hosting for the second straight year.
Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Thompson Square and Toby Keith were the artists with Oklahoma ties who emerged as big winners during the 2012 ACM Awards.
To read my live blog of the show, click here, and check out these Associated Press photos of the event:
Reba McEntire, who hails from Chokie, reacts as her co-host, Tishomingo resident Blake Shelton, tells a joke at her expense during the ACM Awards. (AP)
Tishomingo resident Miranda Lambert accepts the award for album of the year for "Four the Record" at the ACMs.
Carrie Underwood, who hails from Checotah, performs the opening number at the ACMs.
Blake Shelton and Lionel Richie shake hands at the end of their closing performance, a duet of Richie's ballad "You Are."
Reba McEntire charms the crowd while hosting the ACMs.
Photo gallery 1: 2012 Academy of Country Music Awards
Co-hosts Blake Shelton and Reba McEntire, both Oklahoma natives, appear onstage during the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards Sunday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. (AP)
The 47th Annual Academy of Country Awards aired live from Las Vegas Sunday night, with Oklahoma born-and bred superstars Blake Shelton and Reba McEntire co-hosting for the second straight year.
Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Thompson Square and Toby Keith were the artists with Oklahoma ties who emerged as big winners during the 2012 ACM Awards.
To read my live blog of the show, click here, and check out these Associated Press photos of the event:
Norman resident Toby Keith performs his smash "Red Solo Cup" during the ACM Awards. (AP)
Ashton Kutcher presents Tishomingo resident Miranda Lambert with the female vocalist of the year trophy at the ACM Awards.
From left, Steve Martin, Travis Toy and musical group Rascal Flatts' Jay Demarcus and Gary LeVox perform at the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday in Las Vegas.
Vocal duo of the year winners Thompson Square - Shawna Thompson and her husband, Miami, OK, native Keifer Thompson - appear onstage during the ACMs.
Checotah native Carrie Underwood performs her new hit "Good Girl" to open the ACM Awards.
Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Toby Keith and Thompson Square win big at 2012 ACM Awards
Miranda Lambert poses backstage with the awards for album of the year for "Four the Record" and female vocalist of the year at the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday, April 1, 2012 in Las Vegas. (AP Photo)
From Monday’s The Oklahoman. To read my live blog of the 2012 ACM Awards, click here.
Oklahomans dominate at ACM Awards|
Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Toby Keith and Thompson Square were among the winners Sunday night in Las Vegas
Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert reaffirmed their status as reigning country music’s power couple, Thompson Square broke out as the format’s hot new duo, and Toby Keith’s “Red Solo Cup” proved it really is more than just a cup during Sunday’s Academy of Country Music Awards.
And they were just the winners. From start to finish, stars with Oklahoma ties dominated the 47th Annual ACM Awards, which aired live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Shawna Thompson, left, and Miami, OK, native Keifer Thompson, of musical group Thompson Square, pose backstage with their awards for vocal duo of the year at the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday, April 1, 2012 in Las Vegas. (AP Photo
Checotah native Carrie Underwood opened the show in glitzy Vegas fashion with her rollicking new smash “Good Girl” before Oklahoma-born and bred superstars Blake Shelton and Reba McEntire took up co-hosting duties for the second straight year.
Shelton, who lives in Tishomingo, won the male vocalist of the year award, along with performing his new hit “Drink on It” and closing the three-hour broadcast crooning with Lionel Richie on the music icon’s ballad “You Are.”
“Now that was a real shocked face,” Shelton said as he accepted the award from fellow star Taylor Swift, whom he had teased about her often-surprised expression at awards shows. “I was sitting there awhile ago and I was repeating the lines to Dierks (Bentley’s) song (“Home”), it’s so cool: It’s been a long, hard ride, got a ways to go. And that’s still how I feel, man, but I’m proud to take this home tonight.”
But the Ada native was unable to best Swift in the top category, entertainer of the year. The acclaimed singer-songwriter also beat out Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley and Kenny Chesney to win the fan-voted award for the second straight year.
Shelton’s wife and fellow Tishomingo denizen Miranda Lambert racked up a pair of winning streaks, garnering the female vocalist title for the third straight year and earning her record-tying third album of the year trophy for “Four the Record.”
“I don’t know what to say … Thank you Jesus for giving me this gift that I can share with all of my fans, that’s what I’ve got to say,” said Lambert, who accepted the female vocalist award before performing her emotional hit “Over You.”
“I’m such a country fan. I’m so proud of country music and I love us all. We deserve this.”
The Texas native joins Alabama and George Strait as the only artists to have three wins in the album category. Her fourth album, “Four the Record” is her third straight release to win
Blake Shelton poses backstage with the award for male vocalist of the year at the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday, April 1, 2012 in Las Vegas. (AP Photo)
the award, after her 2007 record “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” and her 2009 effort “Revolution.”
“Seriously?” she exclaimed as she took the stage after hugging her grandmother and friends and fellow album nominees Lady Antebellum.
“I own every record in this category and I’ve been listening and listening, thinking I’m not going to get it. Every record is amazing, and I’m so thrilled. I will never take this trophy for granted. My albums are my babies. It’s what makes me wake up in the mornings.”
Toby Keith learned on the red carpet that his star-studded viral video for “Red Solo Cup,” which has been viewed more than 13.7 million times on YouTube, was named video of the year. Accompanied by Vegas performers Wayne Newton and Carrot Top, the Norman resident crooned the infectious party anthem while many of the famous faces in the audience sang along.
Another early winner, Thompson Square scored one of the big surprises of the ACM Awards by earning the vocal duo award. Miami, OK, native Keifer Thompson and wife Shawna received their trophies Saturday night after playing the ACM Salute to the Military Concert in Vegas.
Thompson Square becomes only the third duo since 1991 to win in the category, which has been dominated by Sugarland and Brooks & Dunn.
While Lady Antebellum continued to conquer the vocal group race, Texas country rockers Eli Young Band scored a big win in the song of the year category, taking home the trophy for their breakout smash “Crazy Girl.”
Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson won vocal event and single record of the year with their hit ballad “Don’t You Wanna Stay.” Clarkson wasn’t the only “American Idol” winner to talk away with an ACM: Scotty McCreery won the best new artist prize.
The academy and country music community paid tribute during the show to banjo pioneer Earl Scruggs, who died last week at the age of 88. In honor of the bluegrass great, Rascal Flatts, which includes Picher-bred guitarist Joe Don Rooney, played its latest hit “Banjo,” with Grammy winner Steve Martin accompanying on the titular instrument.
Contributing: The Associated Press
-BAM
Live blog: 2012 Academy of Country Music Awards
Carrie Underwood (AP file)
7 p.m.: Checotah native and two-time ACM Entertainer of the Year winner Carrie Underwood is kicking off the show in flashy Vegas fashion, strutting her stuff in a short hot pink fringed number, singing into a fancy walking stick-inspired mic and belting her latest hit, “Good Girl.” She’s got her band all decked out in matching white outfits and got all kinds of geometric patterns and ladies’ silhouettes in white and pink flashing behind her. It’s setting the tone in more ways than one: It’s got plenty of Vegas glitz, and it’s also an Okie performer. There are plenty of those on the lineup, plus at least one Okie in every category except one.
Reba McEntire and Blake Shelton
7:04: The ever-youthful Reba McEntire, radiant in a shimmering red gown, and the always-ornery Blake Shelton, chic in a gray suit, are taking the stage to co-host for the second straight year. The Oklahoma-born and bred superstars are exchanging barbs: She says she remembers when he was just a “life support system for a mullet,” and he jokes that he didn’t get to see a lot of her early work “until we got the History Channel.” Now, they are riffing on the Peyton Manning-Tim Tebow situation: Blake jokes that the Broncos were so desperate to win a Super Bowl, “they were actually willing to sacrifice a virgin.” He’s quipping that Taylor Swift has a new perfume called “I can’t believe I smell this good” while impersonating her now-famous surprised award show face. When Reba says our fighting men and women are watching the show tonight, Blake adds “and we’re not talking about Miranda Lambert and Chris Brown either,” referencing his wife’s post-Grammys Twitter feud. He’s a bold one to drag his wife into this.
Chris Young
7:10: Male vocalist of the year nominee Chris Young is the next performer on the lineup – there are reportedly two dozen or so that will be playing in the next three hours – and he’s singing his raucous party anthem “Save Water, Drink Beer.” Which reminds me: Does anyone want to guess who the “special surprise Las Vegas performers” will be who are due to appear with Okie Toby Keith on “Red Solo Cup”? I’m thinking at least one of them has gotta be Wayne Newton.
Zac Brown Band
7:12: For the second straight year, Sugarland is over at nearby Mandalay Bay for the ACM Fan Jam. They’re introducing this year’s Fan Jam headliner: Zac Brown Band. ZBB is playing its breezy ballad “Keep Me in Mind.” I got to talk to ZBB fiddler Jimmy De Martini, who is stealing the show as usual, just a couple of days ago about the band’s upcoming OKC show. The Georgia-based band is playing Chesapeake Energy Arena on April 26; that ought to be a heck of a show.
The Band Perry
7:16: They’re kicking it back to the MGM Grand Garden Arena, where the actual awards show is taking place, and Reba is quickly introducing the next performers: The Band Perry, whose “If I Die Young” has been downloaded an astounding 4 million times. The sibling trio is playing its latest brokenhearted ballad, “Postcard from Paris.” I think the Perry kids’ voices and stage presence just keep getting better, which is frankly a bit scary. Love the old-school-look lighted sign, too.
7:20: Well, we’re 20 minutes in and we’ve had three performances and not one trophy handed out. I really need to start a pool for all of us to participate in next time, guys.
7:21: If you haven’t voted for entertainer of the year yet, you can still do that at www.voteACM.com. Your choices are Tishomingo resident Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift and Brad Paisley.
Toby Keith
7:24: Toby Keith just tweeted (@TobyKeithMusic) that he received the ACM video of the year award for his viral video smash “Red Solo Cup” on the red carpet. Congratulations to Toby! It’s wasn’t a big surprise, but it certainly was well-deserved. Here is the list of who the Norman resident beat out:
Video of the Year (Award to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)) *(Off Camera Award)
Homeboy – Eric Church
Producer: Brandon Arolfo
Director: Peter Zavadil
Just A Kiss – Lady Antebellum
Producer: Don Lepore
Director: Shawn Silva
Mean – Taylor Swift
Producer: Oualid Mouaness
Director: Declan Whitebloom
* Red Solo Cup – Toby Keith
Producer: Mark Kalbfeld
Director: Michael Salomon
Tattoos On This Town – Jason Aldean
Producer: John Burke
Director: Wes Edwards
Keith Urban (AP file)
7:26: The always-dapper and sexy LL Cool J, who can rock a lavender tie like no other, is paying tribute to all our military men and women and telling the crowd to “stand up to our military,” prompting a standing O. He’s noting that he plays a former Navy SEAL on “NCIS: Los Angeles,” and he won’t be the last CBS homer that will be on the show. He’s introducing Keith Urban’s performance of the military tribute song “For You,” which is from the soundtrack to the movie “Act of Valor,” featuring active duty SEALs. Such an earnest, tuneful musical homage to our servicemen and woman. I think the country awards shows do such a great job of remembering to tip their hats to our military folks. And I love watching Keith Urban play the guitar. He rocks! And I love the ongoing standing O.
7:32: More than half an hour in, and Beth Behrs, star of CBS’ sitcom “Two Broke Girls,” is all decked out in a dress with a giant pink bow for a neckline, and ready to gift some artist with the first award of the night. It’s for song of the year, and Oklahoma native Vince Gill is in the running with an awesome song.
Song of the Year (Award to Composer(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s))
Crazy Girl – Eli Young Band
Composers: Lee Brice, Liz Rose
Publishers: Cake Taker Music (BMI), Mike Curb Music (BMI), Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI), Sweet Hysteria Music (BMI)
Home – Dierks Bentley
Composers: Brett Beavers, Dierks Bentley, Dan Wilson
Publishers: Big White Tracks (ASCAP), Chestnut Barn Music (BMI), Chrysalis Music/BMG Rights (ASCAP), Chrysalis One Songs (BMI)
Just A Kiss – Lady Antebellum
Composers: Dallas Davidson, Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott
Publishers: Dwhaywood Music (BMI), EMI Blackwood Music, Inc. (BMI), EMI Foray Music (SESAC), Hillary Dawn Songs (SESAC), Radiobulletspublishing (BMI), String Stretcher Music (BMI) Warner-Tamberlane Publishing Corp. (BMI)
* Threaten Me With Heaven – Vince Gill
Composers: Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Dillon O’Brian, Will Owsley
Publishers: Grant Girls Music (ASCAP), Vinny Mae Music (BMI), Willie-O Music (ASCAP)
You And Tequila – Kenny Chesney Featuring Grace Potter
Composers: Matraca Berg, Deana Carter
Publishers: Deanaling Music (ASCAP), Hannaberg Music (BMI), Songs of Universal Inc., (BMI), WB Music Corp. (ASCAP)
Eli Young Band
7:33: Winner: Eli Young Band’s breakout hit “Crazy Girl.” The Texas country band looks sincerely shocked. Frontman Mike Eli tells everyone “I’ve been dreaming about this my whole life” before encouraging people to follow their dreams and sending love to his wife, who is expecting their baby girl any day. All the other band members quickly take their turns at the mic, and I think the producers must be among the legions of loyal EYB fans thrilled to see them win their first ACM because they didn’t have a hair trigger on the go-away music. I’ve been following EYB for a long time now since they frequently play here in Oklahoma, and “Crazy Girl” has really taken their career and popularity to a whole new level.
Blake Shelton (AP file)
7:41: Reba is introducing male vocalist nominee, entertainer of the year nominee (you can still vote) and “as far as I’m concerned, the best co-host of all time,” Blake Shelton. The Ada native is crooning his new hit, “Drink on It.” It’s a drinking song and a ballad, so it’s covering all the bases for Blake, but I notice he had to perform a bit of an edit on the lyrics to make them more TV friendly. And it looks like his Team Blake competitor from “The Voice” Gwen Sebastian is there to sing back up. Blake will be performing again later in the show with music icon Lionel Richie.
7:45: Eli Young Band is all smiles as it returns with Grace Potter to present album of the year, and I’m rooting for Miranda Lambert to win her third album of the year trophy!
Album of the year (Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company)
Chief – Eric Church (EMI-Nashville)
Produced by: Arturo Buenahora, Jr., Jay Joyce
* Four The Record – Miranda Lambert (RCA)
Produced by: Chuck Ainlay, Frank Liddell, Glenn Worf
Hemingway’s Whiskey – Kenny Chesney (BNA)
Produced by: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney
My Kinda Party – Jason Aldean (Broken Bow Records)
Produced by: Michael Knox
Own The Night – Lady Antebellum (Capitol Records Nashville)
Produced by: Lady Antebellum, Paul Worley
Miranda Lambert (AP file)
7:46: WOOT! Winner: Miranda Lambert. Miranda, looking terrific in a golden gown, hugs her grandma, covers her face and then celebrates for a minute with Lady A’s Charles Kelley, who graciously came over to cheer for her. After hugging the rest of the trio, Taylor Swift and Jason Aldean, she heads to the stage with a “Seriously?” She notes she owns all the albums in the category and didn’t think she’d win because they’re all so good.
“I will never take this trophy for granted. My albums are my babies,” she says.
Go RAN!
Hunter Hayes
7:48: We’re back to Zac Brown Band and the ACM Fan Jam, where ZBB is introducing new artist of the year nominee Hunter Hayes, who’s performing a bit of his breakout hit “Storm Warning.” He’s such a cutie as he says “thanks so much for letting me play a bit for you.”
Little Big Town
7:50: Now, Hunter is pitching it back to the MGM Grand Garden Arena, where quartet Little Big Town is singing a mash-up of his song “Here’s Hope” and John Lennon’s “Imagine.” Now, the Clark County Children’s Choir is singing along, with those sweet little voices augmenting LBT’s great harmonies. This is the ACM Lifting Lives performance, and it’s very uplifting. The standing O is very deserved. This special musical moment is part of ConAgra Foods’ “Child Hunger Ends Here” campaign, and it’s the ACM’s annual charity effort. Very nice all around.
7:57: Reba has finally swapped out gowns, this time wearing a sparkling black number with her signature flame-colored tresses dramatically straightened to go with it. I thought she must be approaching a record for wearing the same dress; it had been nearly an hour without a wardrobe change.
Jason Aldean
7:58: At any rate, Blake and Reba are introducing entertainer of the year nominee Jason Aldean, who is surrounded by flashing red lights as he performs his awesome smash “Flyover States.” I love this song; it may just be my favorite single for him. (My fave album cut would probably be the title track from “Wide Open”). And he’s getting a standing O.
8:00: Reba and Blake also told us in their intro of Jason that he and Kelly Clarkson won vocal event of the year for “Don’t You Wanna Stay.” So well done there.
Here are the others who were nominated:
Vocal Event of the Year (Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company) *(Off Camera Award)
Country Boy – Aaron Lewis Featuring George Jones & Charlie Daniels (R&J Records)
Produced by: Aaron Lewis, James Stroud
Don’t You Wanna Stay – Jason Aldean With Kelly Clarkson (Broken Bow Records)
Produced by: Michael Knox
Old Alabama – Brad Paisley Featuring Alabama (Arista Nashville)
Produced by: Frank Rogers
* Remind Me – Brad Paisley Duet With Carrie Underwood (Arista Nashville)
Produced by: Frank Rogers
You And Tequila – Kenny Chesney Featuring Grace Potter (BNA)
Produced by: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney
KISS (AP file)
8:02: Legendary rock band KISS is taking the stage in full makeup, and Gene Simmons declares “This is country music, let me hear ya!” They’re gonna present the best vocal group award to one of these nominees:
Vocal Group of the Year
The Band Perry
Eli Young Band
Lady Antebellum
* Rascal Flatts
Zac Brown Band
Lady A (AP file)
8:04: Winner: Lady A. “This is crazy,” says Dave Haywood. “I feel like I need to pull down my shirt and show a little chest hair,” quips Charles Kelley. I bet the ladies would be OK with that. They’re thanking all the usual suspects and then taking time to thank their legendary presenters.
BTW, Lady A will be in Norman Saturday to play a show, and KISS is coming later this year to Tulsa’s BOK Center, for all you Oklahoma music fans out there.
Brantley Gilbert
8:05: Back over the ACM Fan Jam, where ZBB is introducing new artist nominee Brantley Gilbert, who is playing a bit of his hit “Country Must Be Country Wide,” while rocking his biker look and a background of flames. Total contrast between Brantley and Hunter. Wild.
Eric Church
8:06: Talk about wild: Brantley kicks it back to the MGM Grand Garden Arena, where his tourmate Eric Church is sitting behind a keyboard and quietly playing the intro to his hit ballad “Springsteen.” Don’t get me wrong, I love me some Eric Church and I adore the song, but it’s a lot calmer than normal for the country rocker. Still, it’s showing off that great voice and songwriting ability, so I’m all for it. Love this guy. And I think he rocks the mirrored sunglasses better than anyone except maybe Okie native and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Leon Russell.
8:16: LeAnn Rimes is dressed in an absolutely crazy, off-the-shoulder, short, polka dotted dress and Jake Owen is looking sexy with his long hair and suit. But they’re not just eye candy – They’re gonna present single record of the year:
Single Record of the Year (Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company)
Crazy Girl – Eli Young Band (Republic Nashville)
Produced by: Mike Wrucke
Don’t You Wanna Stay – Jason Aldean With Kelly Clarkson (Broken Bow Records)
Produced by: Michael Knox
* Red Solo Cup – Toby Keith (Show Dog-Universal Music)
Produced by: Toby Keith
Tomorrow – Chris Young (RCA)
Produced by: James Stroud
You And Tequila – Kenny Chesney Featuring Grace Potter (BNA)
Produced by: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney
8:18: Winner: Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson. Jason says he and his producer were discussing adding a female voice to the song and Kelly was the first name that came to mind. “She came in and made it a great song. She really took it to a new place,” he says. Kelly thanks the country community for welcoming her from the pop world. That’s a great ballad but I can’t say it was my favorite in the category. I love “Red Solo Cup,” of course, and I was hoping “You and Tequila” would win at least one award.
Lady Antebellum (AP file)
8:20: Blake and Reba come back to make a few quips, mostly at the expense of Lindsay Lohan and JetBlue, which at this point is well-plowed comedic territory, before introducing Lady A to perform their lovely, very wistful new ballad “Dancing Away with My Heart.” Such pretty harmonies.
8:29: We’re back over to the ACM Fan Jam, where the third and final new artist nominee Scotty McCreery is performing a bit of his latest single “Water Tower Town.”
Brad Paisley (AP file)
8:30: Scotty is kicking the action back to the main show and laying on the praise for entertainer of the year nominee Brad Paisley, who is wailing on his electric guitar as he plays one of my favorites of his “Camouflage.” This song is so hilarious and it’s true “ain’t nothing that doesn’t go with ‘Camouflage.’” On the sheer power of his guitar solos, this man has got the crowd on its feet, cheering and ready to spray paint their entire bodies tan and olive green.
8:35: Last year’s winner The Band Perry and a couple of elaborately dressed showgirls are going to present the new artist of the year award. It’s a fan-voted award and the cheers are favoring Scotty:
Scotty McCreery
Brantley Gilbert
Hunter Hayes
Scotty McCreery
8:36: Winner: Scotty McCreery. The “American Idol” victor is graciously praising his fellow nominees, along with the fans and his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He sure seems like a sweetheart.
Rascal Flatts
8:40: I’m hearing a banjo, so it must be time to pay tribute to legendary banjo pioneer Earl Scruggs, who died last week. Reba is calling him a “true American original,” and Blake is pointing out he won Grammys, ACMs and even a National Medal of the Arts. Appropriately, Rascal Flatts (which includes Picher-bred guitarist Joe Don Rooney, who is rocking that silvery suit!) is going to perform its new hit, “Banjo,” with Grammy-winning banjo player (as well as comedian, actor and writer) Steve Martin on the titular instrument. Steve Martin is so cool. This is the first single from the Flatts’ new album “Changed,” due out Tuesday. And I think it may just be my favorite of theirs, since I adore a good banjo solo.
Steve Martin
8:45: This is my favorite song and performance from Rascal Flatts EVER. Very deserved standing O. Can Steve Martin just join the Flatts?
Toby Keith (AP file)
8:46: Blake is introducing the biggest hit since someone knocked on Osama Bin Laden’s door and he said “who is it?” That means it’s time for Toby Keith, who doesn’t edit his incredibly catchy party anthem for TV. He’s singing it testicles and all.
The Norman resident’s making his way through a crowd of fans who are happily crooning along as they wave their red Solo cups and he chirps out what he has called “the stupidest song I’ve ever heard.” It’s sure infectious, though. As promised, we’ve got cameos from a couple of Las Vegas performers: I believe I caught a glimpse of Wayne Newton, as anticipated, along with comedian Carrot Top, who appeared in the “Red Solo Cup” video. Eric Church, who was also in the video, is toasting with two cups instead of blowing on his improvised RSC bong. And we’ve got everyone from Carrie Underwood to Taylor Swift singing along and/or bobbing along.
Sara Evans
8:50: Even the incongruous sight of Marc Anthony uttering the word “howdy” had trouble getting everybody back on track after TK’s performance of “Red Solo Cup.” But the Latin star managed to get Sara Evans introduced, and now she’s crooning her heartbreaker “My Heart Can’t Tell You No.” I’m glad we have her back among the active country star ranks. It’s not my favorite song of hers, but she has a pretty voice.
Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw
9:00: I love Reba’s latest gown, with its glistening silver bodice ending in flame-like feathers or fringe at the bottom. Anyway, she and Blake are introducing the network TV debut of “Brothers of the Sun,” the team-up of superstars Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw, who are hitting the road together this year. They’re thrilling the crowd with their duet “Feel like a Rockstar.” That’s a lot of star power and handsome for one stage. It’s a standing ovation from the crowd, plus an obligatory closeup on Tim’s wife, Faith Hill.
9:04: Ashton Kutcher is getting a little too into the country bit with a bright red jacket with white piping, a black cowboy hat and a big belt buckle. He’s going to give out the female vocalist award, but he’s singing a bit of George Strait’s “I Cross My Heart” first, dedicating it to the also-rans. The man is cute but he’s no George Strait. Here are the noms:
Female Vocalist of the Year
Sara Evans
* Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
Taylor Swift
* Carrie Underwood
Miranda Lambert
9:06: Woohoo! Winner: Miranda Lambert. Her jaw just dropped backstage, where she was getting ready to perform. The Tishomingo resident thanks Jesus for giving her a gift she can share with the world. She then declares herself a fan of country music, adding “I’m so proud of us right now. We deserve this” as she hoists her latest trophy.
Miranda Lambert
9:12: “Here to perform the most important and personal song of our lives together is the most important person in my life, Miranda Lambert Shelton,” is the introduction Blake gives his sweetie, who has won two ACMs tonight to go with the four ACMs she took home last year. Lambert takes the stage to sing the emotional ballad “Over You,” which she and Shelton penned in honor of his late brother, who died when Blake was a teenager. Miranda sounds great and she looks amazing in one of the most unusual getups of the night: a shiny black bustier with a skirt that has a black and white pattern and a big swirl of feathers, with lots of glitters at her ears and neck. Like the music video, she’s belting with fake snow falling around her. Such a beautiful performance.
Liam Hemsworth in "The Hunger Games"
9:16: Reba has got her hair in an updo and a glittery deep blue gown on, which matches the dark blue suit of the presenter she’s introducing: the handsome “Hunger Games” star Liam Hemsworth. The Aussie actor is at the ACM Fan Jam and he can sure fill out a suit, but he don’t get much chance to enjoy it, as he quickly sends the show over to his friends, the Zac Brown Band, who are just playing the fire out of their high-energy hit “Whiskey’s Gone.” They’re joined by Brad Paisley, who’s wearing one of Zac’s signature stocking hats and is rocking away in full-blown guitar god mojo. This is an amazing performance that just boosted the energy level about 1,000 percent.
Dierks Bentley
9:20: U2′s Bono is appearing via video to say that Dierks Bentley’s “Home” reaches out to him in his home in Ireland. When he hears it, “I feel patriotic about America and I’m not even American,” he says. He’s saying that he thinks country fans understand better than anybody that America is about more than geography, it’s about an ideal. Such wonderful words. And it’s leading up to great, heartfelt rendition of a truly wonderful song. I’ve loved Dierks for a long time, but never more than right now. My heart feels just lifted by this. So moving.
9:31: “Entertainment Tonight” host Nancy O’Dell is introducing the lucky couple who will be married on tonight’s ACM Awards. It’s a first for the awards show, and I have to say that the story of this couple makes it worthwhile:
Christina Davidson and Frank Tucci thought they would never find love again. In July 2009, Frank lost his wife, Danielle, to thyroid cancer and in that same year, Christina lost her husband, Paul, in a tragic drowning accident. As a way to deal with the grief of losing her husband and raising her two sons, Stephen and Paul, on her own, Christina started a support group for young widows and widowers in Washington Township, N.J., where she met Frank. Slowly their friendship blossomed into love as they bonded over their shared views about the challenges of single parenthood and the struggles to keep the memories of their spouses alive.
Martina McBride
9:33: Their wedding song is “Marry Me,” by Martina McBride and Pat Monahan of Train. We’re hearing a snippet of the preacher talking to the couple, who look lovely in their finery, and then Martina appears in a lovely flowing white and shimmering gown. The producers are smoothly interspersing bits of the preacher’s words with the performance as Monahan takes the stage. I’m not a fan, but he’s not nearly as whiny as usual and Martina is always great.
It’s a crazy way to get married, but the couple are exchanging rings and lighting their unity candle onstage behind the singers. They look really happy as he kisses the bride to a standing ovation and they get hugs from their famous wedding singers.
And it’s surely not the craziest wedding that will happen in Vegas tonight! So good luck to them!
Thompson Square (AP file)
9:38: Reba has ditched the updo – thankfully – and she’s introducing Thompson Square, who last night received the vocal duo of the year award. Now they will set up the video montage about what happens when Vegas goes country, a quick look at all the country music festivities that have been happening in the past week leading up to the ACMs.
I’m so excited that Thompson Square, which consists of Miami, OK, native Keifer Thompson and his wife Shawna, won the vocal duo award. But I wish they could have gotten the trophy tonight so that we could hear them. I’m sure their acceptance speech would have been awesome!
Look for my interview with Thompson Square, who will open for Lady A Saturday in Norman.
Luke Bryan
9:44: Looking handsome in his jeans, white T-shirt and trademark trucker cap, Luke Bryan is crooning his down-home ballad “I Don’t Want This Night to End.” He’s such a country boy, so it’s funny that he has the rock-star laser lights going. But they match the rock-star energy he brings as he struts and jumps around the stage. And he’s got a bunch of the crowd on its feet and Reba howling in excitement.
9:48: Reba is introducing Taylor Swift, joking that she got stuck behind her at the airport metal detector and knows firsthand that she got 11 awards last year. Taylor looks elegant in her white gown with the gold embellishments and sexy cutouts, but she’s not there to perform, she’s there to present best male vocalist. Go Blake!
Male Vocalist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
* Blake Shelton
Chris Young
Blake Shelton
9:50: Winner: Blake Shelton! Woot! He looks genuinely shocked as he heads up to the stage and comments “that was a real surprised face” as he takes the trophy from Taylor. He’s saying “holy crap” and thanking the usual suspects before paraphrasing Dierks’ song “Been a long hard ride, got a ways to go, but I’m proud to take this home.” Good for him! Now he just needs the entertainer trophy!
Lionel Richie (AP file)
9:55: Lionel Richie is taking the stage to introduce the final and biggest award, the fan-voted entertainer of the year. Can anyone match the fan support of Taylor Swift?
Entertainer of the Year
Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
* Blake Shelton
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift (AP file)
9:56: Nope. Winner: Taylor Swift, the only one of the nominees who did not perform tonight. She’s hugging just about the entire front row, including Lady A, Miranda Lambert and Kenny Chesney. “Thank you so much for the fans who voted for this. I’m so excited about this,” she says. “To my fellow nominees, I respect you so much.” She’s giving a shout-out to her family as well to her would-be date Kevin McGuire, who was hospitalized over the weekend as he continues to battle cancer. Then, she’s thanking the fans again. She toned down the surprised face, but she’s still just as fervent as ever about thanking her fans, which undoubtedly has something to do with her having so many.
9:57: We’re cutting over to Blake and Reba, where she is consoling Blake, who is pretend crying and inquiring “Is there a silver medal or something?” Nope, but he’s going to close out the show performing “You Are” with Lionel Richie. It’s a preview of the ACM’s Lionel Richie concert special, which will be taped Monday and then air April 13. The whole crowd is on its feet and clapping along and helping out with the “whoa-ohs.” They have great chemistry together, and that’s my favorite duet of Lionel’s new duets album “Tuskegee,” which I’ll be reviewing for you soon.
Well, that’s the show. Thanks for following along with me during my annual ACM Awards live blog! Look for more coverage tonight and Monday!
-BAM
