CMA Awards: Underwood, Paisley named top vocalists
11/13/2008
Country Singer Kenny Chesney poses with his Entertainer of the Year award in the press room at the 42nd Annual CMA Awards in Nashville, Tenn., on Wednesday.
Peter Kramer / AP
NASHVILLE - Kenny Chesney won his fourth entertainer of the year award - tying Garth Brooks for the most wins in the category - at last night's CMA awards, a ceremony highlighted by a lavish performance by Taylor Swift, a surprise appearance by rapper Lil Wayne, and the return of one of country's biggest stars, Shania Twain.
"You look really good," Chesney remarked to Twain, who wore a sexy dress as she presented Chesney with his award. Twain is one of country's best-selling artists but has spent the last several years out of the spotlight. She hadn't been on the show in four years.
After winning the evening's top award, Chesney said: "As much as tonight is about awards, I really believe that being able to stand up here is more about great songs, more about the fans, more about being on stage every night in front of a lot of people that really make it happen for me and the band out there."
The award - his third straight win in the category - helped Chesney avoid a shutout. He was the night's lead nominee with seven but did not pick up a trophy in the other categories.
Carrie Underwood, who co-hosted the show with Brad Paisley, won her third consecutive female vocalist award; Paisley was named male vocalist of the year,
"I just want to say Mom, it's real hard to sing when you're in the second row crying," a teary-eyed Underwood told her mother during her speech. It came after her performance of her No. 1 hit "Just a Dream," about a woman who lost her loved one in war.
The former American Idol champ also thanked country fans. "I got here in an unconventional way, and you guys didn't have to accept me at all.
George Strait thanked the songwriters for "letting me sing such a beautiful song" after the poignant "I Saw God Today" won single of the year. He later won album of the year for "Troubadour."
"Everybody says they've got the greatest fans. Well, I've really got the greatest fans," Strait said in accepting the album award.
Also winning two awards was Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland. Sugarland won the award for duo of the year, and earlier, Nettles won song of the year for Sugarland's hit "Stay."
"It's just been a gift from the beginning and been a gift to write and I hope it's been a gift and touched your heart," she said in accepting the award.
Rascal Flatts won its sixth straight vocal group of the year award, beating out the Eagles, Emerson Drive, Lady Antebellum, and Little Big Town for the honor.
"Thank you to all our fans who came out to see us all year long," said Jay DeMarcus, who wore a jacket with a bright floral print. "I'm glad this happened early in the show because I've got to get mamaw's curtains back soon."
Lady Antebellum, a trio that is one of country music's most promising acts, won best new artist. As they picked up their award, their awe-struck guitarist, Dave Haywood, said: "It's not supposed to happen like this."
While the awards may have been the main point of the evening, the performances dominated the show. Kid Rock performed his hit "All Summer Long," and, perhaps in a nod to his hip-hop roots, brought out top-seller Lil Wayne on stage, though the rapper didn't utter a word - he just mimicked playing a guitar onstage. He may have been the first true rap act to perform at the CMAs.
Swift brought her hit "Love Story," which features characters named Romeo and Juliet, to life with an elaborate set that featured her wearing a medieval-looking purple gown with a castle backdrop.
Brooks & Dunn have said that "Cowgirls Don't Cry" was inspired by country great McEntire, and she joined them as they song the ode to a tough woman.
Chesney performed his reggae-flavored hit "Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven" with the reggae band the Wailers backing him up. They also performed the Bob Marley classic "Three Little Birds."
Paisley and Keith Urban opened the show with dueling guitars as they performed their duet, "Start a Band."
Paisley also performed a musical tribute to singer and guitarist Jerry Reed, who died this year.