Live Blog: Chris Young

Well, friends. Here it is!  Our first report from our very first event at the 2008 CMA Music Festival!  It's the Country Weekly Fashion Show, live from the Wildhorse Saloon right here on 2nd Avenue in Nash Vegas.  An evening full of fashion, fun and fired up fans wiating to see their favorite stars stroll down the catwalk and shake their money-makers.  And let me tell you, they weren't disappointed!

Jen, Jenna Lee, Brian and I arrived at 6:30 for the pre-show press gathering.  By the way, you know they're stretching the definition of the word "press" if they're letting me in.  Nevertheless, we were ushered right in, adorned with color-coded writst bands and then taken upstairs to the hospitality room.  Upon entering, I heard my two favorite words: Open Bar. As we bellied up (and by we, I mean me), a parade of hot country stars entered the already steamy, stuffy press area and in between wiping rivers of sweat off my forehead, we were able to talk with a bunch of them.  Here's what some of your favorites had to say about this years festival:

This is Jeff Cook formally of Alabama, now of the All Star Good Time Band and we want to advise you to come and see us anytime we're in your area.  We'll be having a good time and we want you to have one. I've been coming to fan fair as long as I can remember. Shane: Does it get better every year or does it get to you?  Jeff: I don't remember last week so... Shane:What do you have coming up here.  Well  the coming Saturday they are putting up statues of Alabama in our hometown at City Park and they're a quarter life size.  Of course I don't know who they used to model for it.  Shane:Thanks for talking with us and have a good time.  Jeff:Thanks for putting me on here and I will have a good time.  

Hello this is Jimmy Wayne just hanging out here at CMA Music Festival.  Please come out we are going to be doing some river stage performances down there here on Saturday, uh...12:40, um...pm.  And all week at the Opry I'm gonna be singing at the matinee show on Saturday as well.  A little fan club party tomorrow morning at Fiddle's off of Old Hickory Blvd, off 65 South, tomorrow morning at 8:30.  So please join me and I look forward to seeing everybody.  And if I don't get the chance to see ya, have a lot of fun, enjoy yourself. Just let it go, this is ALL about you guys so enjoy yourself. Shane: How many fan fairs have you been to, what number are you up to?  I've been in town and going on 11 years.  But professionally I'd say this is my fifth one.  Shane: Are they getting better?  Jimmy:  Yeah, you start learning what to do and what not to do and you know it's not much to it just make sure you follow the boss and they tell you where to go. Shane:  You said the one thing I think everybody knows and everybody believes, "It's about the fans..." Jimmy:  It's all about the fans man, it's not about us you know I just feel lucky to be here so I'm thanking them for allowing me to be here.  It's truely about them, I'm just thankful.

Hey guys, we love you guys, this is Carter's Chord.  Becky, Emily, and Joanna.  We are really excited about this week and we are playing on the river tomorrow so you guys come out and see us... 3:20.  And tonight we are walking in the Wrangler Fashion Show and we are really really crossing our fingers and praying we don't fall. And if we do you can laugh at us.  Go out and get our digital album that comes out June 17, request "Different Breed" on the radio, our new single.  Come see us out on the road with Toby Keith this summer.  Bye!  Shane: Is this your first fan fair.  Charter's Chord:  It's actually our second but last year we were really really new, so this year we know a little more about the ropes and we're really looking forward to it.  This is our first "real" festival.

Hey ya'll this is Sarah Buxton and I'd  just like to say, thank you to the people who supported me this far and I promise I'm gonna do a whole lot more.  I'm ready for a new year.  Shane:  So we are doing a fanny pack count out on the street...are you gonna be wearing one?  Sarah:  I love fanny packs, personally... I wish they would come back.  I think they're great.  It hides everything you want to hide, you know!?  I would love to wear a bag right around my waist, you know?  Or like one of those baby bouncer things, put a baby right there it would be great. Shane:  I have a Hello Kitty one that I wear. Sarah:  I use to wear fanny packs all the time.  I did.  Shane:  Well thank you for talking with us.  Sarah:  Thank you.

Phil Stacey: Thanks to everybody who's here at the CMA Music Festival, it's just really cool to be here.  This is so exciting to me, of course I'm a big country music fan so I'm still star struck meeting all these people that are making all this great music and then meeting the people that have listened to my music and thank everybody for supporting me and you guys kinda rock! 

Jack Greene: You all enjoy the CMA Music Festival this coming week.  Shane:  It's good to talk to a genuine Opry legend!  Jack:  Thank you. 

Lyric Street recording artist, Marcel:What's up fans!?  Air conditioners I call you guys because you guys are the bomb and the coolest. And I want to thank you for all your support over the years and sticking with me.  And this is the year guys, this is when I get to sing my songs on the radio.  So I look forward to seeing you all soon and check it out whenever you can on CMT.com.  Shane: Are you performing this week?  Marcel:  Yeah I'm doing a show at the ABC tent this week which is behind the Hilton Hotel at 2:00 on Saturday and I'm doing signings for different booths throughout the day. I have my record called Believing, which is the story of my life.  Get dropped from my record company and picked up by another one, you know you gotta believe.  Shot my video for "I Love This Song" about a month ago.  It's getting ready to be finalized, so I'm pretty excited right now.  Thanks and God bless you guys.

Chuck Wicks: Okay -- We are backstage, Country Weekly Fashion show, it's a little hot back here because of how many people are back in this small, small room but... I'm excited to walk the catwalk.  Show off some little modeling skills maybe a little "blue steal" at the end of the runway, do a little turn, a little over the shoulder look, I have no idea.  Shane:  You gonna be showing off the guns? Chuck:  Um, should I?  Maybe I think I should.  Well... it may be a gun show tonight, I don't know, I might have to whip out a gun show.  No this is actually very cool.  This is my first event doing the Country Weekly Fashion Show, I know they do it every year but this is a first for me.  I'm looking forward to getting out there and seeing the reaction of the crowd.  It's a bunch of different people coming out and wearing great clothes.  I'm excited for the rest of the week cause I'm jam packed with things and last year when I was at Fan Fest, Fan Fair -- I had nothing to talk about yet I was in the middle of making a record and "Stealing Cinderella" wasn't out yet and we were getting ready to do it and this year, I mean what a difference a year makes.  I mean last year I was watching shows and this year I get to play in them, you know?  So it's a cool little thing.  Shane: Since this is a fashion show, a fan fair fashion show, will you be sporting a fanny pack on the catwalk?  Chuck:  You know I may bring the fanny pack, that's a good point.  You know things that you always need to carry in a fanny pack are of course water, a little tiny spray fan... because it is 90,000 degrees outside... and the occasional ticket because you have to have the tickets to get into the show.  And the camera, see that's the big one.  A lot of people don't forget that, I would forget that one. Thank you everyone.

Neal McCoy: Man I don't need to say nothing, these people, they all know how I feel about 'em.  We appreciate all these old fans who have hung in there with me, I've been around a long time.  We have some loyal ones that keep buying our stuff, call in and request us. Shoot, I just tell 'em I appreciate it and this is a good opportunity to get out there and shake some hands and say howdy. I'm still out there gettin' it done... that's all I know.

Jason Meadows:I gotta tell you we are just proud to be here, this is all about the fans this week and if it wasn't for the fans we wouldn't have CMA Fest or what we use to call Fan Fair and I'm real excited 'cause this year we have a lot going on.  To anybody who attends MY fanclub party I'd like to say thank you for coming, if you didn't I hope to invite you out for next years.  And thank you guys for calling in to the radio for what you do for us guys and God bless you my hat is off to ya.

Chris Young:We had a great day today, early we did a big free show out at Sommet Center Plaza so a big thanks to anybody who was out there for that it was a great crowd, very hot, so people kind of stood through that and anybody who's here tonight, this is going to be very cool and I'm going to try not to fall off the stage.

After our interview with Chris Young, for some reason we were asked by event personnel to go downstairs to find our seats.  I'm nto saying we got the bum's rush but I did notice we were the only ones that were being moved out of there!  Maybe the light refracting off my silver and black bowling shirt was hurting their eyes.  Maybe the other reporters were jealous of my cutting-edge, 100% digital, James Bond size voice recorder when compared to their big, bulky old school equipment.  Or maybe my ample girth was being blamed as the cause of the stifling heat that coursed thorough the room.  Whatever it was, it got us booted.  So we went downstairs to our seats and waited for the show to begin.  While we were staring at our watched waiting for the kickoff, we met a pretty yound lady from Wisconsin who was a literal princess.  I'll let her introduce herself right now:

I am Taylor Ann Stefans and I'm from Wisconsin. I'm way far from my home and we come up here about every year to listen to all the great music here. Shane:  Well you are wearing a crown and a sash, tell me about that...  Taylor:Well I am this years Dream Girl's High Point Champion for the state of Wisconsin and I got to go to Nashville but I won best pagent spirit and this year I'm the reigning queen.  Shane: Now high point champion, what does that mean?  Taylor:Well, it's the highest points out of any girl in the whole pagent.  Shane:  Oh so it's a pagent they have every year?  Taylor: Yeah, this is the first year it was back in Wisconsin.  Shane:  Now this is a pretty big crown you got here does that make your head heavy?  Taylor: No not really, I get use to it. Shane: How long have you been the high point champion?  Taylor:  Well, I got this in February so it's just been a few months.  Shane:  And is this your mom and dad here?  Taylor:  Yes, my dad acutally has his own album called Country Rock Star.  His name is Tracy Stefans.  Shane: And besides your dad, who's your favorite country star? Taylor:  Well, actually it's a group... they are called Sugarland.  Shane:  What's your favorite thing about fan fair?  Taylor:  I love everything about fan fair, I'm a country music fanatic.

With that the show began.  And unlike most events of this size, this one began on time.  At precisely 8:00, my blogging buddy from the ACM Awards, Shane Tarleton took the stage:

It was Shane's thankless duty to read the rules and regulations of the evenings event.  It's kind of like the boring segment on the Oscars when the two guys from Price Water House come out and stumble through the voting regulations.  However, my boy Shane managed to make this part of the evening quite entertaining.

After Shane's presentation we were shown a video that let us know what the evening was really about.  To benefit Musicians on Call, a non-profit organization that brings live music to the bedsides of patients in heathcare facilities.  Regardless of how the fashion rated this cause gets two big thumbs up from us all. Seeing some of the biggest stars from all genres of music, putting smiles on the faces of sick kids would make sitting through any fashion show worth it. Even if it was held on my Uncle Charlie's pig farm... which by the way, smells lovely. But I digress... back to the show...

The night really began when country star Neal McCoy came out to serve as host.  After borrowing a pair of Sally Jesse Raphael eye glasses from a member of the audience so he could read his cue cards... the long-legged cowboy started the parade of duded-up country stars and the highlights are coming up...

The first to hit the stage was vocal duo Montgomery Gentry wearing a twin ensemble of snazzy sport shirts and black jeans.  And to top it all off, Eddie had on a little biker hat I think he stole from a Marlon Brando impersonator. As the dynamic duo struted down the catwalk, Neal McCoy let the fans know that they could bid on these items of clothing and basically take them home right off the artists bodies.  Given that it was about 112 degrees inside the Wildhorse and both Montgomery and Gentry seem to be a little moist from the heat... Neal may have unwhittingly lowered the asking price for those jeans.

It was good to see Bryan White back.  It was even better to see his wife, Erica.  The soon-to-be again soap opera actress (Days of Our Lives) got quite a few cat calls in her halter dress.  Bryan, you lucky bastard!  Mica Roberts was a hit in her simple blue top, blue jeans and red hot bod! Pardon me while I get a cold drink... to pour on myself. 

The ladies in the audience seemed to like brand new Lyric Street artist and former hockey player, Marcel.  He's the first guy who actully did any posing.  He must have watched Madonna's Vogue video when he was in elementary school.  He was almost too good at it. However his former career as a hockey player should erase any doubts to his masculinity. I say that so he won't body-check me through a wall.

Danielle Peck did all the guys in the audience a favor, just by showing up. I don't remember what she was wearing... nor do I care.  It could have been a towsack and she would have still looked great.

"100% Cowboy" Jason Meadow's came out in a pair of Wrangler jeans that he must have been breaking in since the late 70's. Something tells me they didn't have to provide Jason's clothes for the evening... he had them hanging in his closet.  He did a little posing, showed off the guns, wiggled his ass, and hop-stepped off the stage to a big round of applause.  And the women in the audience were 100% pleased.

One of our favorite guest bloggers came out next, Chuck Wicks.  He came out in a white long-sleeve shirt and skin tight jeans. His subtle, sexy moves had the women cheering and I have to say as a man, 100% man... he looked pretty damn good to me too. I'm not saying anything but if we were marooned on a desert island for many, many, many years... I might think about it. Did I mention many?  Let me reiterate...MANY, MANY years.

The three sisters that make up Carter's Chord in three lovely dresses.  Jenna Lee remarked "They're so cute!" I replied, "Yes they are...prehaps a little to cute for a dirty old man like me!" I then averted my eyes until they left the stage. I don't want to get a visit from NBC's Chris Hanson.

Trent Willmon lived up to his nickname "Beerman," as he took the stage with beer in hand. Trent's another guy who basically left home catwalk ready. I was glad to see the beer was not just a prop... he downed it as he walked off stage. I was hoping he would throw the bottle at someone and start a fight or give one to me.  Either way I would have been happy.

I was glad to see Trent Tomlinson again.  I haven't seen him since he was eating watermelon with Hazel Smith on Southern Fried Flicks and it's good to see that didn't do too much damage to him... I thought he had busted a gut laughing that day.  

Maybe the best performance of the night came from Emily West. She came out in a stunning black sequin dress carrying a bottle of wine and a glass. She uncorked the bottle with her teeth and poured herself a heeping helping of cabernet.  All this while shaking what God gave her for the amusement of the crowd.  Before she left the stage, Neal McCoy asked Emily to perform one of her many singing impressions.  The audience voted for Reba and she belted out a chorus of "Still"that had all of us wondering is it live or is it Memorex? 

A short time later Jennifer Hanson hit the stage.   We were suppost to talk to her earlier in the evening but we were told she was not going to arrive in time, but she was definitly on time on the catwalk in an incredibly short skirt that made me proud to be a man.  Have I mentioned that I'm a dirty old man?  If you haven't figured that out by now... keep reading... it gets worse. 

And finally I've saved the best for last... Lorrie Morgan! Great hoogly-moogly she looked incredible! I gotta tell ya, who needs Shania and Faith Hill with Lorrie around?  She has never looked better.  And the audience let her know it. She walked down the catwalk to Carrie Underwood's "Last Name" and let me tell ya, when Carrie Underwood gets to be Lorrie's age, she can only hope she looks that good.  Futhermore... Lorrie got back! Good God Almighty, if you bounced a quarter on that thing... you would put an eye out. I don't know who she's seeing now but if she likes fat, hairy guys who are prone to sweat and temperatures over 62 degrees, I'll gladly give her my number.

Well that was it for the official fashion show... but as always, the real fashion was in the audience and out on the street.  Trucker caps, visors, fanny packs, backpacks, buttpacks, shorts, jorts, and all sorts... tank tops and flip flops! That's the real fan fair uniform. In fact, that's America! And tomorrow, we're gonna weigh right back into it. So log on and lock it into us and we continue to bring you the 2008 CMA Music Festival right here on CMT.com.

Click to see more live blog photos from the 2008 CMA Music Festival

6:19 --We'll here we are in the plush employee lounge, right here at CMT in NashVegas!  We are awaiting the start of the 43rd Annual ACM Awards from exciting Las Vegas.  And just like you...we are sitting on the couch in our sweats and t-shirts, potato chips in one hand, beer in the other watching the Flavor of Love Marathon until the awards start. As always the fabulous Jen Morrison is manning the keyboard and will be keeping you up-to-date live as it happens right before your eyes. It's gonna be a big night.  Lots of big stars, lots of big songs and lots of costume changes by host Reba McEntire.  To honor Reba's many fabulous costume changes, I will be regularly changing my underwear during the evening.  We'll be describing that to you in disgusting detail as the night goes on.  Stay tuned....

6:21 -- Here's a special pre-show message from Emily West..."Hey guys!  It's Emily West!  I just walked the orange carpet at the ACM's and am now sitting in the VIP room.  It's hot!  Thank God my makeup isn't falling off my face! If anyone is interested, I am wearing a light ballerina pink silk Jessica Maros couture.  I look fabulous by the way...my cutlets are not sticking though!"

7:00 --And we're off!  With the beautiful Carrie Underwood singing it like she means it!  And speaking of an Underwood...the name reminds me of Underwear and I promise, I'll be keeping you up-to-date on my underwear changes this evening.  Right now....oxford cloth boxers with a tasteful plaid pattern.  And speaking of tasteful...there she is the lovely Reba McEntire in a stunning blue gown. Oops -- she stealing Larry the Cable Guy's material.  And to confuse you even more tonight...here's a report right from the awards tonight our correspondent, Shane Tarleton, to give a live on the spot report...

7:00 -- Shane T: OMG! Keith and Nicole came down the orange carpet last minute.  Both look hot! Shane Tarleton...on my way backstage...

7:02 -- Shane T: LeAnn Rimes is flawless as always...

7:03 -- Shane T:  Wow!  How hot was Carrie?

7:11-- Uh Oh...Reba's working blue.

7:15 --We have it on good authority that the silouetted dancer behind Toby Keith is actually Vegas icon, Debbie Reynolds...still getting it done after all these years.

7:16 -- Criss Angel just walked on the stage.  What country awards show would be complete without a magician who's into leather.  Shane T:What in the hell is Criss Angel wearing? Surely this is an illusion!And here's an on the spot report from Capitol artist Emily West..."I have floor seats.  I'm sitting next to Carrot Top!" 

7:18 -- Sugarland just won another award for Stay. Something tells me they're gonna ride that baby all the way to the finish line.  And by the way...I know I'm not the designated fashion expert on this blog...but I've just got one word to say about Jennifer Nettles dress...Damn! Shane T:Love Sugarland!  Killer song...but why is he acting shocked?

7:22-- Sorry, we froze up for a second folks, so lets catch up.  Wow!  We've already had one commercial break and Reba's in the same outfit.  I however have already changed my underwear and am now wearing a snug fitting 50/50 pair of boxer briefs. And to answer our reader NashMan's question...wait till I get my Hanes on you!  Jason Alexander proves that even though you don't have a neck, you can still wear a fashionable tie.  Brad Paisley...still a guy and still can play the hell out of a guitar.  And we have a winner for New Female Vocalist...Taylor Swift.  Will so many awards shows...I hope she doesn't run out of prom dresses, and she just made her mom cry! Shane T:(on the Taylor Swift win and speech) Ka-Ching! Girls everywhere loved that!  So did moms...records are flyin' off the shelf!

7:36 --We just finished our first bag of pork rinds and whats this???  Two commericial breaks and Reba STILL hasn't changed outfits!?  This is an outrage! Blake Shelton...showing who wears the pants in this relationship!  And oh my, she wears them well!

7:42 --  Our buddies Lady A just scored a win as Top New Duo or Vocal Group.  They are also the tallest New Duo or Vocal Group.

7:46 --Okay this is getting ridiculous -- Reba is still in the blue gown.  I'm ashamed. Not only because of that but because I'm now wearing Olympic style pair of speedo's.  Not a good choice for a fat man. Rodney Atkins just took the stage...I'm a little unsure about the lyric, "He couldn't have his toy until his nuggets were gone..." Maybe someone can explain to me.

7:52 -- Congratulations to our buddy Jack Ingram for winning Top New Male Vocalist.  Like he said... It only took him 20 years, but winning this award is new to him...so God bless you Jack.  An inspiring speech if we may say.

7:53 --We just got a special message from Phillip Sweet from Little Big Town..."Hey this is Phillip from Little Big Town  and we are sitting in our seats at the awards show.  We just watched Jack Ingram win his award and we are so proud of him! We are really excited for Lady A and we are just happy for all the up and commers in this business. We are excited to see you out on the road and so glad to be here at the awards. Everybody take care. "  Shane T: Little Big Town always the best dressed!  Those girls wear the highest :heels under the sun!

8:02 --Finally...Reba changed costumes.  I was about to commando in protest.  And here's our boy Kenny C.  Ditching his usual skin tight jeans for a pair of pants that he borrowed from Julio Iglesias Jr.  Shane T:First wardrobe change of the night for Reebs...looks to be a good night.  I sure miss the days of glitzy gowns. Thank God she ain't wearin' jeans.

8:10 -- If George Strait is 56 years old.  I wanna know what he's putting on his cereal.  That guy hasn't aged a day in the past 20 years. It makes you wonder if he made a deal with the devil. Maybe it's just that his diet doesn't consist of meat, grease, salt, and cheese like mine does. Damn he looks good to be 56. I'd hate him if I didn't like him so much. Shane T: I swear George Strait will still be singing number 1 hits in the year 2108.  Not my speed, but damn there's no stopping him. Emily West: I took the toilet paper out of my dress from stuffing my boobies and wiped my eyes after Sir George's performance.  Worship that gentleman.

8:16 --Holy S*&@!  I think Jennifer Nettles just raided Catwoman's closet. I know what all I want to do is... By the way...I think Kristian raided the Joker's closet! Shane T:Cute Sugarland song.  That girl is too cute.  What is that jacket Kristian is wearing? Not feelin' it. OMG is her hair all cut off of just put up? Too cha-cha for words.

8:21 -- Here's one we didn't see coming.  Miranda Lamber just won Album of the Year...Good for her!  Anytime Blake gets out of line, she can just pull out that award and shame him!  Shane T:OMG!  I think she just said Holy S$*%! Exactly what I said too...I bet Blake gets lucky tonight!

8:28 --A little B & D on a Sunday night. By the way...Jen just told me she caught a buzz at Kix Brooks winery last evening.  She didn't have a hangover though, cause she never stopped drinking! 

8:31 -- Wow another costume change for Reba! She's getting with the program now. Shane T: Wow Reba and her quick change!  Reckon she knows the words???

8:32 --  Bingo!  Sugarland two for two.  I'm not gonna say I predicted it...but I predicted it. They're going to "stay" around for a long time. hahahahahahahaha.  Get it? I'm almost as funny as Reba was in her opening monologue.  By the way another costume change for Sugarland.  This time...I think they raided the wardrobe room of the children's production of Alice in Wonderland. Shane T: Love that she's (Jennifer Nettles) crying and mentioned that her label has balls without saying that.  But what the hell is she wearing? She almost never misses.  Why are they matching?  Ugh?

8:38 --Is Taylor Swift planning to knock off a convenient store to tonight?  Either that or she's playing a hobbit in the next Lord of the Rings sequel. Shane T:Umm...Taylor, is she in sweats?

8:41 --What the....Taylor Swift magically changes costumes right before our eyes.  I smell Criss Angel...or did Jen just cut one?  Great God almighty...now she's got it raining here...what's she gonna do next part the Red Sea? Shane T: Oh thank God.  Luv that warddrobe change on stage.  You know Sandi Spika is responsible for that! She did all the fab Reba stuff in the 90's.  Love the drama!

8:42 --This is Mica Roberts and I just want to say congratulations to Jack Ingram...It's about time!  Amen.  I'm so proud of him, I'm just so freakin' proud of him! We've been very busy, we've done a lot of radio stuff and getting ready to do our All Star Jam tonight after the ACM's and everyone's coming back to the hotel and get their second wind. So it's the last night and I'm happy cause I'm so ready to come home.  And to the fans...thanks for continuing with me on this journey we'll kick ass on the upcoming Biggest & Baddest tour.

8:46 -- Okay, I was enjoying this show until now.  Who invited that bag of gas, Dr. Phil, on this show?  Congratulations to Brooks & Dunn for being named Top Vocal Duo...I hope it didn't take too much of the shine off of winning by having it presented by Dr. Phil.

8:49 -- Trace Adkins is performing his newest single and he's not even nominated for an award tonight. That's a class act right there. Of course I had to say that or he could hurt me.  Emily West: Holy Cow!  I heart Trace...he should be our president.

8:53 --This is to Shannon who asked for my prediction for Entertainer of the Year...In light of Rascal Flatts Humanitarian Award, there's no way they are going to win that and Entertainer of the Year.  That leaves me a 1 in 4 chance.  They've already praised George Strait too much throughout the show so he won't get it and I don't have a strong feeling for Brad or Keith.  I'm just not feeling it for them. So that leaves me with one choice...Kenny Chesney as Entertainer of the Year.  You read it here first!  However, if I'm wrong...we'll go back and change it so I'm right!

8:56 --  Not only has Reba changed again...but she's put her hair up. To coincide with Reba's change, I'm now wearing a mesh thong. Also known as the banana hammock or a visual vomit inducer when i'm wearing it!  Well I'll be G.D.'d!  It's GB! Garth Brooks has just taken the stage for a medley of his hits.  This should fill the complete last hour of the show. Shane T: Good to see Garth hasn't spent his money on a new wardrobe over the years.  Flash -- It's the 90's all over again! How in the hell did he get those jeans on?

9:03 -- Good God Almighty!  Trisha's showing off the girls! And that's about all I have to say about that...

9:05 -- James Otto sent us this message from his "hosting duties" on the show: "There was a lot going on backstage, it was a little nerve wracking but it felt good. I have been on the ACM Harley ride since it began 5 years ago so to be asked to be a part of the awards this  year was awesome!  I hope to be asked back next year."

9:09 --Miss Yearwood/Miss McEntire? Was that a Freudian slip?... or a Brooksian slip?

9:11 --A mixed martial artist and a C-list sitcom actress....to quote David Allan Coe..."If t that ain't country, I'll kiss your ass!"  So...I guess I'm gonna be kissing your ass.  So bend over.

9:12 --Rascal Flatts, Vocal Duo of the Year.  Like they need another award.  Reba just got in a good zinger on Paris Hilton.  Good job Rebbie!

9:17 -- Keith Urban performing in the middle of a bunch of rabid fans and not one woman jumped on him.  Security must be doing their job. Oh wow...another country icon...David Spade.  Is it hot in there or does he have malaria? Shane T:  Look at that cute Sarah Buxton back there singing with Keith Urban... heart her! So cute.

9:23 -- It's good to see the ACM paying a respectful tribute to one of the greats...Eddy Arnold.  He will be missed. Emily West:  Brad and Carrie stole this show.  Amazing. Shane T: Wow.  Brad and Carrie tribute to the nicest star we ever had, Eddy Arnold. Carrie looks so pretty - very tasteful. Those two sound great together.

9:31 --Kellie Pickler's got her party dress on and her ear monitor out. And she still sounds better than 90% of the people tonight! I have to admit, I am biased.  I would listen to Kellie Pickler sing the phone book... as long as I could look at her why she's doing it.  And yes, I am a dirty old man. Shane T:That Kellie Pickler is so cute, I want to bite her!

9:35 -- And the Top Male Vocalist is... Brad Paisley. Big winner in a field of tough competitors.  He's a good guy and he deserves it...and, he's got a hot wife. Damn, why can't I have his life. Oh yeah -- cause I have no talent.

9:43 --LeAnn Rimes is performing.  Using a white microphone that looks like it was borrowed from the Lawrence Welk Show.  However, that's the only thing that came from the Lawrence Welk Show.  You never saw Bobby and Cissy wearing an outfit like that. Of course, Bobby and Cissy weren't blessed with a body like that either... and yes that's my second dirty man comment for the evening. It won't be my last.

9:46 -- Carrie Underwood just won for Top Female Vocalist saying "God is good."  Does that mean God hates all the other nominees?  I guess Jesus "took the wheel" on this one. Thank you.

9:47 -- Hey, how 'bout that chinless Elvis?  It's like the King just came back from dead...except, it's not.

9:54 -- Montgomery Gentry... they sound just like themselves.

9:55 --Here we go folks...the one you've been waiting for...The big enchilada...Entertainer of the Year.  I was right!  Kenny Chesney!  I was right Shannon...you owe me a coke! He just tied Garth and he needs one more to tie Alabama.

9:57 --Luke Bryan is calling in to tell us about his night at the ACM's: "I just to thank the fans for yelling for me when my name came up as a ACM nominee and I want to send out my congratulations to Jack for winning and it's just amazingly deserved for him and am very happy for him. I want to let everyone know that I'm going to get him after the show for beating me.  I loved the Carrie and Brad tribute to Eddy Arnold, it was unbelievable I literally had tears in my eyes. Just want to say once again...thank the fans  and hope to see them out on the road.

10:02 --What a night. What a show. Reba was great as usual, we had some surprises, some great performances and some great wins for some very deserving artists.  In particular Jack Ingram who finally got his due. We're hoping to get some more comments from some of your favorite artists...but I'm signing off for now. In the words of Robert Earl Keen..."the road goes on forever and the party never ends." I'll see ya on down the trail my friends...adios!

10:19 --We have Ashton Shepherd calling in to give us a report on the ACM's: "Well hey ya'll this is Ashton Shepherd and I am here in Las Vegas for my 3rd time but my 1st time at the ACM Awards out here.  We've had a great time and I've been here with UMG watching it all. I'm really excited for Miranda Lambert for winning Album of the Year which is huge in itself.  We've been out here and have had a great time...we've been gambling and there's been fans asking for autographs, it's just been a blast!"

10:20 --Keith Anderson is joining us from the SonyBMG after-party in Vegas and telling us about his week leading up to the show..."We started out doing the Fremont St. Show in Vegas on Friday night.  Me and James Otto and Randy Owen.  Then we got up early and did the Harley ride with Montgomery Gentry.  We pretty much just hung out all of Saturday night.  Got up today and did the red carpet which was cool.  I was up for Song of the Year -- did not win it, unfortunately.  Darn it. Up for "Lost In This Moment" sung by Big and Rich.  Ended up sitting with...Carrot Top, who is huge, and a guy from American Gladiators. Who set this up?  Then I saw Blake backstage and we went out and had a drink on Miranda's bus.  Came back and enjoyed the rest of the show and it was great and big show!  Now we are at the SonyBMG party hanging out with all my label mates, Carrie Underwood, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney... Then we are going to take a team picture.  And then we head back to the hotel and going to the All Star Jam... then I'm staying for a few days to enjoy the sun and lay by the pool.  Thanks for continuing to request my new songs it's on top 20 this week.  Having a great time right now and hope to see you all at the shows."

10:23 -- And now Shane has left me here, all by myself.  But Chuck Wicks just called and he's gonna wrap this up for us... "Right now as we speak -- I'm waiting to take a shuttle maybe even a car... see here's the deal, should we take a shutle or a car?  We are on our way to the SonyBMG afterparty.  The awards show was great! I walked the red carpet and the funny thing is I remember watching the red carpet last year on my tv from my couch and I said 'Oh my gosh I would never wear a suit, it's so hot!'... and guess what I wore a suit on the red carpet.  But once I got inside and all my buddies went with me, it was cool. I'm about to head out on tour with Brad Paisley and so it was cool watching him win...cool to be apart of it.  So, I walked the red carpet, walked in, then got caught off gaurd in the vip room becuase they had all this food.  I wanted a burrito, but I had a suit on and I know I would spill something on it... and now I'm going to the after party and I'm going to look like a really big pig because all I'm going to do eat. As we are talking -- we are just asking random people are you looking for the shuttle?  Are you taking a shuttle? And then here's Chris Young and Chris Young got a private car, and I have to sit here and wait for the shuttle.  See look his manager got him a car.  That is so wierd. Chris Young's manager got him a car, and I'm looking at mine and saying 'wow, do you not love me?' Here I am, now I'm standing in the middle of the street, no big deal.  By the way I just shook Chris Young's hand with my pinky.  Two grown men just shook hand with pinky's.  Now we got a car...and we have a car.  That's how we roll.  Somebody who's not nominated and just came here to support his peers and friends said 'car'... and now we have a car.  Okay -- now I'm in the SUV and I'm on the way to the afterparty and then we are going to the All Star Jam and then we will have to find a car back."

10:39 -- This brings and end to our blog and I've only got one more thing to say "OMG! I saw Chuck Wicks and he was the best dressed man at the ACM awards -- it's amazing. No man should dress that good.  And he like long walks on the beach."  And no -- Chuck did not tell me to say that! ;)

5:55 -- Good evening country music fans around the world!  This is Shane Caldwell coming to you live from the Red Carpet Show at the 2008 CMT Music Awards.  Thanks so much for joining us tonight for this grandest of grand events.  I'm here with my blogging team Jennifer Morrison and Brian Bayley.  Jennifer's here because I can't type and Brian's here because I'm too fat to move around under my own power.  God bless them both. And God willing, we'll be with you all the way tonight.  From the arrival of the first celebrity to the presentation of the very last award when one lucky artist takes home the coveted prize of Video of the Year and the rest go home full of bitterness and hate.   This is truly going to be a night to remember...at least until we've all gotten back to our cars. I'll tell you, friends, this Red Carpet ceremony is already shaping up to be the best ever.  No one has arrived yet and I'm already seeing stars!  That's mainly because I was accidentally head-butted in the hoo-ha by a Little Jimmy Dickens impersonator but that means it can only get better from here on in. We're going to keep you up-to-date and in the know with exclusive, behind-the-scenes reporting from the red carpet, the green room, backstage, front of the house and all around the arena so don't... you... dare... go... anywhere! Back in a minute...

5:58 -- Before the show even starts we have four time Super Bowl Champion...Terry Bradshaw.  "It's an exciting night, lot of fun...all these guys that are performing tonight, and gals-- it's kind of cool, I know most of them.  My daughter, a Belmont student and aspiring singer/songwriter, Rachel, asked me to come with her tonight, so how could I say no.  Came in from Oklahoma, took a flight in this morning at 12:20 and came in."

6:05 -- Well the stars having started arriving. And if Elvis rode a dinosaur in here right now it wouldn't be as exciting as what I've just seen.  After Tom Arnold came through and wow'd the crowd with his down-home style, Blake Shelton came through with his dashing Brooks Brothers suit and had the women swooning.  I must admit... I felt a bit faint myself.  Looking for a cold compress to revive myself.  Back soon...

6:12 -- And the stars keep coming... new host of the brand new show, Can You Duet,(premiering tonight right after the award show) Rossi Morreale, just had a veritable love fest with the fans.  He loves them, they love him, this guy knows how to work a crowd.  Back soon with more.

6:18 -- Just spoke with Tom Arnold.  He promised before the night is over he'll stop by to make a special blog appearance for us with a special message for his fans.  As you know, he is the fabulous host of the wildly popular show, My Big Redneck Wedding.  More to come...

6:20 -- Miley Cyrus just walked by.  She is young.  She is fabulous.  I am old and she remind me that I am old and flabulous. 

6:22 -- I turned around and there was hot new artist James Otto and he has a message for all his fans... "Thank you for going out and buying my record, Sunset Man...and making my single number three this week...AND the number one album page this week on CMT.com! I love that!  You guys rock!"

6:25 -- We've snagged another one... Jake Owen has a message for his fans. "I wish everyone could be here with me to see all the exciting stuff going on right now.  I just got to shake hands with Terry Bradshaw and I got to meet Snoop Dog... and Miley Cyrus just walked by."

6:30 -- The stars just keep coming.  Just caught a glimpse of LeAnn Rimes dress, it's more amazing than a Beatles reunion on Mars.  Oh My God... Is that Nicole Kidman!?  Yes that is Nicole Kidman!  Is this heaven?

6:33 -- I just snagged that tall drink of water Chris Young, he wants to say hello to all his fans out there... "I still continue to see my video from a year and a half ago, so I just want to say thanks to all the fans for continuing to ask to see it. I also want to let everybody know that we just finished the new album.  The new single, 'Voices,' is about to come out and hopefully there will be a new video to ask for soon."

 6:38 -- We just found Bucky Covington.  A hot new star who want to send a hot message to all his friends.  "Okay, lets see here... Hey for all my fans out there on tonight's performance pay attention to the guitar and thanks!  Ya'll Rock!

6:39 -- Taylor Swift just walked by in 18 inch heels...I have never wished more that the Fountain of Youth existed so I could be young again and pretend I had a chance with her. Instead of being just a dirty old man.

6:45 -- Mega producer Tony Brown just walked by with his beautiful wife, Anastasia.  I got to shake the hand of the man who has been the guiding hand with some of the biggest albums in country music history.  He wanted to talk to us, unfortunately Anastasia spilled soda on his shirt and he had to go change it.

6:48 -- Taylor Swift just walked back through... I'm feeling older by the minute.

6:50 -- Just talked to Trace Adkins who has promised to be a guest blogger later in the evening.  He was very pleased with his second place finish on Celebrity Apprentice.  Coming in second means he doesn't have to spend the next year, as Trump's flunky.

6:55 -- Rock Legends Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit of The Eagles have joined us and want to say a word or two to the fans. 

Joe: "Hi, and it's great to be here.  We are giving an award and receiving an award.  It's going to be a wonderful evening.  Thanks to everyone for the support.

Timothy: "We are here, thank you for having us.  We are thrilled that the country community has embraced us like this, there's more to come."

7:00 -- Well that Red Carpet Show couldn't have been anymore amazing if Big Foot had flown in on Pegasus.  Stars galore and much more to come.  Bobby Brown just walked by and waved which means tonight is going to be a winner.   I'll be back as soon as I make it to the fabulous green room for more from the 2008 CMT Music Awards.

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