Live Blog: Heidi Newfield

And we're off!  The 2009 ACM Awards has begun and there she is, the Queen of country music... our girl Reba.  Well they just flew right over Reba and went right to B & D.  They're pullin' out all the stops here at the head of the show...  Taylor Swift.  Now we got Sugarland performing... there ain't gonna be anybody left by the end of the show.  I think Jennifer Nettles is wearing the vest that went with Taylor Swift's outfit... they are both wearing shards of glass.  Carrie Underwood is either wearing the biggest diamond choker I've ever seen or she was in a car accident right before the show and they've put her in a neck brace.   Now we got Rascal Flatts... they are bringing out all the super stars at the start of the show.  This show should be a cozy 30  minutes, I guess they'll fill the rest of the show with CSI reruns.  Just saw Matthew McConaughey in the audience wearing dark sunglasses, I'm sure it has nothing to do with his eyes being red.. wink, wink.

There she is and I  must say Reba looks like a Million dollars.  Dress number 1, tasteful black with fringe... since I know nothing about fashion, judge for yourselves friends.  Reba bringing out the one liners early.  Sorry but I already beat you to the punch on the pot joke.   There's Brad Paisley and his good luck charm, Little Jimmy Dickens.  They're either out on the road together or that's the worst looking green room I've ever seen.

Shecky McEntire is finished her set and now Kenny Chesney has finished the stage.  How out of character that he would have a screen with beach scenes.   Ah here's that country icon... Jennifer Love Hewitt.  She's here to present the Song of the year and who better to present it than the star of the Ghost Whisperer.  And the winner is Jamey Johnson!  The look on George Strait was how did Grizzly Adams beat me? 

 While we break, check out these words from new country group Gloriana:

To the bloggers out there, CountryFan... What would you like me to be wearing?  And to Julie -- there's enough crowns to go around.

 We're back and Reba's still in the same outfit.  Has the economic downturn his the ACM's as well?  Whoa!  Heidi Newfield doing Johnny and June in the middle of a ring of fire... nice touch.  Don't try this at home... although I know you're going to.  It just hit me how much Heidi looks like Nicolette Sheridan.  This way you can watch the show and not feel like you're missing Desperate Housewives.  Oh wait, Jen told me Nicolette's character got killed off the show last week... maybe there's not really her up there.

Darius Rucker presenting the award for Vocal Group of the Year.  Since the show's in Vegas, I'm betting on a sure thing... Rascal Flatts.  I Win! 

And for all your live bloggers out there.  We have a special sweepstakes tonight launching off the live blog.  How would you like to win the celebrity gift basket they give away at the ACM Awards?  We'll now's your chance... enter now here: http://www.cmt.com/interact/sweepstakes/acm-gift-basket

What's in the bag? Click on the link above and you'll get a description of some of the fabulous items inside!  Trust me, it's good -- I want to keep it myself!  P.s.. Carrie Underwood gets it and picks out what she wants and then gives the rest to her stylist... you'll love it.

Ah yes, another country icon, Marissa Miller... Who you ask?  Exactly...

Here's Toby Keith and he brought a horn section.  I heard 'em play two notes and that was it. Sweet gig for them... I wonder if they get that cool gift basket?

Reba STILL in the same outfit... we're in a depression.  America is in a depression.

Now Jamey Johnson is singing and the pictures in black and white... we can't even afford TV anymore!  The bread lines and government cheese are soon to follow!  And Jamey Johnson is ready for it, he's obviously quit buying shaving cream and razor blades.  Oh now we're to color... all is not lost after all!  Now it's black and white again... how many people have actually gotten up and hit the side of their TV thinking there's something wrong with the picture?  Oh and the color is back! Just kidding we knew what they were doing with this song, "In Color." Just making sure you were listening.

We're in Nashville and we are actually under a tornado warning right now... so if we go away for a few minutes... we may have taken shelter in our designated safety area... the restrooms.  If the awards are on right now, why don't you tell us what's happening because we are watching a line of thunderstorm come through with a weather bulletin.

Jamie Foxx has taken the stage... now here's an actor with a legitimate reason to be here, he sang on the Rascal Flatts record on the song, "She Goes All the Way."  Plus, he played Ray Charles and got a Oscar for it.  He's at home on any stage.

Here's the real deal friends... George Strait.  Enjoy...

And while King George is on stage it's a perfect time to ask your opinion on who's going to take home Entertainer of the Year award.  George is nominated along with Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood. 

Here's Jack Ingram and Jason Aldean to present Top New Artist.  See who Chuck Wicks thinks should win!

And Chuck was right!  Looks like he'll get some kisses and not from Zac Brown or Jake Owen!  Julianne is genuinely excited.  I interviewed her a couple of weeks ago and she has got it together.  Smart, funny and classy.  I predict she will go far.  She's gone quite a ways already.

While we are breaking we want to remind everyone to check back on CMT.com after Reba's performance tonight to exclusively stream her new song "Strange."

And she finally changed... there's hope for America!

The country icons keep coming... David Copperfield.  How about making yourself disappear Dave.  I'd make some sarcastic comment here but I think this speaks for itself.

Is it just me or did Taylor look embarrassed by that whole magic trick thing? Any embarrassment Taylor might have felt by the David Copperfield bit was erased by this performance.  This was her best performance on an award show by a long shot. 

Here's Lady A performing "I Run to You."  They usually bring it on the award show... lets see how they do this time.   Good job kids.

While we're breaking check out Jack Ingram talking with host Reba McEntire about her upcoming performance tonight on the ACM Awards.

We're back with Womack! Lee Ann sound great and gets extra points for singing in 15 inch hills.  She could get into Cirque De Soleil with balance like that.

And the country icons keep coming Kaley Cuoco from the Big Bang Theory.  She's presenting the ACM Top Vocal Duo and what a surprise... Sugarland.  I think we call saw that one coming. 

Here's our girl Kellie Pickler.  With a new hairstyle and a form fitting dress and on behalf of all red-blooded American men, I'd like to say thank you Kellie.  Here's dirty sexy Keith Urban.  Keith's singing about wanting to kiss a girl... what's wrong with the one you got Keith? How 'bout leaving some for the rest of us.  Between you and Katy Perry I'm out in the cold... like I had a chance anyway.

Thanks again to all the fans who are posting their comments and saying the things we'd like to say but can't!  Thanks and keep 'em comin' folks.

Here's Miranda Lambert... You know boyfriend Blake Shelton was suppose to be here blogging with us but she wanted him to go to Vegas with her... guess who won.  Now you're stuck with us.  Blame it on Miranda.

LeAnn Rimes receiving the Humanitarian Award... lets listen to this speech.  Could be interesting...

Here's John Rich... take a listen.

To Cindy who just asked if I'd heard anything about Tim McGraw being replaced by Blake Shelton on the show... I did indeed hear there was a "tiff" with the producer but don't know much more than that.  I'm sure CMT.com is on the case and you'll be able to read the whole story there soon.

Great comments everyone.  Keep em' coming.  We feel ya.

Here's Billy Ray Cyrus, I wonder who he's going to introduce...

Billy Ray Cyrus "Plug-O-Matic"

Here's Miley Cyrus.  According to Billy Ray, I think she has a movie and a record coming out this week.  Did you hear anything about that?  They stole the set piece from the Price Is Right... where's Drew Carey? It's the Mountain Climber.

It's Montgomery Gentry... and as always, they sound just like themselves.

And break time... Shane's off to steal some chips and chocolate!  And a reminder to everyone here... don't forget to enter the Live Blog Celebrity Gift Basket Sweepstakes! http://www.cmt.com/interact/sweepstakes/acm-gift-basket

We just learned from the CMT Radio Live twitter that Miranda Lambert had never performed the song she sang tonight before and she just wrote it.  http://twitter.com/CMT_Radio_Live

Carrie Underwood standing on top of an avalanche of fabric.  Wonder who's hiding under there?  Maybe Randy Travis is going to pop out from under the dress and do a duet with her.

Martina is presenting the Top Male Vocalist... she's not singing? What a crime! Ah... the only guy who's not there wins, Brad Paisley... I told you Tater was his good luck charm.

You wanted her... you got it, here's Reba singing.  Log on to CMT.com at 12/11c or anytime this week to hear Reba's new single, "Strange."  Exclusively at CMT.com!

Here's Dierks with the award for Top Female Vocalist.  This is a tough call here... but I'm betting on Carrie Underwood.  I win again!  Ding, Ding, Ding!  I'm glad she was able to find her way out of that other dress.

Well done Trace.

Okay... only a couple of awards left.  Any more bets on who will win EOTY?

Finally!  Another costume change for Reba.  This may be the last one, I think she'll take it home in this gown.  

Jennifer Nettles is looking right at me right now, I know it... I just know it.  You're trying to seduce me right now aren't you Mrs. Nettles?

To Kim -- The storm passed us by some folks in East Tennessee and Southern Kentucky are being told to keep watch.  Good luck to all of them and thanks for your concern Kim, we are A-Okay!

Here's another "surprise" award. 

Uh Oh!  Malfunction junction!  Here's Single of the Year... Trace Adkins! Always good to see the big guy win.

Hey everyone -- be sure to check out all of CMT.com's award coverage to see photos, winners and more! http://www.cmt.com/acm-awards/

Here's Blake Shelton unplugged.  Well, he is plugged in but he is acoustic.  This seperates the men from the voice.  Your voice and a couple guitars.

Get ready for Album of the Year... This is another tough one but I'm picking Carrie.  Can I go three for three... we'll see.  Boy was I wrong on that one...

Here comes Rascal Flatts with "Here Comes Goodbye."  Like how I tied that together?  That's why they pay me the big bucks... actually I get paid nothing for this and they are getting their moneys worth don't you think?

Finally it looks like the big one is coming after the break... Entertainer of the Year. I'm betting on the only female in the bunch... Carrie Underwood and from the looks of the fan pool, it looks like they are going for her as well. http://www.cmt.com/acm-awards/voting.jhtml.  Stay tuned...

Here's Matthew McConaughey to present Entertainer of the Year.  He seems surprisingly coherent.  Here we go... EOTY!  And Bing, Bing, Bing!  The fans were right!  Kenny just tried to kiss her and she pulled away. That wasn't so awkward was it, yes it was.  Rejected! 

 Well that's it friends!  Another ACM Awards has come and gone.  Congratulations to Carrie and all the winners.  Great job Reba.  And that will about do it for me and Jen.  Don't forget to check back and hear Reba's new single, "Strange," exclusively at CMT.com! So again, remember in the word of Robert Earl Keen.. "the road goes on forever, and the party never ends..." See ya next time, until then.. adios!

Kick it off Wichita. The 2008 CMA Awards show has started and it's started with a bang.  Two of the best guitar players in all of country music are burnin' it up on stage.  Brad Paisley and Keith Urban.  Brad Paisley and Keith Urban are smokin'!

This show open reminds me of the opening of Happy Days. I expect to see Fonzie give the thumbs up any second.

Here are your hosts... Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood. Even though he's a master guitar player... he hasn't mastered the art of the quick change yet.  He was still tucking in his shirt on the way out.  Fortunately for him I think everyone was looking at Carrie.

There's the King George Strait.  Does this guy ever age?  I actually think he's getting younger.

Pretty good opening exchange by Brad and Carrie.  Oh look it's Old Lady Urban and Wolverine. If you are wondering what these two are doing on the show... I guarantee it has nothing to do with the fact that they have a new movie coming out.  That's Australia coming to a theater near you November 26.

Here we go with Single of the Year!  And the winner is George Strait!  Still a classic.  He's walking up with producer, Tony Brown, a classic in his own right.

While we are taking a break, let me give you a little advice if you are visiting Nashville... the food at Paradise Park is worth the trip by itself. They just told me the kitchen stays open till 4 and they may have to throw me out.  I am now officially addicted to their sweet potato fries.  Thems good eats.

Kellie Pickler evidently raided Madonna closet for her clothes tonight.  She must have left the whip backstage.  But trust me, I ain't complaining.

My man Alan Jackson has evidently started a riot in the arena.  Wait!  They are all doing the same dance.  Is this some kind of mass hysteria? No, they're just having a good time!  Get it?

Billy Ray and Miley are about to introduce the winner of Song of the Year.  Wait for it...

I thought it would come down to the battle between Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles and Alan Jackson.  Easy for me to say of course after the fact. 

Sorry -- we had a little technical burp.  But now we're back. Miranda's performance of "More Like Her" was great and now Lady A is tearing it up.  Show's going great so far.  For 12 years Vince Gill set the gold standards for CMA hosts.  But Brad and Carrie have done a great job so far and are making their mark as well.

Another break... and another chance to hear from another one of our favorite country artists...  Big Kenny.

Some of you have asked if you can watch the awards online since you may be at work... you can see the show replayed in it's entirety on CMT Nov.29th.  See CMT.com for more details.  How bout them apples!

Martina's bringing out the leather just like Kellie Pickler.  Madonna's looking on and smiling.  Martina is always belting it. I've always wondered how that big big voice comes out of the little bitty body.

Okay guys I'm soliciting your opinion... who do you think is going to be entertainer of the year?  Sound off!

Black on black seems to be the fashion statement this evening.  Of course he's sticking with the brown cap.  He's a man of conviction.

Heidi Newfield and John Rich are about to present the award for Vocal Group of the Year. We actually just saw John walking down the street on his way to the arena.  Cuttin' it a little close aren't ya John?  And the winner is... The Little Rascals... Rascal Flatts. Congratulations boys.

Hey to Goober!

So far on the fan voting for Entertainer of the Year... we have 1 vote for Kenny Chesney, 1 for Keith Urban, 2 for Brad Paisley.  Here's another question while we're at it... Best dressed?  Worst dressed?  Let her rip friends!

Taylor Swift is Rapunzel in the tower... let down your hair! I feel like I'm on a ride at Disney Land... it's a small world after all.  Oh -- her fairy God mother aka her stylist, pulled the old switcheroo... I wonder what his name is.

Kid Rocks playing to the hometown crowd with that Titan's jersey. He's playing to me with this tune... I'm a Skynyrd fan from way back.  Turn it up!

I want to thank all our readers for saying what we can't say.  Very funny, very true.  'Nuff said.

Okay kids... I asked you earlier... best dressed?  Worst Dressed?  So far... no ones chimed in.  Do your worst... lets go!

The King is doing his impression of Jimmy Buffett... or is it Kenny Chesney?  I can't tell anymore. Of course George could sing the alphabet and it would sound good. Is Tommy Chong one of his backup singers?  If so, where's Cheech?

Remember kids... The song Jason Aldean is performing tonight will be on CMT.com tomorrow for a listening party! Now that's a country boy right there.  No leather.  No whips and chains.  Just all-American cotton and denim... I'll lay ya 5 to 1 that t-shirt came from Walmart and he's proud of it. Glad to see he ain't got above his raisin'... Thank you.

Taylor Swift is back in black to present the Best New Artist Award.  Hooray for Lady A. Congratulations kiddos!

We've just had a request for the list of the winners so far... so here ya go!

As you just saw, New Artist of the Year -- Lady Antebellum, Vocal Group of the Year -- Rascal Flatts, Song of the Year, "Stay," Jennifer Nettles,  and Single of the Year, "I Saw God Today," George Strait.  There ya go, glad to be of service.

We've gotten a lot of great comments on best dressed and worst dressed.  Way to go kids!  Keep 'em comin'.

Looks like Brad's about to do a tribute to one of the greats we lost this past year... Jerry Reed.  Give it up for the Snowman.

I think this is Carrie's fifth or sixth outfit so far tonight... I've lost count.  If she keeps this pace up she'll be in her pajamas before the shows over... or maybe naked.  I can dream can't I...

Continuing the trend for wearing black this evening... here's Reba and B&D.  Maybe they should call themselves "S&M." 

A trio of newbies presents the award for Vocal Duo of the Year.  And the winner is... Sugarland!  They must have known they were going to win... they went and changed into all black!

Congratulations to musician of the year Mac McAnally.  This guy's not only a great musician but he's been writing some of the best songs EVER since I first saw him open for Joe Cocker at the University of North Alabama in 1978.  One of the best.

We apologize for the oversight in reporting the awards at this point.  The award for Music Video of the Year was presented before the show and the winner was Brad Paisley, "Waitin' on a Woman" and directed by Jim Shea.  Sorry for the oversight. For the official list of the awards go to CMT.com... they know everything!

Darius Rucker doing a fine  job of crossing over from pop to country... lets hope he sticks around a while.

The trend continues... Brad Paisley wearing all black except for the hat.  I think the show could only afford one stylist this year or this could just be an unspoken tribute to Johnny Cash. This song won Video of the Year earlier this evening. It's a video that featured Andy Griffith... nice job Ange.  I'll see ya at the diner.

This is Jen.... Thanks Shane! : )

Josh Turner and Lee Ann Womack on hand to present Album of the Year... I guess they didn't get the memo to wear all black.  A refreshing touch of color may I say.  And the winner is... "Troubadour."  The King still reigns.

Another big thanks to all of the readers of this blog for coming up with some great comments.  I think we're having more fun reading yours, than you are mine.  On a personal note to some of those Sylvan Brothers fans... thanks for remembering and God bless ya Ralph. To MR who asked about the power outage we experienced in downtown Nashville today... it's still out in some sections  but CMT is back up and running and the Sommet Center bounced back quickly.  We think it was all the hair dyers running at the same time back stage.

Alright ladies... brace yourselves.  Here's Keith Urban.  Gee... what a suprise... he's wearing black too!  You can listen to this song again at CMT.com! Head over to hear his single "Sweet Thing" on The Leak.

Here's another one we missed!  Musical Event of the Year was awarded pre-show to Robert Plant and Alison Krauss for "Gone, Gone, Gone."  Congratulations y'all.  The statues in the mail.

This tribute is what country music is all about... no further comment necessary.  Lets just listen.

Here comes my pal Vince Gill.  The nicest guy in the biz.  He's wearing black, but at least he's got a green shirt on.  He's running down the new Hall of Fame members.. Emmylou, Tom T., The Statlers and Pop Stoneman. Welcome.

Here we go with Female Vocalist of the Year... who will it be? Carrie Underwood gets the trifecta!  Congratulations Carrie... well done! Let me just say if this award were given for pure vocal talent... Alison Krauss would be given this award for life.  Because a voice like that comes along only once in a lifetime.   However, from year to year it's what you do with that voice and this year they decided Carrie did the most.  Congratulations to not only Carrie, but to Alison, Miranda, Martina and Taylor.  Thanks for a great year... looking forward to many more.

Here's Sugarland... I think Jennifer borrowed her outfit from the road show version of the Lion King!  It's the "circle of life." Kristian on the other hand is going with the requisite all black uniform. The scarf's a nice touch though...

I've just been told that this is James Otto's very first performance ever on the CMA Awards. And like any first timer he followed the rules... he wore all black. 

One more shout out to all of you who are posting comments. You guys are the best group yet... keep 'em comin'!

Kenny we see you doing yet another Jimmy Buffett impression... Oops sorry... he's morphed into Bob Marley.  Right on, Mon.

That was one of the members of Bob Marley's band.. The Wailers.  Now I get it... forgive my ignorance.  I'm just a country boy.

Trace Adkins has taken the stage... how much more black can his outfit be?  The answer... none more!  But he sounds good and that's what counts by God. Thank you.

Here's our little Reesey... our hometown girl and faux June Carter Cash.  About to present Male Vocalist of the Year. wait for it... Brad Paisley! Are my eyes deceiving me or did he make a not so subtle birth announcement?

Hey it's the Eagles... they sound just like themselves.

Okay the shows at commerical. When we come back we're going to find out who guessed correctly for Entertainer of the Year.  And we'll find out who this special guest presenter is. I'm not going to say who it is but her name rhymes with Bania Gwain. 

Fans... go on to CMT.com now for fan voting for the red carpet fashion poll. http://www.cmt.com/cma-awards/voting.jhtml

Great hoogly moogly!  Divorce does a body good.. I don't think Shania's ever looked this good.  And here's the Entertainer of the Year... Wow!  Kenny Chesney!  Who'd a thunk it! Suprise, suprise, suprise!  Brian Bayley just told me Kenny wore the same outfit last year when he won EOTY... something tells me we'll be seeing this outfit again!

Congratulations Kenny!  Job well done.  Well that's it, shows over and they made it right on time.  Thanks for all your comments and hanging with us from the start all the way to the very damn end of this ride!  Until next time, remember in the words of the great Robert Earl Keen, "the road goes on forever and the party never ends!" See ya on down the highway... adios!