2008 CMA Awards show nuggets from Tony's couch

The CMA Awards show remain my favorite of the genre. The sound quality is FAR superior than that of the ACM which sounds like a cheap AM transistor radio. I enjoyed the 1-2 punch of co-hosts Brad and Carrie. They make a pretty good team and kept the show moving forward at a pretty quick pace. Brad is a funny individual and Carrie is one classy star that America can relate with thanks in part to that ratings bonanza singing competition tv show on Fox.

Speaking of ratings, it was interesting to see the big moments happen at the top of every hour.

Check it out...

7:00pm - Brad Paisley and Keith Urban’s "Start a Band"

8:00pm - Taylor Swift and then the Kid Rock performance

9:01pm - Carrie Underwood’s moving "Just a Dream"

Were tv execs trying to woo potential new viewers tuning into ABC after the conclusion of other shows?

Who is more adorable? Reese Witherspoon or Julianne Hough? I would give a slight edge to Reese Witherspoon who was sporting some of the reddest lipstick I’ve ever seen on television. Let’s just say it was a far cry from KTIV’s Kristie Ver Mulm’s infamous chocolate mocha lipstick. Reese stars in that "Four Christmases" movie that looks like it could be a hoot. Too bad, the trailer didn’t include any Tim McGraw footage.

What the heck was up with Jay DeMarcus’ coat? Only Ralph Ferley (Three’s Company) could pull that off. I wish the tv crews would have showed more Rascal Flatt’s wives. Wowza!

CMA Highlights

1) The Leslie Sponder segment before Carrie Underwood’s "Just a Dream". Her husband Trey was killed in action on June 28^th, 2005.

2) Brad Paisley ran off the stage and kissed Kimberly’s pregnant belly (Huck’s future sibling). 

3) I really enjoyed the Raggae guy during Kenny’s performance. Where can I get one of those hats?

4) Shania looked fantastic. Ask Kenny.

5) Kid Rock puts on a SHOW. What a fun concert that would be!

6) Keith Urban’s "Sweet Thing" and Keith & Brad jamming on guitar....

CMA Lowlights

1) Who was the big surprise artist? The Eagles? We knew they were on the docket. Shania? She DIDN’T SING. What the heck? I expected a Palin sighting. Bruce Springsteen’s name was the rumored on the internet machine. He was nowhere to be seen. What a major let-down.

2) The Carrie Underwood dress made of black feathers. Really? How was that a good choice?

3) Closeups of James Otto. He’s a great singer. He put on a great concert with Big & Rich at the TEC, but he looks like a goofy looking radio guy. And this is coming from... you guessed it, a goofy looking radio guy.

4) Why does it always have to end at 9:59:59? The Grammys, Oscars, AMA’s all go long. Get Shania Twain into her performing duds and let ‘er rip!

5)  Hugh Jackman was a bit rigid for a presenter.  Here's a novel idea.  Ban the teleprompter.  Talk from the heart.  These presenters are big musical artists and big time movie stars.  They can't memorize three sentences...or God forbid, wing it?   

6) Kenny Chesney seemed very melancholy and almost sad when accepting the Entertainer of the Year award. He seemed a little tired/overwhelmed/stressed/depressed. Don’t you think?

I’d love to hear your comments.

Tony Michaels