This was a tailor-made TiVo event.  There were some hits and misses throughout the evening, but overall it was a nice representation of the country music format.  I would have enjoyed it a little more if CBS would pop for decent sound equipment.  The stripped down performance sounded passable, but the rest of the mini-concerts sounded hollow and made me question why I spent so much money on a HDTV.  The CMA’s ALWAYS sound better and are a much smoother presentation.

Highlights:

1)      The Trace Adkins song “Til the Last Shots Fired” was one of those classic tv moments that sent chills up and down my spine.  It was a very classy performance from one of the classiest guys in music.  The intro by the young man in the wheelchair was a tender genuine moment.  “It’s not about the war, it’s about the warrior”.  Wow, that line resonates.  The backing military choir made the song unforgettable.

2)      John Rich sang his heart out.  Country music does a great job of allowing a platform for musicians to tell real stories about real people.  The live version of “Shuttin’ Detroit Down” had an edge to it, the studio version does not have.

3)      Who was Kenny Chesney’s date.  HOLY TACOS!  The internet machine said she was a realtor from Boca Raton, FL.  Maybe, Kenny is buying some more houses / islands / countries…

4)      Nice to see long time Nashville writer Jamey Johnson get some love.

5)      Matthew McConaughey was hilarious.  Great story about the boots.

6)      Carrie Underwood’s “I’d like to see those boots Matt” line.  Funny stuff.

7)      Keith Urban can really play that ax.  AI reference.

Lowlights:

1)      Carrie’s HUGE prom dress.  It reminded me of that one 90210 episode where Donna wears that dress that she couldn’t move around in at the prom.  I was waiting for duet partner Randy Travis to pop out during the performance.

2)      HDTV in black and white?  Bummer. 

3)      Sugarland is NOT a duo.  A duo requires the use of 2 microphones.  It’s just Jennifer Nettles and a musician.  Leave it at that.

4)      Billy Ray Cyrus and his endless plugs for his music, his daughter’s movies, tv shows etc.  Just put your personal needs aside and introduce your daughter with class.

5)      Montgomery Gentry have been spending a lot of time at the buffet lines. 

6)      Where was Tim McGraw??  Rumors point to a disagreement with ACM production staffers.  He probably complained about the hollow sound of the telecast!