What a nice treat tonight to see the highlights from this past summer's CMA bash in Nashville.  Upgraded to a 3 hour sepecial, ABC did a good job of making the special move pretty fast.  It's always interesting to view the acts ABC thinks is the most star-worthy.  They often put he big names at the top and bottom of the hour to attract new viewers that might be switching over.  Check it out:

7:30 - Taylor Swift "You Belong With Me"

8:00 - Taylor Swift "15"

8:30 - The soon to be broken up Brooks & Dunn

9:03 (lil' late) - Kid Rock and Martina McBride duet

9:30 - Trace Adkins

Go ahead and check the DVR

Some early thoughts:

*  Julianne Hough is spunky.

*  That new Swift song is pretty darn good.  Is there a more talented 19 yr old artist in music?  Ever?

*  I wish I had seen Hootie & the Blowfish when they played Lewis & Clark.

*  Sugarland sang a REM song?  Really.  Wow, didn't see that one coming.

*  Miranda sang a Rod Stewart song "Stay with Me".  See above.

*  Kid Rock is one heckuva entertainer.  Did Martina McBride seem too "wholesome" to sing "Picture" or is that part of the charm of the pairing?

*  Where was Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Toby, Tim & Faith??

*  When will the Zac Brown Band come to Siouxland.  What a fun show that would be....

*  Jake Owen got a nice time placement.  Was it based on the strength of his WinnaVegas show?

Overall, a surprisingly good show for the Summer TV duldrums.  I give it a B - plus.  Hey, anything beats Shaquille O'Neal in a pink speedo.  How much is that Husker Pay per View again?

~  Tony Michaels