Nashville's Big Event

The CMAs returned to Nashvegas this year. It has been a big day for Nashville with all the stars in town. Good Morning America was downtown this morning for a special performance by Bon Jovi and Sugarland, practices all day and then the red carpet. Big Day!

I love watching the award ceremonies. When I lived in Texas, Carol and I watched them together and of course, commented on every presentation and performance. When I moved back to TN, we continued our commentaries via the telephone. We would call each other during commercials with "what was she thinking wearing that dress??" and "ok, they really can not sing, what is up??". So tonight after Brooks and Dunn won the first two awards they were nominated for, I just had to call her. Jeff was like "she probably is not watching". Well...oh, yes she was!! Do I know her! HELLO! Me: "I'm so mad B&D's Believe won Song of the Year. HELLO, Jesus Take the Wheel. Need I say more. I'm about to turn it off if they continue winning." Carol: "No kidding, did you see their opening performance? They can't sing!" Totally agree. What was great about the conversation was that it was like we were still in Texas together and 10 years have not passed.

The night was about the best of the best. Here are our votes:

• Jesus Take the Wheel should have been song of the year. Period.
• Best live performance: Carrie Underwood "When He Cheats"
• Best Legs: Carrie Underwood. You go girl. Yes, she is young, but hey, she had to work to get her legs looking that good.
• Moment that made me (Debra) cry: standing ovation for Keith Urban, Male Vocalist of the Year, who is in rehab. Made me cry.
• Moment that made me (Debra) crack up: CMA memory lane moment of Johnny & June Carter Cash singing "Jackson" and Johnny kisses June mid-sentence.
• Best presenter: Kimberly Williams Paisley. She is the cutest and she said "I married one and now I'm knocked up and blind". Her pregnancy has apparently affected her sight. Hilarious.
• Right on the money: Kenny Chesney for entertainer of the year. We have not seen his show, but I hear it was incredible. We've seen clips on TV and it looks like one huge party that you just have to attend at some point in your life.
• Jeff: Little Big Town are the current underrated vocal greats of country music.

Congrats to all the winners and thanks for making great music. Oh...our prayer for next year...Rodney Atkins to be a part of the show. I grew up with Rodney and he is the real deal, a genuine guy. He has been singing and playing for 10 years and this year he had his first No. 1 hit "If You're Going Through Hell" and now a second single "Watchin' You". Congrats, Rodney!

And that's a wrap.

debra