Lady Antebellum, with their “Need You Now” crossover hit and seven nominations under their belt, seemed to be primed to dominate the Academy of Country Music’s 45th Awards. The trio was able to do just that. They received five awards on April 18 at the ceremony in Las Vegas.
One of the prizes Lady Antebellum received was for Best Vocal Group, breaking the previous seven year run of Rascal Flatts in the category.
Charles Kelley, Lady Antebellum singer said in his acceptance speech, we are having so much fun. This moment isn’t lost for us. Right now we are living our dream. We’ve waited for this our entire lives. We love our fans.
“Need You Now” also won for Single Record and Song of the Year. In each of those categories Lady Antebellum was awarded with two trophies because “Need You Now” was composed and produced by the band members as well.
Another multiple winner was Miranda Lambert. Her set “Revolution” won Album of the Year. She also bested Lady Antebellum for best video with “White Liar.”
Carrie Underwood was able to make history during the ceremony held at MGM Grand, when she won Entertainer of the Year for the second time. It was the first time a woman has done so. Last year, Underwood won the top honor as well. This year she beat out, among others, Taylor Swift, Zac Brown Band and Kenny Chesney.
Underwood said, I got makeup on Brad Paisley just now. Praise the Lord, thank you God.
Underwood earlier that evening was awarded with a “triple crown” when she won for Top Newcomer, Top Female Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year.
Luke Bryan, Top New Artist, was maybe the most enthusiastic winner. He continued to punch his award and said, a human couldn’t shake any more than what I am doing right now.
The CBS-TV televised awards show had a heavy performance focus. The night was kicked off with a “Travelin’ Band” performance, Creedence Clearwater Revival’s song. It was led by Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood. They were joined slowly by Brad Paisley and John Fogerty. former frontman of Creedence Clearwater Revival, on guitar and then Charlie Daniels, recovering from a recent stroke, on the fiddle.
Daniels exclaimed, that’s the way to start off a television show.
Later in the evening Trace Atkins and Blake Shelton sang a “Hillbilly Bone” duet. After Shelton and Atkins wrapped up, Billy Currington appeared on a circular stage from the center of the audience and performed “That’s How Country Boys Roll,” the Rolling Stones influenced tune. Kenny Chesney performed “Ain’t Back Yet.” Chesney is promoting his movie “Kenny Chesney Summer in 3-D.”
Dave Koz and Toby Keith performed “Cryin’ For Me (Wayman’s Song),” providing a moving tribute to Wayman Tisdale, jazz player, who died in May 2009 from cancer. Also performing were Brooks and Dunn, Rascal Flatts and Taylor Swift.
