It was an interesting night for the CMA's. New artists won big and established artists proved they still have it. Despite the lack of a host and the usual producer being sick (Dick Clark), the awards show went on, sometimes seemingly forever in this viewers opinion.

The biggest award of the night went to Kenny Chesney who had a busy week, between getting married, kicking off a tour and winning Entertainer of the Year for the second year in a row. He thanked the fans, his band and all the usual assorted people that have helped him to make it big, but no mention of the new wife, Renee Zeilwegger.

Keith Urban beat out a great group of male entertainers to take home the Male Vocalist of the Year award. He accepted his award via satellite because he was in Ireland performing. His acceptance showed just how much the award meant to him, shock and excitement were written all over his face.

Gretchen Wilson won for both Best New Artist and Female Entertainer of the Year. She beat out a group of ladies that have been around a whole lot longer than she has been. Some fans were upset about her winning the coveted Female Vocalist of the Year award, but she has brought a ton of new fans to the genre in the short time she has been here. Her biggest thank you was for the fans and her daughter Gracie.

Neil McCoy won the Home Depot Humanitarian Award, surprising some because he hasn't been played much on the radio in a long time. He has a devoted group of fans that made sure he beat out both Brad Paisley and Diamond Rio. Watch for his new CD to be making an appearance in stores soon.

Faith Hill and Toby Keith both debuted new songs. Toby had already announced in advance that he wouldn't be attending the awards show because he was overseas performing for the troops. Faith looked great and looked to enjoy being back in front of the crowd. The only complaint that I had was the camera man and the lighting man just couldn't seem to get it together for her performance. I was getting dizzy trying to watch, when it wasn't too dark to see her.

A complete list of winners:
Entertainer of the Year: Kenny Chesney
Male Vocalist of the Year: Keith Urban
Female Vocalist of the Year: Gretchen Wilson
Song of the Year: Live Like You Were Dying
Top Vocal Group: Rascal Flatts
Top Vocal Duo: Brooks & Dunn
Video of the Year: Whiskey Lullaby by Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss
Vocal Event of the Year: Whiskey Lullaby by Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss
Single of the Year: Live Like You Were Dying by Tim McGraw
Album of the Year: Be Here by Keith Urban
Pioneer Award: Chris LeDoux
Cover Girl Face of Country Music: Miranda Lambert


What did you think? Did the show go like you hoped? Stop by the forum and let us know.