Academy of Country Music Awards on CBS

By Ally Matteodo

Airing at 8:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 5^th, the Academy of Country Music Awards on CBS was the Best TV Show of the Week.  Hosted by the effervescent Reba McEntire, the show consisted of performances by Brooks and Dunn, Taylor Swift, Sugarland, Carrie Underwood, Miley Cyrus, Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney, and many others.  Jamey Johnson took the prize for song of the year, “In Color,” the Top Vocal Group award went to Rascal Flatts and Julianne Hough was named Top New Artist.  The awards also boasted many illustrious presenters, including Jaime Foxx, David Copperfield, and Matthew McConaughey.  Trace Adkins and the West Point Glee Club Choir performed a beautiful rendition of “Til the Last Shot’s Fired” in dedication to America’s troops.  Adkins also won for Single of the Year, and two other big winners were Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood, the former garnering Album of the Year and the latter winning the honor of Entertainer of the Year. 

One of the most refreshing things about this awards ceremony was the graciousness and gratitude of the winners.  When the honorees took the podium for their acceptance speeches, they never failed to thank their families, their friends, and their fans.  Giving back was also a theme, as Leann Rimes was honored with the Humanitarian Award in recognition of her charitable efforts.  The performances were a delight to watch and quite moving at times.  The awards ceremony occurred at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, and the stage and auditorium were outfitted in the most dazzling way to compliment the performers.  During many of the songs there was a backdrop that contained moving images of music videos and other country music footage that accented the performances nicely.  When such a gathering of passionate and talented people occurs who are living their dreams, it inspires those watching to pursue their own.