MSN Entertainment's Guide to the 2008 CMA Awards

HomeWinnersPhotosVideoFeaturesLive from Nashville: Nov. 12, 8 P.M. on ABC

By Kati Johnston
Special to MSN Entertainment
 
What energy crisis? The spangles, sparkles and low-down butt-kicking juju lit up Nashville like nobody's business at the 2007 Country Music Association awards. But some moments rocked more than others, didn't y'all think? Here are some of our favorites and some "huh?" scenes:
 
Most incongruous sprout of flora: The big ol' red daisy that Taylor Swift rose out of to sing her big hit "Our Song."
 
Cutest country prodigy: Swift, whose debut album launched when she was just 17. Because of her tender age, we can forgive her touch of nervousness during her performance. 
 
Best explosion: Miranda Lambert, whose hotness threatened to burst off the stage of the Sommet Center. What did we like best: her sparkly red mini, the 3/4-length gold boots, the tousled bedhead 'do? It was the whole incendiary package. Ka-boom!
 
Biggest understatement of the night: Gretchen Wilson seen mouthing "That was good"after Lambert's explosive set.
 
Most magnetic dog tag: Brad Paisley's, which almost threatened to distract us from his soulful eyes. I said almost.
 
Coolest triple threat: The three long oval diamond pendants worn by Sara Evans. Rock on, Sara!
 
Best goosebump moment: Alison Krauss singing "Every Sunday morning, hear the weeping willows cry..." in "Simple Love." (Next year, we want to hear Robert Plant on stage with her.) Sigh.
 
Best playas:
Big & Rich, pimped out and sporting as much bling and mismatching layers as any hip-hop act. And oh yeah, they like it loud.
 
Most random host: James Denton of "Desperate Housewives"(remember when he hosted "Miss America"? Hello?). He's affable enough, and a Nashville native, but still, a little out of place off of Wisteria Lane. (Then again, he seemed to have bolted midway through the show, to be replaced by Sara Evans.)
 
Best behaved celeb in the audience: Jessica Simpson, who looked darling and demure when the camera pointed to her. Ready, boots?
 
Most rockin' leather: Sheryl Crow's breathtaking, skintight neck-to-toe black getup. Now that's hot!
 
Cutest mismatched couple: Nicole Kidman and hubby-nominee Keith Urban. (Guess she really does have a thing for shorter guys.) And did you notice, their highlights really kind of complement each together.
 
Best imitation of a sunburst: The splash of yellow surrounding Carrie Underwood as she sang her latest single. Think she could move her feet underneath that artfully arranged froth?
 
Doin' fine and then some: The Eagles, rocking high and tight.

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  1. Who should win Entertainer of the Year?

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  1. Who should win Entertainer of the Year?
    1. Kenny Chesney
      29%
    2. Brad Paisley
      14%
    3. George Strait
      14%
    4. Sugarland
      11%
    5. Keith Urban
      32%
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