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By Kati Johnston
Special to MSN Music
This year, country's fresh new wave of talent has settled in comfortably as
its new power elite -- witness solid star turns by former up-and-comers such as
Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert, Sugarland and Carrie Underwood. Luckily, there's
still room on the mountaintop for the longtime greats -- and enough sparkly
hillbilly dust to sprinkle over everyone. Our favorite rhinestone-y moments:
See photos: Taylor Swift | Miranda Lambert | Carrie Underwood
The take your own advice, boys! award: Superstars Keith Urban and Brad Paisley kickin' it out at the
beginning of the show, singing "Start a Band." Can you imagine the two of them
attached at the hip for a whole album? Yum! (see the incredible photo and more
highlights)
See photos: Keith Urban | Brad Paisley
Cutest zinger about Dolly
Parton's anatomy: Paisley's nod to the "enormous"
boots he had to fill as show host, then pointing to co-host Carrie Underwood. It
was cute. (watch this moment in the 2008 video
highlights)
Antithesis of country big hair: Nicole Kidman, whose ramrod straight
locks belied the fact that she started out with crazy-gorgeous naturally curly
hair.
Eyes we most missed seeing: George Strait's -- we can't begrudge
his right to wear that signature cowboy hat -- but George, let us see your face!
(sees photos of George and more
winners)
Most overwhelming exploding hearts: The animated NashVegas
ones blowing up behind Kellie Pickler's performance -- almost
taking attention away from that eensy weensy leather dress that didn't
quite fit. (see photo)
Second most overwhelming exploding hearts: The ones popping
up and disappearing behind Lady Antebellum. Paging the art
director ...
Beautiful, in her simple little way: Firecracker Miranda
Lambert broke more than a few hearts with her ballad "More Like Her." (see photos of Miranda Lambert and more on
the red carpet)
Er, did they miss any country stereotype: That animation
behind Alan Jackson, which flashed boots,
gee-tars, mud-flap ladies, frosty tall ones ... just before that random pep
squad ran up and down the aisles to two-step. We actually forgot what song he
sang.
Most adorable teen, despite a few too many escapee hair
tendrils: Miley Cyrus. Loved the tropical fleur
theme of her all-grown-up gown.
See photos: Miley Cyrus
Vision in white: Jennifer Nettles, winner of Song of
the Year for "Stay," who reined in the glitter and looked ubersleek and elegant. (Story Continues On Next Page...) |
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