2007 CMA (Country Music Association) Awards Held in Nashville Tennessee

The Country Music Association held its 41st Annual CMA Awards Wednesday, November 7, 2007. ABC broadcast the show from Nashville, Tennessee at the Sommet Center. James Denton of "Desperate Housewives," Kimberly Williams-Paisley of "According to Jim" and Kate Walsh of "Private Practice" along with Country stars Sara Evans and LeAnn Rimes all hosted the show.

Performances by Carrie Underwood, The Eagles and Brooks and Dunn were some of the acts that made it to the stage early during the CMA awards. Carrie Underwood made a stunning appearance in a flowing yellow dress, strapless with banded waist and a skirt that draped behind her over the stage. The dress had two deep green butterflies attached to the waist. The lyrics, from Brooks and Dunn's "God Must Be Busy," seemed to come right out of present day headlines.

Vocal Duo Group of the Year

The Vocal Duo Group of the Year, Sugarland - Jennifer Nettles and Kistian Bush - accepted their award to the sound of their song "I Ain't Settl'in for Anything Less Than Everything." Later they performed "Why Don't You Stay".

Album of the Year and Song of the Year

The Album of the Year Award went to George Strait for his album "It Just Comes Natural". The Song of the Year - "Just Give It Away" - appears on this album. The award for the Song of the Year went to the songwriter and primary publisher.

Martina McBride sang "For These Times" accompanied by a full gospel choir. The memorable words "give me a heart full of Tender Mercy" and other words from the chorus moved into the scenes across the giant screen behind her.

Horizon Award

Next, the Horizon Award went to Taylor Swift who thanked Brad Paisley for allowing her to tour with him. She performed "Our Song" on stage before being presented with her award. "Should've Said No" is one of her more familiar songs.

Keith Urban performed "Everybody Needs Somebody Sometime". Reba and LeAnn Rimes performed a beautiful duet of "When You Love Someone Like That". Then Little Big Town performed "Boondocks", reveling with pride, they sang "I feel no shame, I'm proud of where I came from".

Female Vocalist of the Year

Carrie Underwood received the Female Vocalist of the Year Award. She got her start on "American Idol". Even people who are not country music enthusiasts are probably familiar with "Jesus Take the Wheel" which was the first single from Carrie Underwood's debut album. It was certified platinum by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) in April 2006. She released her album "Carnival Ride" in October 2007.

Country Music Hall of Fame

The CMA Awards announced that the Country Music Hall of Fame inducted Mel Tillis, Vince Gill and Ralph Emery. The actual induction and presentaion of Awards took place on October 28, 2007.

Kenney Chesney performed "Don't Blink" from his new album, "Just Who I Am Poets and Pirates". The lyrics "life goes faster than you think" and the mood of the song were quite moving. Then a deep-voiced Josh Turner performed his fast-paced song about a girl - "Fire Cracker". Kellie Pickler, another person who got her start through "American Idol", performed a truly heart-wrenching performance when she could not hold back tears toward the end of her song. She got nothing but support at her myspace website.

Male Vocalist of the Year

Kid Rock and Gretchen Wilson ("Red Neck Woman") showed up to present the Male Vocalist Award to Brad Paisley. Afterwards, Jamie Fox sang "Every Move She Makes" with Rascal Flats.

Entertainer of the Year

The show began to wind down when Reba presented the Entertainer of the Year Award to Kenny Chesney.

Presenters

Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Jason Michael Carroll, Bucky Covington, Sheryl Crow, Jewel, Ty Murray, Kid Rock, Montgomery Gentry, Blake Shelton, Gretchen Wilson, and Reba were presenters.