Former Idols All Over CMA Awards

The Country Music Awards are meant to honor the best in, of course, country music. Funny, then, how it seemed like an American Idol reunion!

Most prominently featured during the ceremony was, not surprisingly, country sweetheart Carrie Underwood, who picked up her second consecutive trophy for Best Female Vocalist, grabbed the prize for Single of the Year ("Before He Cheats"), and delivered a spectacular rendition of her newest hit, "So Small." Say what you will about Carrie, but this girl can sing her face off -- as far as I'm concerned, the only other vocalist who could even hold a candle to her on last night's show was Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles. And she looked amazing!

Then there was Kellie Pickler, who, following a very emotional rendition of her song "I Wonder" (which talks about her mother, who left when she was a child), broke down in tears and received one of the heartiest standing ovations of the evening. Little Kellie Pickler making good at the CMA's -- gotta love it!

Kelly Clarkson was nominated (and expected to win) Musical Event of the Year with her bestie Reba McEntire, but they did not end up taking home the prize. I guess it's just not Kelly's year.
Bucky Covington showed up as well, to present an award. Idols everywhere!

As for the rest of the show, I'd give high marks to the aforementioned Sugarland (love them!), Miranda Lambert and Reba/Leann Rimes. Sue me, I'm just not into Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney or Keith Urban.

The biggest travesty of the evening, however, was the duet between Rascall Flatts and Jamie Foxx. What the hell was that? It was beyond painful -- it was embarrassing! Making it worse was the looks on the faces of the singers -- they knew it was bad, and they didn't know how to fix it. Oops!

Youtube Flashback: Faith Hill Freaks Out!

Since tonight is the one year anniversary of Faith Hill's freak-out at the Country Music Awards when Carrie Underwood beat her for Best Female Vocalist, I thought it might be fun to revisit that very memorable moment.

Faith isn't nominated opposite Carrie tonight, so don't expect any repeat drama. Damn!

Underwood, Clarkson Nominated for CMA Awards

Carrie Underwood continues to take the awards shows by storm, grabbing a Country Music Award nomination as Female Vocalist of the Year. Underwood's "Before He Cheats" was also nominated for Single, Song and Video of the Year.

Meanwhile, the original American Idol Kelly Clarkson picked up a nomination with Reba McEntire in the category Musical Event of the Year for their duet on Clarkson's song "Because of You," and Season 5 contestant Kellie Pickler was nominated for Best New Artist (the Horizon Award).

The awards will be handed out November 7, 2007 on ABC.