 | | The 42nd Annual Country Music Association Awards were held on November 12th, 2008 in Nashville, Tennessee. | |
 | | Holding tight to her award, Carrie Underwood seemed a bit distracted by her mom, who'd also come backstage to congratulate her on the win. | |
 | | Backstage Brad Paisley tried hard to suppress a laugh, talking about hugging Kenny Chesney before his wife when his name was announced. | |
 | | There's a lot more to see from the CMA Awards. Check out INSIDE EDITION's Photo Gallery for more country stars on their big night! | |
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The 42nd Annual Country Music Association Awards were held on November 12th, 2008 at the Sommet Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
Co-host Carrie Underwood welcome best-selling female recording artist of all time, Shania Twain to the stage. A stunning Shania, the surprise guest of the evening, got a standing ovation from the audience. It was the country music superstar's first public appearance since splitting from her husband of 14 years.
Shania was gracious on stage, thanking everyone. "I'm so glad to see you all too," she beamed.
A knockout in a low-cut gown, Shania proved that looking good is the best revenge, and "Entertainer of the Year" Kenny Chesney couldn't help but notice. "You look really good!" he flirted.
Underwood had a total of seven wardrobe changes throughout the evening!
INSIDE EDITION's April Woodard was on the red carpet and backstage to talk to all the night's winners.
Nicole Kidman's country music star husband Keith Urban whispered sweet nothings in her ear on the red carpet that made her smile.
Sweet sixteen-to-be Miley Cyrus walked the red carpet in a fun Roberto Cavalli floral gown with a unique neckline. Her hair was piled in a messy updo. With the news of her recent invitation to the Obama girls to visit her on set at Hannah Montana, the star said, "I know the position where it feels like you are in your dad's shell, and I really want them to be able to break out of that and come do their own thing and come hang out with kids on set, maybe."
Another teenage sensation, Taylor Swift, wore a daring dress with a plunging back and heavy beading that rattled as she walked. When asked how much the dress weighed, Swift joked, "500 pounds!" She laughed, before telling INSIDE EDITION cameras the sparkly ensemble really weighed a whopping 30 pounds! The star also opened up about her break-up with Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers, saying she owed it to her fans to be honest and say, "I'm trying to get over it."
Dancing with the Stars's Julianne Hough looked adorable in a bright pink dress. It was her first public appearance after having surgery to remove her appendix.
And there was a sweet moment in the audience when Brad Paisley kissed his pregnant wife, actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley's belly before heading onstage to collect his award. Backstage the country crooner joked about the moment he called the most memorable of the evening. "Everyone's talking about me kissing my wife's belly 'cause she's pregnant. That or when I hugged Kenny Chesney first!"
Check out INSIDE EDITION's Behind-the-Scenes Video from the red carpet and backstage with some of the night's biggest stars: Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and Kenny Chesney for more.
The night's winners were:
Entertainer of the Year: Kenny Chesney
Female Vocalist of the Year: Carrie Underwood
Male Vocalist of the Year: Brad Paisley
New Artist of the Year: Lady Antebellum
Vocal Group of the Year: Rascal Flatts
Vocal Duo of the Year: Sugarland
Single of the Year: "I Saw God Today" by George Strait, produced by Tony Brown and George Strait
Album of the Year: "Troubadour" by George Strait, produced by Tony Brown and George Strait
Song of the Year: "Stay" by Jennifer Nettles
Musical Event of the Year: "Gone Gone Gone" by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss
Music Video of the Year: "Waitin' on a Woman" Brad Paisley featuring Andy Griffith
Musician of the Year: Mac McAnally - Guitar |