Kelly looked good and sings with power.  Love this gal.  I have a lot of respect for Carrie.  She can sing; Taylor Swift is OK. 

I wonder if Carrie and Kelly are friends in real life?  They’d be great on tour!

Well I’m glad Taylor didn’t win Entertainer of the year, but not so sure how I feel about Blake winning, especially when we have the likes of Kenny Chesney and Jason Aldean nominated. I don’t have anything against him, I just don’t think his music really warrants that. I almost feel like he is getting all of these awards because of The Voice.

In the end, I think it should have gone to Kenny.

Carrie and Lauren on the best dressed list.  http://tasteofcountry.com/2012-cma-awards-best-dressed-pictures/

I want to thank the Academy of Country Music for providing the best exemplars of male pulchritude to grace my television in many years.

No…and his fans, family, and friends were stunned.  But there’s the lack of the huge radio hit (Hunter just got his #1) and the politicking and so on…

We didn’t even know he was going to present until yesterday, which may speak of someone dropping out and him filling in, but I’ll just be happy for his screen time and red carpet interviews, etc.  The other way I think of it is that are so many other people who could have even been asked to present…

As far as EOTY, I’m stunned again.  Actually, I’m saddened by much of the show.  Red Solo Cup?  Feel Like A Rock Star?  They were among the worst of the worst, why?  And there was also the noticeable (to me) absence of the traditional side of country even being there–no George, Alan, Josh, even Easton was there on the red carpet but I didn’t see him on the show…all I can say is, well, Bless the CMA’s little hearts.  

I’m not really into country but the kid is doing so well that it surprised me. So yeah, radio sucks. He’s eligible to Grammy this year, yeah? Maybe he’ll have a nod or two in Country category or BNA.

I have to defend Toby Keith. While I don’t even drink myself, and am not a big fan of drinking songs, on a completely objective level, I think the RSC song is very well-written, and the video very well done, and appropriate for the song, as most of Toby’s have been.

That said, I take most of these awards with a cup of salt. I think it’s mostly about who you know, who your label is, and so forth. Sometimes it’s appropriate; often ridiculous. Many terrific artists, songs, and albums are ignored by awards shows.

I enjoyed the Willie Nelson tribute, and especially Blake and Keith. I was impressed with Keith’s guitar playing. I really respect how most of these country artists sing so well live, without the mega-embellishments that are often seen with pop artists (who also don’t even sing live). Brad and Carrie did an excellent job hosting, as usual.

Highlights for me were Brad and Carrie hosting, they do a great job.  Blake is OK but Jason should be ETOY imo.  Maybe Keith will get ETOY next year since Blake who has not had great sales and has not toured in a while won because of the Voice, maybe Keith can win for being on American Idol and he is a great entertainer. I had hoped Carrie would have won  FVOY but since Blown Away was not even nominated for Album  that should have been a clue.  To me the best winners were album (Chief), LBT group, TS duo, single Pontoon and I would have liked to have seen Willie Nelson sing with all the artists who sang his songs.

EOTY is partially about touring. But it’s also about the artist who gives positive attention & buzz to the country genre in general. That’s why in recent years Taylor has won. Blake might not have toured as much as the other nominees, but he definitely garnered buzz for country music.

Out of the nominees, IMO Jason, Taylor, & Blake were the ones that toured this year & gave positive attention to country music.