By Dan Whitcomb
Country Music Awards
Carrie Underwood was named top female vocalist for the
second year in a row and 18-year-old Taylor Swift, country
music's hottest young star, snagged her first award and stole
the show at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas with a
wardrobe-changing, water-drenched performance.
"I don't think it's right that they picked the one award
that means the most, that all artists sacrificed the most for,
and turned it into ... a sweepstakes, to seeing who can push
people's buttons the hardest on the Internet," Chesney said.
"It's a complete disrespect of the artists. I think because
of that it really diminishes the integrity of the work."
Chesney, whose fourth win in the top category tied him with
best-selling country artist Garth Brooks, was careful to say he
wasn't criticizing fans and was appreciative of the academy,
even if he took issue with the Web vote.
"It's not tainted in any way and I'm proud to say I'm going
down in the history books with Garth Brooks but you've got to
admit, it's a different award," he said.
Underwood, an "American Idol" winner who has become one of
country music's best-selling artists, opened the show with her
latest single, "Last Name," and later joined top male vocalist
winner Brad Paisley in a tribute to legend Eddy Arnold.
Former "Idol" contestant Kellie Pickler, who has also been
embraced by the country music world but lost the best new
female vocalist award to Swift, sang her new single, "Don't You
Know You're Beautiful."
Swift, who at the tender age of 18 has already sold more
than 3 million copies of her debut album and been pegged as
country music's next breakout star, thanked her mother during a
brief but emotional acceptance speech.
Swift also delivered what may become the night's
best-remembered performance, starting a rousing version of her
hit "Should've Said No" in hooded sweatshirt and jeans that
were torn away in mid-song to reveal a slinky black dress.
Swift ended the song with water pouring on her from above
that left her soaked and shivering onstage.
The night also featured a special Crystal Milestone Award
to Brooks as the "best-selling solo artist of all time" and his
raucous medley of hits drew a standing ovation.
Brooks, who is married to country crooner Trisha Yearwood,
mistakenly referred to host Reba McEntire as "Miss Yearwood"
during his acceptance speech
"I butchered it and had a great time doing it," Brooks said
backstage. "I called Ms. McEntire my wife. I screwed it up and
had a great time doing it."
(Editing by Eric Walsh)
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