AMERICAN COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS 2012

AMERICAN COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS 2012

Just when we think we have seen all the awards events for the first half of 2012, another ceremony comes our way.

On Sunday evening, April 1st, the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards were held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Anyone and everyone that has made their mark on the country music world came out to be part of this special event.  Not only did we see country superstars in attendance, but also such respected names in the entertainment industry such as Steve Martin, Wayne Newton, Lionel Richie and even the rock band KISS.  They all came out to cheer on the winners.

For the second year in a row, Reba McEntire and Blake Shelton, played hosts.  The Red Carpet was filled with sparkling glitz and glamour as strapless sequined gowns seemed to be the big hit of the evening in light colors such as beiges and pale pinks or rich colors such as gold, silver and fire engine red.

Although Carrie Underwood once again took our hearts for ‘Belle of the Ball’ in her strapless, draped, lovely, embellished gown showing off her hourglass figure and golden curls, some of the others chose to remain simple in solids from knee-length to floor-length.  Simple was sumptuous.

Nicole Kidman ‘stood by her man’ in a sleeveless black dress with collar and matching earrings and clutch played perfect in the accessory department.  Taylor Swift combined white with a splash of gold in a gown that had suggestive slits at the leg and side.  Her dark-lined eyes and straightened long hair gave Swift an older and more sophisticated look for a change.  LeAnn Rimes went with a one-shouldered mini in quite the eye-catching pattern with netting at the side.  Martina McBride chose short in white and orangish-peach.  The dress had beading in quite an interesting presentation.

The Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award went out to Emmylou Harris, Billy Sherrill, Ricky Skaggs and Dwight Yoakam who are pioneers in the country music genre.

In the philanthropic area, the Academy of Country Music supports an end to childhood hunger.  Lifting Lives, the charitable arm of the Academy, spotlighted the issue in conjunction with ConAgra Foods, a company helping to feed hungry children for almost 20 years now.  A heartwarming song was performed in honor of the worthwhile cause.  To learn more, go to www.ChildHungerEndsHere.com.

Winners were as follows:

— Entertainer of the year: Taylor Swift

— Top male vocalist: Blake Shelton

— Top female vocalist: Miranda Lambert

— Top vocal group: Lady Antebellum

— Top vocal duo: Thompson Square

— Top new artist: Scotty McCreery

— Album of the year: “Four the Record,” Miranda Lambert

— Single record of the year: “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” Jason Aldean & Kelly Clarkson

— Song of the year: “Crazy Girl,” Eli Young Band

— Video of the year: “Red Solo Cup,” Toby Keith

— Vocal event of the year: “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” Jason Aldean & Kelly Clarkson