Country Mike Blog

ACM Part 1: Bullriders, Beer and Pop Wanna-Bes

Mike Sudhalter  |  May 15, 2007

Great, Las Vegas the city of sun, fun and excitement, and we started off with the bland pop-country "Beer in Mexico" by Kenny Chesney

Is Shania really glad to be back at the Academy of Country Music awards? I doubt it, but here's Reba McEntire to crack some jokes and introduce some entertainers. "ACM- The only thing in Las Vegas that admits to being 42." - Good one.

OK, Reba. I'm not proud of Rascal Flatts, but I do admit to liking some of their early hits like "Prayin' For Daylight" and "These Days".

She's doing a good job hosting the show with some funny jokes. And it's neat to see the celebrities with the country singers.

Now, Hannah Storm and Tracy Lawrence with song of the year. Glad, to see George Strait win it with "Give It Away". And Whisperin' Bill Anderson, who accepted the songwriting award, joked he's old enough to be Carrie Underwood's grandfather. Priceless.

Nothing like a PBR Bull Rider introducing Miranda Lambert, and she's singing one of the best songs from her new album. Did anyone else notice the dude in her band with a mohawk? How many country bands have a guy with a mohawk in them? And the other guitar player is Collin Raye's older brother, Scott.

Did anyone see George Strait backstage for a second? I don't think that was supposed to be on TV because there was a guy telling him where to go.

Martina McBride is singing "Anyway". Why can't country singers just declare for pop the way college athletes decide to enter the professional ranks? Maybe, the vocal talent wouldn't be as good, but at least we'd be populated with artists who are truly country. It's silly to keep up this charade for the pop wanna-bes and the country fans.