There are two musical nights in television every year that I have to watch… the Grammy’s and the Country Music Awards.  With the Grammy’s arriving in the spring, last night was time for Nashville’s biggest stars to get dressed up in their finest Wranglers and Stetsons and perform their hits from the past year.  Even Hootie and Shania were there!!! In case you missed it, here are my favorite performances.

Carrie Underwood: “Just A Dream” – I never have really liked this song.  The video is just too over the top, and it might be too sad for even me.  But seeing her perform it live and get choked up at her mom crying in the 2nd row gave me goosebumps.  Like the song or not, this girl is my American Idol and has the talent to prove it.

Taylor Swift: “Love Story” – This may not have been the strongest vocal performance of the evening, but it was the most visually appealing. She’s just so freakin’ adorable.

Brooks & Dunn with Reba: “Cowgirls Don’t Cry” – I heart Reba. I heart Ronnie Dunn and Kix Brooks. But I especially heart when they sing together. This song written with Reba in mind is exactly what country music is about for me, an emotional yet every day life story.