CMA Awards   -  Archives

For the first time, the CMA Awards are held outside of Nashville, Tenn., when they are broadcast live from Madison Square Garden in New York City. The show caps off a week of country-themed activities in the Big Apple, such as fashion shows, art gallery openings, talk show appearances and performances with Broadway stars. Texan Lee Ann Womack is the night's big winner with her return to tradition. Her There's More Where That Came From earns album of the year, and "I May Hate Myself in the Morning" is named single of the year. Womack's duet with George Strait, "Good News, Bad News," receives the musical event honor. Keith Urban receives his first entertainer of the year trophy and his second male vocalist award. Dierks Bentley earns the Horizon Award, and Gretchen Wilson captures the female vocalist award. The show hosts several music highlights including a duet by Dolly Parton and Elton John and a performance by Willie Nelson, Paul Simon and Norah Jones. Megastar Garth Brooks emerges from retirement to salute his late friend Chris LeDoux, performing "Good Ride Cowboy" live from Times Square. Harmonica wizard Deford Bailey, singer Glen Campell and the band Alabama are inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.