Music shines at ACM
Award show isn’t about who wins: Performances take the spotlight,
Eric Church,
Springsteen
Church's new single doesn't sound a thing like the guy it’s named after (and may not even actually be inspired by The Boss ), but it's a compelling song about the way one artist's music can become the soundtrack for a relationship.
★★★
Lady Antebellum,
Dancing Away With My Heart
Not long after accepting their Vocal Group of the Year award from the members of KISS, the trio showed why they deserved the title. Their subdued love song, performed on a smoky stage with blue lighting, featured some of the strongest vocals and tightest harmonies of the night.
Rascal Flatts with Steve Martin
In what might have been the only two-banjo performance slot in networktelevision history, the bluegrass-picking comedian joined the trio for their ode to the five-string instrument. But Martin was seriously under-utilized: He didn't even get the solo. Still, the song gave the audience a chance to give a standing ovation to the late banjo legend Earl Scruggs, who died Wednesday.
Toby Keith,
Red Solo Cup
Keith performed the song surrounded by fans, all brandishing — what else? — red Solo cups. There's a bit of sly Roger Miller-influenced humor in this song. But it still sounds better when you’ve had a few beers.
Kenny Chesney & Tim Mcgraw,
Feel Like a Rock Star
The two singers, who will tour stadiums together this summer, debuted their new single, a party anthem that's sure to be a highlight of their encores. It was also one of the night's better performances.
Miranda Lambert,
Over You
The three-time Female Vocalist of the Year's latest single is a powerful song inspired by the car accident that killed husband Blake Shelton's brother. Too bad Lambert had to struggle to overcome problems with her in-ear monitors.
Zac Brown Band w/brad Paisley,
Whiskey's Gone
This collaboration showcased the fierce picking chops of two of the best live acts in the country business. And Paisley sporting one of Brown’s trademark wool caps on stage was priceless.
Martina Mcbride and Pat Monahan,
Marry Me
The ACMS have never shied from gimmickry, but they topped themselves by staging a real wedding during the middle of the song, bringing up the preacher's microphone during instrumental passages. The couple, who fell in love with each other after the deaths of their first spouses, had a touching story, and Mcbride and Monahan sang well, but the segment still came across as tacky.