CMA Report, 2009

Posted on 12. Nov, 2009 by annie in Notebook

Well, last night in Nashville, the CMA awards took place over at the Sommet Center. As usual, there is much hustling and bustling on my part to get down there, park, hitch a ride on a golf cart to the red carpet, schlep my bag with the high heels that I can really only stand to wear for the duration of our performance to security, have a security guard search my bag and tell me “I don’t like feet” as he gingerly moves around my heels looking for whatever it is security guards look for in women’s bags, and get my butt down to my joy of joys, Hair and Makeup!!!

Hair and Makeup is the best for many reasons. (First of all, I get free, professionally styled hair and makeup. I get to keep whatever ends up on my head and face. Tonight’s booty yielded 17 bobby pins and a pair of fake eyelashes. Score!) But the best part is being in the heart of the action of the award show. All kinds of people come in and out of hair and makeup for all kinds of crazy reasons. At one point, Joey and Rory came in after their photo op on the red carpet because Joey’s Pochahontas-style suede dress had shed all over Rory’s corduroy overalls.

It was so sweet. She had hugged him in this picture and when they pulled apart, they realized that Rory was covered in little bits of suede granules from her dress so they rushed to hair and makeup for help. The staff pulled out a couple of lint rollers and went to town onRory but to no avail. It was a valiant effort but sweet Rory spent the evening covered in dress sheddings none the less. I’d say life is still pretty good for him anyway.

For Sugarland’s segment, our stylist wanted the band to wear tuxedos. She picked out a fun, girl version of a tuxedo for me and I decided to go with an up-do for a more formal look. In the end I think I looked like a cross between the girls in Robert Palmer’s “Simply Irresistible” video and a pirate/librarian. You be the judge:

Our stage setup included a live string section and a laser light show. They kept reminding us not to look directly at the lasers as we could suffer eye damage. I have a dangerous job! (And no, people, I was not one of the gals behind Jen playing cello. I was the librarian/pirate on the bass.)

I was ecstatic when we won Duo of the Year. I really thought Brooks and Dunn would win it this year and thought it was very kind of Jennifer to ask them on the stage to share in the award. I thought B&D’s reaction was pretty hilarious too. Quick, twitchy head shaking with a tight locked mouth. I have the same reaction when someone tries to get me to eat sweet potatoes. I hate sweet potatoes.

Now I know some of you are pondering Taylor’s sweep of the awards, particularly the wins for “Female Vocalist” and “Entertainer of the Year.” I have to say that I was expecting her to win both of these awards. She sold out TWO NIGHTS IN A ROW at Madison Square Garden this year. She packs the house. She puts on a very elaborate production. I do think that perhaps the category of “Female Vocalist” should be changed to “Female Entertainer.” I think that that is how people are voting within that category these days. Obviously, Taylor is not the strongest vocalist nominated in the category, but she has had the most success this year out of everyone else listed, which is why she won the award. I believe she is a genuine, sincere person who is truly grateful for all of these opportunities and I’m happy that someone so kind, honest, and hard working is making such a name for themselves. I was personally pulling for Keith to win for EOTY as I think he embodies the spirit of the award but a win for Taylor is fair in my book.

The highlight of the evening for me came when we were all walking out of the building at the end of the show and I ran into Little Big Town. There was Karen Fairchild, almost 6 months pregnant, looking stunning. She gave me a hug and invited me to touch her belly. It’s possible that I may have had my hand on 2040’s Entertainer of the Year. Now THAT is something I’m looking forward too!

Share and Enjoy:

Tags: annie clements, CMA awards 2009 Sugarland

27 Responses to “CMA Report, 2009”

Gordon Freed

12. Nov, 2009

I enjoyed reading your journel. I was searching for you during the performance, but could not find you! lol I will view it again when I get a chance. Sugarland is my favorite group and as Jennifer began singing, I sent a text message to my friends: “I’m in heaven”! lol
I’ve met Taylor and her Mom a few times and know they are wonderful, down to earth people….she deserved to win, EXCEPT Female vocalist! It shouldnt be a popularity contest! She has helped bring thousands of people to the Country music venues, but her voice cannot compare to the other females! just sayin……
Cant wait to see Sugarland next year! All the best!
Raymie

12. Nov, 2009

This is the best piece of writing so far on the CMA’s,still have’nt seen it yet as other side of the globe.
Nice one ANNIE love you girl
Kim Majdanowski

12. Nov, 2009

thank you for sharing this with us! you have a really great writing style that I very much enjoying reading! great performance last night and much continued success to you all! btw…was Jennifer wearing a pair of your earrings during the performance? if so, those are pretty darn sharp!
Cliff

12. Nov, 2009

Great stories Annie, thanks for the “being there” perspective!

On a side note, give us bass players a blog and photos about your amps and axes sometime – not a magazine clip but your photos and your descriptions! We did hearing about the “real tools.”

Thanks again for the CMA stories!
Shawn Pitre

12. Nov, 2009

Great pics…great report/recap…and a GREAT PERFORMANCE last night! Congrats! I never watch award shows. Either the mixes are really bad or the bands aren’t really playing (music tracks) and/or it’s a total lip synch job. But I watched last night…and I’m glad that I did. Jennifer was a class-act in inviting B&D on stage…that was nice. And I’m totally with you on the whole “Female Entertainer” thing. Congrats to Taylor for winning big last night. But vocally, she isn’t the strongest…but does put on a good show.

Again, great job last night…and the pics are great! Keep up the great job…and again, proud to see a New Orleans girl doing so well in the business.
Jill C

12. Nov, 2009

Great notes! LOVE. LOVE. LOVE you guys as you make each awards performance unique and full on. Got to attend the final dress rehearsal again and gave my annual one-person-standing-ovation.
Y’all definitely deserved “album of the year” but suffice it to say, Sugarland is the real deal.
God bless and continued success. Peace!
Laura Nelson

12. Nov, 2009

Great journal, Annie! I was so happy when Sugarland won Duo of the Year! They definitley deserve it! I thought it was great how Jennifer recognized Brooks and Dunn. The performance was incredible as well! You all did such an amazing job!
Jim Hilliard

12. Nov, 2009

Annie: Thanks for the “backstage” perspective of the CMA. We were pulling for Sugarland and delighted with the Duo Award. Also, your hair looked great for the occasion.
Scott

12. Nov, 2009

Wow sounds like a good time and I agree with MArkV ..You do look good as a pirate/librarian lol
Julie Gottlieb

12. Nov, 2009

Annie…you are so great! What a great recap of your night. You all rocked up there. You looked like a Robert Palmer girl to me, but stunning. I wish I could have seen what Thad looked like! Got any pictures??? It was great to meet you in person in Buffalo! Any news on the new shirts yet? I am looking forward to more Sugar in 2010! Stay healthy, and have a wonderful and safe holiday season!