Last night, the ACM celebrated Brooks & Dunn’s Last Rodeo with a tv special. Country music’s biggest stars shared their own reditions of their favorite Brooks & Dunn songs. There were truly some stand-out performances of the night Keith Urban singing “Brand New Man “, Miranda Lambert singing “Hillbilly Deluxe,” Sugarland’s unreal version of “Red Dirt Road,” Lady Antebellum’s harmonic “If You See Him,” and Rascal Flatts singing “Better All the Time.”
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Great, great show!! All performances were pretty good. I agree with the stand out performances, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Sugarland. I tell you though, don’t mean to offend the Taylor fans, but during her performance and especially the finale she was so annoying. Jumping in front of everyone and slinging her hair. She just doesn’t fit, IMO, with the rest of Country music artists.
I agree!! and Taylor Swift needs to stop all that hair flipping, she is seriously going to have some neck problems!! All the performances were great. Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Sugarland, Lady A were my favorites. Jennifer Hudson did a good job too!! All of them were AWESOME!!
Entire show was great! Would love to see the video of Jennifer Hudson singing “Believe”….she was totally awesome!!
Yeah, Taylor may have been a little outta line at the end, but everyone was having fun up there, so I doubt they minded. Her performance was the best I’ve ever heard her sound, loved it! Miranda, Carrie, and Reba were my other faves, but they were all amazing.
As for Sugarland, well…they blew it out of the water. I did not know it was possible to strip down an uptempo song like “Red Dirt Road” and add a piano, but good gracious, Sugarland did it. Talk about amazing. And America finally got to hear Kristian’s amazing voice and harmonica skills.
Taylor Swift was the best performance of the night. No doubt about it. It’s a shame Sugarland ruined Red Dirt Road with their ‘music to slash your wrists to’ rendition. It was as bad as Lady A’s Need You Now at the GAC Flood Benefit. I wish people would stop slowing great songs down like that. It is just pretentious nonsense. Very disappointing for me, as I love Sugarland and Lady Antebellum normally.
And Granna, Ronnie clearly says to Taylor at the end of her performance, “Let’s do it.” He loved her and her performance and that’s what matters. Just let it go and leave the girl alone.
Amazing how there are such different feelings about performances. Brooks and Dunn were never a favorite of mine but I watched to see especially Carrie Underwood. I liked her take on Neon Moon. I do think she did a really nice vocal tribute (her voice is so clear and the pitch was right on from what I could tell). I don’t know the originals so can’t really comment on how people did them but I do agree that Taylor Swift was so annoying during the entire show. What I did like was the class that others showed. They were paying tribute to the incredible music career of Brooks & Dunn and no matter what your age, jumping around on stage, swinging a guitar around and your hair, trying to be the center of attention was not appropriate and she should know that. I believe there is a maturity that people expect and someone should sit that poor girl down and talk to her about acting 20 especially when involved in a tribute. They should also suggest a singing lesson or 100. She’s not very good at all and I was only listening to her pitch and tone problems.
Not a big Brooks and Dunn fan, but I LOVED this show.
Favorites:
Rascal Flatts- strongest live performance I’ve ever seen from them, just amazing. So much emotion, and it stayed true to the original.
Carrie: It would probably be easy to sound flat on this song, but Carrie did an awesome job. Different from the original, but excellent.
Jenifer: Not a fan of the tone of her voice, but this was just incredible. Wow.
Miranda: Perfect song choice for her, great vocals, and she looked like she had a lot of fun.
Faith: Not a fan, but she had a great performance.
Didn’t care for Lady A’s performance, mostly because the inclusion of Reba, Ronnie, and Kix seemed to throw off the rest of the performance (which was quite good up until then.
Chesney was boring and predictable. So many left him in the dust last night. George is the king, but did anyone else think something about his performance was a little strange? Didn’t care for Sugarland’s intrepetation of Red Dirt Road, but I guess it’s acceptable considering this was a tribute show and probably open to some interpetation. Didn’t see Brad’s performance, and didn’t hear anything about it either.
Taylor left much to be desired. Her vocals were off, hair-flipping is getting old, and does she play any other insturment besides guitar? She’d be wise to get some vocal lessons and learn how to work a stage less awkwardly.
Anyone else notice how the LEAST popular artist (Jenifer) delivered the best performance, while the MOST popular delivered the worst? (Taylor). Bit ironic.
I am almost 17 years old and my parents have taught me to have respect for others. Last night I thought Taylor Swift was cute with Ronnie—but her song was lacking again–and the way she tried to draw attention to herself at the finale was just annoying(the other artists were respectful of B&D–after all it was their night). At one point she worked her way between (slightly behind) B&D and looked straight into the camera. She knows EXACTLY what she is doing—and now it is getting disgusting. My Aunt is a music major and also a critic and she said it was obvious that Taylor was using auto tune again. I used to like Taylor but when I heard her in concert singing off key and really bad I was not happy. I will NEVER go to another concert or buy her records again. At first I was upset that fans were saying things about her voice and how she has a big ego and wants attention all the time—and now I know they were right. I thind her success has gone to her head and now she feels it is owed to her. NOT A FAN ANYMORE!!!!!
I LOVED Carrie’s take on Neon Moon. She knocked it out of the park—-again!!!!! I also liked Jennifer Hudson’s take on I Believe. So emotional. Did not like Taylor Swift. She was so annoying as usual and wanted attention at the final song. She is 20 years old and knows better. She should have shown respect for Brooks & Dunn and not tried to grab the attention from them.
I, too, am not a strong Brooks & Dunn fan, although “My Maria” is a fav. I thought the show was GREAT! It was a good choice to have Keith Urban begin the evening; he always is awesome. The vast majority of singers were very good. Jennifer Hudson has a lovely voice, but not a voice that I like to listen to that much. She did not overshadow the country singers. Taylor Swift needs to be told to act 20 years of age and stopping trying to be the cutesy girl on the block. She is so overrated and hopefully will pass into the back of the pack (will not happen soon enough because the tweens love her; without the tweens she would not be where she is). Compliments to the producer and director of the show — it was a fun two hours. And guess what, I am not a fan of country music.
I agree that it was an AWESOME show! I am a HUGE B&D fan, and have been for quite some time. They have made such a mark in country music and their star will shine FOREVER! I’m going to miss hearing new songs from them!! :-’( My take on the performers … Darius Rucker ROCKED “Hard Working Man”! OMG, I LOVED it!! Carrie Underwood was incredible, I expected nothing less. Faith Hill was good, the eels were a hilarious touch! :~) Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, George Strait, Keith Urban,(who did I forget? LOL!) they were all fantastic! Wonderful tributes! Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert and Brad Paisley were the stand out performances of the night for me! Lady A were AWESOME … and the ending, with Reba and Ronnie made me cry!! The ones that I could have done without … Jennifer Hudson – she was awful in my opinion! I LOVE “Believe” and have since the day I first heard it! She doesn’t sing country music, and it sure showed last night. I’m sorry but, she didn’t belong there. I understand most people liked it because of the tragedy in her life but, she’s not the only one to have ever suffered unthinkable tragedy and it doesn’t mean she can sing everything. I disliked it A LOT!! Sugarland’s “Red Dirt Road” was choppy and off … it just wasn’t a favorite for me. They’re one of my favorite groups but, this performance was not so good and … Taylor Swift. She’s not even old enough to have been performing a B&D song! LOL! Her hair flipping, head banging act just didn’t work. She looked very immature – and you could tell she was trying HARD to “steal the show”. Sorry, Taylor, not this time. Gain some maturity and try again. Those 3 performances were unforgettable, but not in a good way.
I don’t consider Keith Urban country, he belongs on VH1, and why do they include Hudson and Rucker on these shows? I switched channels as soon as I saw Hudson.
Keith Urban is country…maybe a more southern rock vibe, but still country. I guess I get tired of everyoen saying someone doesn’t belong in country…why…cuz they don’t wear cowboy hats, wranglers, and wear boots? If Keith Urban isn’t country than neither is Lady A or Carrie Underwood… What’s wrong with Darius Rucker?? His album is probably the most country one out there…probably even more country than George Strait. The guy is phenomenal live… And it was a tribute show…so, they were paying tribute to Brooks & Dunn by showing how far their music stretches…even Jennifer Hudson and Mia Angelou can relate and appreciate the music.
I agree with Tawney. I am a big Keith and Carrie fan—and they ARE COUNTRY. I think they are the BEST in country music today. I think the show was a fitting tribute to B&D. Was not crazy about Sugarland’s take on the song they sang, but they are good artists. As I said before the only thing that was annoying was Taylor Swift bouncing around the stage and trying to stay within camera range (even though she butted in front of quite a few artists including Brad and Keith –who are amazing guitarists). She acts like a 13 year old and It is not CUTE any more. On second thought she has to act like that to keep her 7 to 17 age group of fans. But it was not appropriate at this tribute.
Taylor’s performance was fantastic. She delivered powerful vocals that were perfectly in tune. I love the way she moves on the stage and flips her hair…. her youthful, friendly, and humble enthusiasm makes me smile.
I recently saw Taylor in concert at LA’s Staples Center…I’ve seen many concerts but her show the best I have ever seen…. what a fantastic entertainer! I smiled and screamed through the entire show. Taylor connects with my emotions and communicates with me like no other artist. She is beautiful both inside and out. Go Taylor!!!!
I’m not sure I understand the comments above made about Taylor’s behavior at the end of the show? The behavior that I like so much about Taylor is her youthful enthusiasm and excitement. She even jokes about the fact that she is an “over excitable” person. She likes to have a good time… when she shows that she’s having great time she makes me happy. There is nothing immature or strange about having a great time! Her enthusiasm is one of the things that attracts so many fans to her. I hope she never looses this character trait as she gets older!
Excitement and happiness are not mutually exclusive with maturity. I can’t think of a more mature artist than Taylor. She always knows what to say in interviews and she forms logical sentences that are well thought out. She leads a business that has sales, press & public relations, employees, capital equipment, and contracts issues that would put even a seasoned executive under stress. She has handled her incredible success and wealth with a humility that makes me proud of her. She takes care of herself. How anyone could think that she’s less than a perfect example of maturity is beyond me.
Good points Bonnie.
Why do you think that Brooks, Dunn, ACM and CBS gave Taylor such a big spot on this show?…… I believe that they really like Taylor as a person and a performer. But, more important for a prime time show on a major network, she brings huge Ratings! They wanted ratings and the advertising dollars that go with them! There is nothing better than starting with Taylor’s beautiful face and voice introducing Brooks and Dunn and then showing teasers that “Taylor will sing next” before every commercial for over an hour. The anticipation of waiting for Taylor to perform kept America glued to the television! Taylor will save the country music industry!
If anyone thinks that Taylor’s cute girl character is a problem just let this 46 year old male, who has never been country music fan until she came along, tell you that I can’t get enough of her! No doubt she’s a real cutie….But she’s also an incredibly sexy and beautiful women. She’s growing-up just fine thank you! I just hope she doesn’t grow-up too fast.
Taylor didn’t have to “steal this show.” It was given to her on a gold platter. Brooks, Dunn, CBS, and ACM gave it to her and now they are laughing to the bank. It didn’t take a brain surgeon to know that Taylor should headline the show! Excellent choice guys!!!
Go Taylor Go! Great performance. Easily the most entertaining of the night. Brooks and Dunn clearly loved it as much as you enjoyed delivering it. It’s fantastic that you don’t “fit” with the rest of country as granna claims! We don’t need more people who fit it. It’s wonderful to be different. As you say with wisdom beyond your years, “You’re lucky enough to be different, never change.” Keep having fun! We love you!
Dick Clark kiss my ASS!!
this is to Terri: man you are a no class fool. Jennifer Hudson and Sugarland were by far the best two performances of the night. Both were outstanding…………all the others typical.