Vegas was a success. Odd...but a success none the less.

The Academy did a fantastic job of spreading events throughout the week, with the awards, of course being the pinnacle.
The awards moved from Mandalay Bay to the MGM Grand this year. It was easier to get around, but for some reason, I just like the Mandalay Bay better. It's brighter and friendlier at the Bay.
I tried to get my motorcylce license in time for the big charity Harley ride on Sunday. It didn't happen. Once again, I watched the pack go by from the side of the road. Oh well, there's still next year.
The bikers, including Keith Urban, Montgomery Gentry, Rockie Lynn, Trent Tomlinson, Emerson Drive, Little Big Town, Dierks Bentley, Buddy Jewell, Big Kenny and more- stopped at the top of Mt. Charleston. It's amazing to think we were just 30 minutes from Vegas. Pine trees, snowcapped mountain tops and 60 degree weather. It was pretty incredible. No real mishaps this year. Jon Nicholson and Eddie Montgomery ran out of gas and Keith almost slid off the road. But all made it back to Vegas safe and sound.
The ride was followed up by nice long afternoon concert at the Fremont Street Experience.

The Golf Tournament on Monday offered a nice little piece of excitement when Vince Gill almost stepped on a 4 and half foot long gopher snake while looking for his ball in the "rough".
Nasty looking beast. Google "gopher snake" and see for yourself. It wasn't poisonous, but at 4 and 1/2 feet, who cares?
He handled the incident as bravely as anyone could. He slowly moved away and went about his job on the golf course. Vince, on the other hand, is probably still shaking.

Big & Rich and their muzik mafia pals took over the nighttime duties at Fremont Street, playing for a crowd of over 15,000. Gretchen Wilson stopped by the show to sing a song with r&b mafia member Jon Nicholson. It was almost as entertaining watching the crowd as it was to see the bands on stage.
No less than 10 fights and at least 6 arrests. Not quite a family friendly event. Fun, just not family fun.
New Miami Dolphin Kevin Carter hung out backstage with the artists. He's a huge Country fan. Who knew?

The awards themselves ran very smoothly. The mood backstage was low key and mellow. At times, I almost forgot there's was an awards show going on.
It was great to see Sara Evans pick up her first Female Vocalist award. I was with her when she first signed her record contract almost 10 years ago. It's been to watch her grow.
I've got to say, I was really pulling for Craig Morgan in the Top New Male category. Nothing against Jason Aldean. He's a genuine talent and definitely deserved it as well. But Craig has been fighting a LONG time to get some respect and it would have been nice to see him win one. Not to mention, watch him get wheeled on the stage. Craig - still hobbled with a broken leg- told me that if he did win, Montgomery Gentry offered to carry him up to the podium. That would have been interesting to see.
Another thrill was to see Brad Paisley win for Top Album. Backstage it was obvious how much the award meant to him. He really is one of the good guys in this format.

Las Vegas is a great town for the ACM's. There's no shortage of things to do. In fact, the only shortages I could find were hours in the day and two-foot fred.
I'm still trying to catch up on sleep.

For fans, the awards in Vegas is an incredible opportunity. Stars were everywhere. At the pool, playing at the tables and just roaming around the Hotel. It was like fan-fair west.

I did get to meet the one guy I really wanted to run into - TV's late night host Craig Ferguson. In my humble opinion, he's one of the wittiest, smartest and funniest guys on the tube. Nice guy too.

What the heck is up with Carrot Top??? He's been taken over by aliens! I was a little frightened.

Before I sign off, a great big thank you to Margie Geddes! She bid $25,000 towards cancer research to get the opportunity to hang out with me in the backstage press room. She interviewed Sara Evans and did an amazing job. Thanks again Margie!

Also, a big thanks to Kate, Chris and Katie. You made me realize again just how cool this job is.
Sometimes I forget. Watching the three of you get a taste of what this business is all about was rejuvenating. I guess i'll stick with it. .....Like I would ever give it up!

Check out our ACM wrap-up show, Thursday June 1st at 9pm EST on GAC.
We taped my segments on the balcony of Vince Vaughan's MGM suite. Pretty cool looking stuff.

So, now that the awards are over, what are you going to do now?
Enter our contest, that's what!
Go to countrymusicacrossamerica.com for your chance to come visit us in Nashville for this year's CMA Music Fest. I promise you, we'll have a blast.

Thanks for checking in!

-Storme