The Country Music Television Music Awards equally distributed its prizes among the format’s top draws, but the night went to newcomer Gretchen Wilson and legend Loretta Lynn at Nashville’s Gaylord Entertainment Center April 11th.
Wilson won awards for breakthrough video and female video (for “Redneck Woman” and “When I Think About Cheatin,'” respectively), got praised by Lynn and hugged by a misty Reba McEntire, whom she beat out for the female video award.
Gretchen also got a guitar from Heart’s Nancy Wilson after the duo, along with Nancy’s sister, Ann, sang together on Heart‘s “Crazy On You.”
Lynn received the Johnny Cash Visionary Award from three generations of country singers – Wilson, Martina McBride and McEntire. The country legend has seen a comeback. Her first original tunes in 20 years, collectively found on the album Van Lear Rose, received two Grammys.
Keith Urban won video of the year for “Days Go By.” Kenny Chesney scored male video, Rascal Flatts took group/duo video, Toby Keith got hottest video and Tim McGraw won for most inspiring video.
Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss took the award for collaborative video.