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Kenny Rogers made his first appearance, singing with Lee Ann Womack on "Everytime Two Fools Collide." Lee Ann doesn't have a voice like Dottie West, in the original, but their vocals sounded great together.

Another of my favorite performances had to be Rebecca Lynn Howard and Keith Anderson performing the classic Johnny and June song, "Jackson." Rebecca Lynn had a frilly dress on, which she swished back and forth in a sassy manner as she sang to Keith's Man in Black, who was indeed dressed in black.


They gave a fantastic performance of the song, and got another of the standing ovations of the night.

Travis Tritt returned for a second performance. This time with Patty Loveless. Although their duet, "Out of Control Raging Fire" did make the Top 100, that wasn't the song they performed. Instead they sang the classic Loretta and Conway tune, "Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man." The one thing I noticed was the key seemed a bit low for Travis. Maybe Patty couldn't sing it higher? Not sure, but it would have sounded better if it was a bit higher for Travis.

One of my favorite country songs of the 1980s was the Crystal Gayle and Eddie Rabbit song, "You and I." Crystal Gayle reprised her part with the Mavericks' Raul Malo singing Eddie's part. Totally enjoyed this version as well.

Lee Ann Womack was back, this time with Joe Nichols singing "We're Gonna Hold On," originally recorded by George Jones and Tammy Wynette. Another winner.

"Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys" is a classic song recorded by Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings.

Tonight's rendition was performed by Montgomery Gentry and Shooter Jennings, Waylon's son. What a treat. This song got everyone on their feet and singing along.

The No. 1 song, I will tell you, as it has been mentioned in many other places. It was the Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton hit, "Islands in the Stream." Kenny and Dolly reprised their song together for the first time in 15 years. And, they sound as good together now as they did when they first recorded it.

I had a wonderful time at this show. While a few of the songs and some of the talking bits had to be redone, I don't think it was that bad. I had heard from other people that the taping is boring, but I totally disagree. It was fun to see how they put a show like this together, and even the boo boo's were fun. Terri made a few and was beating herself up about them. Only two songs were redone one additional time.

If you are attending the CMA Music Festival next year, be sure to leave some time in your schedule on Wednesday night to attend the taping. I know I will be doing so next year.