Rascal Flatts pose for photographers as they arrive for the 41st Academy of Country Music Awards May 23, 2006, in Las Vegas. Later that night, they would win the trophy as Top Vocal Group.
Vince Gill and Amy Grant arrive at the 41st Academy of Country Music Awards May 23, 2006. Gill was chosen humanitarian of the year by the academy and Home Depot. Gill will choose the location for a playground to be built by Home Depot and the company's volunteers. He said his choice probably would be New Orleans, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina.
Sara Evans arrives at the 41st Academy of Country Music Awards May 23, 2006, in Las Vegas. Evans later was named top female vocalist.
Brad Paisley, right, poses with Little Jimmy Dickens as they arrive at the 41st Academy of Country Music Awards May 23, 2006, in Las Vegas. Paisley's album, "Time Well Wasted," later won as Album of the Year.
Kelly Clarkson poses for photographers as she arrives for the 41st Academy of Country Music Awards May 23, 2006. Clarkson, who won the first "American Idol" competition, wasn't afraid to predict who is going to win this one. "I'd say Taylor. He's different, he's unique," Clarkson said of soul singer Taylor Hicks. Clarkson wore a vintage gown with plunging neckline.
Singer Martina McBride poses for photographers as she arrives for the 41st Academy of Country Music Awards May 23, 2006, in Las Vegas.
Maybe he was there to help console the artists who didn't win. Dr. Phil McGraw, right, and his wife Robin pose for photographers as they arrive for the 41st Academy of Country Music Awards May 23, 2006. (Actually, they presented the award for Top Vocal Duo to Brooks & Dunn.)
Country star Jo Dee Messina poses as she arrives for the 41st Academy of Country Music Awards May 23, 2006, in Las Vegas. She was a presenter during the ceremonies.
Brett, left, and Brad Warren, of the duo the Warren Brothers, pose as they arrive for the 41st Academy of Country Music Awards May 23, 2006, in Las Vegas.
Trick Pony, whose members are Keith Burns, left; Heidi Newfield, center, and Ira Dean, arrive at the 41st Academy of Country Music Awards May 23, 2006, in Las Vegas.
The nominated group Little Big Town, from left: Jimi Westbrook, Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Roads and Phillip Sweet, pose for photographers as they arrive for the 41st Academy of Country Music Awards May 23, 2006, in Las Vegas. In their category, the winner was Rascal Flatts.
Gretchen Wilson arrives at the 41st Academy of Country Music Awards May 23, 2006, in Las Vegas. Wilson was nominated for top female vocalist, but lost to Sara Evans.
Kristian Bush, left, and Jennifer Nettles, of the duo Sugarland, pose for photographers as they arrive for the 41st Academy of Country Music Awards May 23, 2006, in Las Vegas. Sugarland was up for top vocal duo, a prize won instead by Rascal Flatts.
Billy Gibbons, of the band ZZ Top, poses as he arrives for the 41st Academy of Country Music Awards May 23, 2006, in Las Vegas. Gibbons was part of a tribute to the late country music legend Buck Owens.
Eddie Montgomery, left, and Troy Gentry, of the nominated duo Montgomery Gentry pose for photographers as they arrive for the 41st Academy of Country Music Awards May 23, 2006, in Las Vegas. In their category, Brooks & Dunn took the prize.
Country singer Taylor Swift poses for photographers as she arrives for the 41st Academy of Country Music Awards May 23, 2006, in Las Vegas.
Carrie Underwood arrives at the 41st Academy of Country Music Awards May 23, 2006, in Las Vegas. She won the award as top new female vocalist.
Megan Mullins arrives at the 41st Academy of Country Music Awards May 23, 2006, in Las Vegas.
Big Kenny, left, and John Rich, of the nominated duo Big & Rich pose for photographers as they arrive for the 41st Academy of Country Music Awards May 23, 2006, in Las Vegas. They lost to Brooks & Dunn.
Julie Roberts arrives at the 41st Academy of Country Music Awards May 23, 2006, in Las Vegas. Roberts was nominated for top new female vocalist, a prize that went to Carrie Underwood.