CMA Awards   -  Archives

In light of the events of Sept. 11, the show combines heartache and patriotic pride for a genuine display of emotion. Brooks & Dunn open the show with their hit, "Only In America." Diamond Rio's performance of "One More Day" pays tribute to the heroes of 9/11. The show ends with an all-star performance of "America the Beautiful." But perhaps the most memorable moment comes when Alan Jackson performs "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)" for the first time. It is also a night of firsts for many country stars. Tim McGraw wins his first entertainer of the year. Toby Keith takes his first male vocalist CMA award, and Lee Ann Womack earns her first female vocalist award. Sara Evans take home her first CMA award for her video "Born to Fly," while the band Lonestar celebrate their first win in the vocal group category. Newcomer Keith Urban receives the Horizon Award. "Too Country," the collaboration of Bill Anderson, George Jones, Buck Owens and Brad Paisley, gets the vocal event honor. The successful soundtrack to the film O Brother, Where Art Thou wins album of the year, and the record's hit single, "I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow," is named single of the year. The 2001 inductees for the Country Music Hall of Fame include 12 acts as varied as Waylon Jennings, the Everly Brothers, Bill Anderson, the Jordanaires and Sam Phillips.