Turns out Miranda Lambert's day Wednesday was even more special than we knew. Not only was it her 27th birthday, not only did she win an arm-load of CMA awards and help boyfriend Blake Shelton celebrate his first two CMA wins, she also got a phone call from her musical hero. Her cellphone rang, she didn't recognize the number but answered it anyway, and the caller identified himself as Merle Haggard. Her response? "THE Merle? This is Miranda Lambert!" He chuckled, saying "I know - I called you." He congratulated her on her CMA nominations, wished her luck and also sent her 37 roses - 27 pink ones to celebrate her birthday, 9 yellow ones to celebrate her CMA nominations and one red one, just for her. Take a lesson, Blake - that's a seriously thoughtful bouquet!
From People Magazine, the best quotes from the stage, the red carpet and backstage at the CMA Awards:
1.) “Are you guys gonna wear your meat suits at least?” – Show co-host Brad Paisley said while mistaking winners Lady Antebellum with Lady Gaga.
2.) “Gwyneth, I’ve always wanted to ask you something. Can you get me two Coldplay tickets?”- Brad Paisley “Can you make it four?” – co-host Carrie Underwood said to Gwyneth Paltrow who’s married to frontman Chris Martin.
3.) “Normally I root for Miranda at these things, but that was way before I ever got nominated. We’ll just leave it at that. You can always draw your own conclusions.” Blake Shelton told People regarding his game face to compete against fiancé Miranda Lambert.
4.) “All you have to do is read the teleprompter. I can read. Check!” –Kellie Pickler told CMT host Evan Farmer on acing her job as a presenter.
5.) “Yes, she does have a southern accent, but she says y’all and g’day mate. She’s a mix.” –Nicole Kidman said to CMT host Evan Farmer on raising daughter Sunday Rose.
6.) “I think it’s a really fun dress; it kind of looks like a Gothic cake topper!”- Julianne Hough said to People regarding her Georges Chakra gown and her first time wearing black at an awards show.
7.) “I went to a great bar and had a pint of Guinness. That’s my new ritual. I’m feeling good!” – Performer Gwyneth Paltrow told CMT host Katie Cook about her pre-show jitters.
8.) “I don’t know what’s going on. I just told Blake I think we need to go to church.” - Miranda Lambert said while accepting that award for Female Vocalist of the Year, and also after Blake took the trophy for Male Vocalist.
9.) “Come on man, everybody here knows that Brad Paisley lip syncs.” – NASCAR champ Jeff Gordon said while imitating Brad.
Taylor Swift has been added to the list of performers at the American Music Awards, airing November 21st on ABC.
Ready for more awards? The People's Choice Award final nominees are ready for your votes. Tim McGraw is up for Favorite Male Vocalist, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood are nominated for Favorite Female Vocalist, and in the Favorite Country Artist category, Taylor and Carrie are joined by Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum and Rascal Flatts. Carrie Underwood also shows up in the Favorite TV Guest Star category.
Rascal Flatts has rounded up Luke Bryan and Chris Young and will kick off the winter leg of their "Nothing Like This" tour January 14th in Sioux Falls, SD.
Carrie Underwood has been added to the list of performers on CBS's "Thanksgiving Day Parade Show."
The Lifetime Channel movie, "Unanswered Prayers," based on the Garth Brooks song of the same name, will debut on November 29th.
Reba's on the David Letterman show tonight. Tomorrow morning on NBC's "Weekend Today" Little Big Town will be featured during the 8am hour in a segment called "Secrets of Songwriters." They'll talk about how "Little White Church" went from an idea recorded into a cell phone to a top 10 single for the band.
This Sunday night's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" is the one shot in Middle Tennessee, featuring Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and LeAnn Rimes.
The tweet of the day is from Martina McBride: "After an amazing week I'm home & ready 4bed. After having 2 fit in tiny dresses I had a big fat steak, a loaded baked potato and a martini!"
