McGraw, Chesney Rule CMAs

Tim McGraw is living it up, while Kenny Chesney hopes the sun never goes down.

The two singers emerged as the big winners from Tuesday night's 38th annual Country Music Association Awards.

McGraw, fresh off his big win last night (the country star won both Single of the Year and Song of the Year honors), can thank his recently passed father, in part, for the win.

McGraw intended "Live Like You Were Dying" to be a tribute of sorts to his recently deceased father, Tug McGraw (a star pitcher for the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies).

The tune, written by Tim Nichols and Craig Wiseman, was a huge hit for the singer, spending an unprecedented eight weeks at number one on the country charts. McGraw's album of the same name came out in August.

Chesney, meanwhile, had been shut out of the CMAs until Tuesday, when he claimed the biggest prize, Entertainer of the Year, and a bookend award for Album of the Year for When the Sun Goes Down.

"I've been making records for 12 years now, and this is my first CMA award," Cheseny said. "I'm very proud of it."

The Tennessee-born singer also turned in a notable performance Tuesday--despite his decidedly un-macho baby-blue muscle T-shirt. (It could have been worse--he might have followed the advice of his previous album title, No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem.)

"I am so proud to be in country music," Chesney said. "I love it with all my heart."

CBS' live broadcast of the CMA Awards, hosted by Brooks and Dunn (who walked away with their umpteenth Vocal Duo prize), went off without a hitch. It dominated Tuesday's ratings, drawing 18.4 million viewers, according to overnight Nielsens. CBS Research estimates that just over 37 million viewers watched all or part of the ceremony.

The show even borrowed a page from Hollywood by snagging CSI: Miami's Emily Procter (cross-promotion anyone?) as a presenter.

While there was no hyper-emotional moment to match last year's tribute to Johnny Cash, a touching tribute to Cash collaborator Kris Kristofferson came close.

Some of country music's biggest stars performed Kristofferson hits during the segment--Willie Nelson and Randy Travis among them.

Kristofferson himself came out to the requisite standing ovation as he was inducted into the CMA Hall of Fame. "I want to thank John [Cash] and June [Carter Cash] for endorsing me when nobody knew me," he said. "I'm so grateful to country music," the Convoy star gushed as he started to tear up after remembering the many friends he has lost over the years to what he called "the life."

Live performances this year proved most entertaining indeed.

Reba McEntire dazzled the CMA crowd, as did Shania Twain. Twian entertained by dueting with hot newcomer Billy Currington on "Party for Two."--performing from a oh-so-fancy set of two "apartments" straight off a CBS studio lot.

Meanwhile, usual suspect Alan Jackson, who received a leading seven nominations this year, failed to take home any prizes.

And in the strange-but-true-category, former Silver Spoons kid star Rick Schroder picked up a CMA, for directing the Music Video of the Year, Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss' "Whiskey Lullaby," which also won for Vocal Event of the Year.

Here's a complete rundown of all the 2003 CMA winners:

Entertainer: Kenny Chesney Album: "When the Sun Goes Down," Kenny Chesney, produced by Buddy Cannon and Kenny Chesney Song: "Live Like You Were Dying," Tim Nichols and Craig Wiseman Single: "Live Like You Were Dying," Tim McGraw; produced by Byron Gallimore, Tim McGraw and Darran Smith Female Vocalist: Martina McBride Male Vocalist: Keith Urban Vocal Group: Rascal Flatts Vocal Duo: Brooks & Dunn Musical Event: Brad Paisley featuring Alison Krauss, "Whiskey Lullaby" Horizon Award: Gretchen Wilson Musician: Dann Huff, guitar Music Video: "Whiskey Lullaby," Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss; directed by Rick Schroder