On Wednesday night, November 9, 2011, the biggest names and rising stars of the country music genre gathered in Nashville for the 45th annual CMA Awards. As country artists took to the red carpet, there was a particular lady with Kenny Chesney who stood out, a sparkly new toy that photographers couldn't get enough of. In her off-white, off-the-shoulder, sequined, floor length, split-leg gown, Grace Potter smiled effortlessly, posing as though she'd walked in on Kenny Chesney's arm for the last decade. The cameras loved her, and as it turned out, so did country music fans.
In a ceremony before the televised awards began, Kenny Chesney and Grace Potter were honored with the CMA Music Video of the Year award for You and Tequila. When asked about his experience working with Grace Potter, Kenny Chesney said there was instant chemistry, a great friendship.
Fans saw that chemistry later when the CMA Awards went live on ABC. Kenny Chesney and Grace Potter performed their top 5 song, You and Tequila, while seated on stools on a narrow stage platform amidst the audience. The simple, acoustic version and beautiful blending of their voices had fans taking to Facebook and Twitter to express their praises.
@dianamuhoro tweeted: Just two people, two stools, and two acoustics. Simple but still beautiful :) #kennychesney #Gracepotter
@plm4462 was obviously charmed by Kenny's co-singer, tweeting: #gracepotter 's a tall drink of water WOW I love her voice!
@Kia_Jay kia street stated:
you and tequila make me crazy...looove that song and #gracepotter
Fans on Facebook were equally excited, writing similar accolades as they watched the CMA Awards:
"Best part of the CMA'S: DEFINITELY Kenny Chesney and Grace Potter singing "You and Tequila!" It gave me chills!"
"It brought tears to my eyes....two beautiful people, gorgeous voices that harmonize like sunset over the ocean, so smooth....awesome guitars"
"You and Grace were amazing tonight Kenny.....words cannot express how much your music has changed me. You have helped me get through so much in my life that some would have given up on. I can't thank you enough for that."
"Thank you for that amazing performance tonight. Thank you for stripping it down, and for reminding the world, all u need is a voice and a guitar. You and grace did an amazing job, couldn't pick a more beautiful combination of voices."
"KENNY! MAN! You did fantastic at the CMAs! You looked so good and natural and your voice was like melted dove chocolate!"
"You and Grace did a beautiful job on the CMA's."
"Oh Kenny! You and Tequila make ME crazy!!!"
It seems that for many country music fans, and even a few newcomers to country music, Kenny Chesney and Grace Potter's CMA Awards performance was the highlight of the show. Though it remains to be seen whether Grace Potter will show up on the country music radar again anytime soon, you can hear her hypnotizing voice again by checking out her band, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. She's also featured on the eighth season of One Tree Hill, doing a cover of Gavin DeGraw's I Don't Want to Be and on the closing credits for the Disney movie, Tangled. So, feel free to rewind those a few times...or better yet, just check out the CMA video of You and Tequila in the left sidebar of this article.
Kenny Chesney and Grace Potter certainly did cause a stir at the 2011 CMA Awards, one more incredible memory for fans of country music. Of course, if you just can't enough, you can always follow suit with @Bluegrassbabe3 who tweeted:
"You & Tequila" (It's on repeat. Stop judging me! :p) bit.ly/vjHnx7 @GetGlue #KennyChesney
Chat about this and other country music news on Facebook at Dirt Road Rendezvous or follow @JaelynJamik on Twitter!
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