Taylor Swift, Sugarland, Kenny Chesney & others connect with audience at final CMA Music Fest night

June 15, 3:30 PMNashville Entertainment ExaminerJonathan Pinkerton

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Heidi Newfield's Johnny and June thrilled CMA Fest fans

Wendy Davis and Sally Pressman, two of the stars of Army Wives, Lifetime's answer to Desperate Housewives, were on-hand at LP Field Sunday evening to begin the final night of CMA Music Fest. First up was veteran singer/songwriter, Jack Ingram. He got the crowd going with Wherever You Are from his 2006 Live: Wherever You Are. This song has a place in music history, not only for Ingram, as it was his first number one, and one of two studio tracks on the otherwise live CD, but for Big Machine Records. The song holds the distinction of being the first in a now long-string of number ones for the then fledgeling Scott Borchetta label. Up next was 2000's Barbie Doll. Jack then engaged the crowd by urging them to get on their feet as he performed the prefect summer song, Barefoot and Crazy, from his current project. He ended his set with Love You, the other studio track from his 2006 Live album. As he made his way through the front of the crowd, the set the pace for a night that would truly show the fans they were a vital part of Music City.

CMT's Lance Smith and Melissa Peterman took to the stage next. Lance, in addition to his weekly hosting gig on CMT's Top 20 Countdown will be seen beginning this Saturday, June 20 as host of season two of Can You Duet. Melissa, best known for her six-season run as the loveably annoying self-proclaimed best friend to Reba on the country divas self-titled sitcom, has joined the CMT family as host of the newly-twanged version of the lyrical game show, The Singing Bee, debuting tomorrow night immediately following the CMT Music Awards.

The duo introduced one of my favorite artist ever, Heidi Newfield, who performed a short set on the acoustic side stage. I met Heidi when she was part of Warner Bros. recording group, Trick Pony. After leaving the trio, Heidi debuted as a solo artist just last year. She began her performance of Trick Pony's hit, Pour Me, with a harmonica solo. After paying homage to the group and song that boosted her career, she traded the harmonica for a guitar as she sang Cry, Cry ('Til The Sun Shines), her version of a song previously released by Martina McBride.  She then encouraged the crowd of thousands to hold up their cell phones and lighters and said, "I want to thank you all for making this next song a success," as she sang her beautiful tribute to true and lasting love, her break-out single, Johnny and June.

Troy Gentry and partner Montgomery rocked

Next up were Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry, better known collectively by their last names. In the night's first of two style disasters, it became apparent that Troy's stylist is a fan of TLC's reality show, John and Kate Plus 8, as he was sporting an unfortunately choppy shag of a haircut similar to that of series star Kate Gosselin. Questionable stylist choices aside, the duo brought their trademark rock-influenced sound to an eager and appreciative audience. Roll With Me, Gone and the crowd-pleasing One In Every Crowd proved exactly why these guys have staying power.

Miranda Lambert kept the crowd rockin' as she doused the fire with Kerosene. An equally hot cover of the Faces' Stay With Me was next. Dead Flowers, the lead single from her forthcoming September 29 release, Revolution was next. She expressed her gratitude to the crowd by saying, "I dreamed of being up here on this stage and hallelujah, thanks ya'll I'm up here!" With that, she performed her 2007 Top 20 hit, Famous In A Small Town, a song she co-wrote with my pal, Travis Howard. She closed her set with as much excitement as she had began it, giving the crowd exactly what they wanted with Gunpowder and Lead.

Melissa Peterman then introduced the night's second style victim, John Rich. John has apparently traded in Big Kenny for a floor-length fur coat that rivals anything Hollywood's leading ladies sported in those now-classic 1980s Blackglama ads. As if the fur weren't enough, the undeniably successful prolific singer/songwriter/producer also sported a pair of oversized Dolce and Gabbana sunglasses and a t-shirt emblazoned with some pseudo-political Bail Out rhetoric.   Again, questionable style choices aside, John cranked up the already energetic crowd even more with the Big & Rich hit, LOUD. He was then joined onstage by fellow Muzik Mafia member, country music's only black rapper, Cowboy Troy as they performed the 2005 hit, I Play Chicken With The Train. Rich's recent chart-topper, Shuttin' Detroit Down shifted the mood from playful to a more serious note. The somber side of John Rich continued as he invited several military veterans onstage, who were received with a standing-o from an appreciative crowd. While the vets stood there proudly, John performed his touchingly patriotic song, The Good Lord and the Man. The crowd erupted in cheers as the song ended. John kept the enthusiasm, and lightened the mood by asking, "Where's all the country girls tonight? Are you ready to Save a Horse and Ride a Cowboy?" With that, Cowboy Troy and Muzik Mafia's Two Foot Fred joined him onstage as they performed the 2004 fan-favorite.

After a lengthy break, that might have subdued any other crowd, Taylor Swift heated things up once again with Picture to Burn from her 2006 debut self-titled release. For her second number, also from her debut album, she picked up her sparkly guitar and strummed along as she sang Our Song; after which, she beamed, as only a teen queen can, when she said, "Look at all these people! You are the reason all my dreams have come true. It's so good to see you all tonight." Four songs from her current CD followed. The first of which was You Belong With Me was next. She sat on a stool for an acoustic version of the sentimental song, Fifteen. During this song, she played a gorgeous guitar made of koa wood. Further showcasing her musical abilities, the singer/songwriter then moved to a piano for the hit, You're Not Sorry. Taylor finished her set with Love Story. At times during her performance, the excited crowd sang along, nearly drowning out Taylor's own voice. I noticed she then did something the crowd loved. During her final song, she moved from one side of the stage to the other, pausing on each side of the stage in the areas usually relegated to the acoustic sets and hosts. A lighting storm of camera flashes proved that simple move was much appreciated. With a simple, but heartfelt, "I love you more than I can say," Taylor exited the stage.

Sugarland made a surprise appearance

Emcee, Melissa Peterman re-emerged during the lag-time between set up for the next artist and garnered laughs as she mimicked Taylor's head-banging hair flip. She then bated the audience by asking if they were ready for a very special guest. 

With that, Sugarland took to the stage for a 6-song set. Their surprise appearance was met with huge applause, cheering fans and arms swaying above their heads. Settlin', All I Wanna Do, and Joey, I'm So Sorry were among the highlights from Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush. WIth a solo spotlight shining on the duo, and the backing band obscured in the dark, Jennifer and Kristian received a standing-o for their haunting performance of Stay, the 2008 CMA, ACM and CMT award winning song. With the lights back up, and the mood lifted once again, they rocked out their final number, It Happens, the playfully tongue-in-cheek third release from their Love on The Inside CD, quickly became their 11th number one hit just last month.

After another rather lengthy break to reset the stage, four-time CMA Entertainer of the Year, Kenny Chesney entered the stage around midnight. Despite the late hour, the fans proved to Kenny that they were ready for more. Years ago, when I worked with Tim McGraw's then management, rpm, I had the opportunity to meet Kenny a few times, as he did a tour with Tim. He has to be one of the nicest guys in the business and that friendly, summer-lovin', beer-drinkin, persona shines through each time he steps on stage. Last night was no exception, as the got the fans on their feet, with no chance of a slow-down. Two of Kenny's 2005 hits, Beer in Mexico and Summertime started the Chesney party and he continued with his current hit, Out Last Night, the singular new track on his recently released Greatest Hits II CD. Young and Living in Fast Forward followed.   Kenny then said, "I'm really proud to be back here this year. Thanks for loving country music." Next was I Go Back. Kenny closed the show with She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy from 1999's Everywhere We Go. Ten years after the song peaked just outside the Top Ten, it's still one of those songs that you just can't help but like. WIth that, CMA Music Fest came to an end as fireworks filled Music City's skyline one last time.