Just months ago, after the city of Nashville was devastated by floods, the Grand Ole Opry was filled with water from the Cumberland River, measuring four feet above the stage.

With the help of Brad Paisley and Little Jimmy Dickens, the iconic venue has been restored.

Even the famous wooden circle is back in place on the stage.

Without their venue, the Opry didn't miss a beat though, as they continued to broadcast their radio show from various places around Nashville.

Now that the Opry has been restored, Nashville is celebrating in a big way. Great American Country will air the performance live as part of Country Comes Home: An Opry Celebration at 9 pm. Other artists expected to perform include Martina McBride, Dierks Bentley, the Charlie Daniels Band, Blake Shelton, Del McCoury, Lorrie Morgan, Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Steve Wariner, Ricky Skaggs and Montgomery Gentry.

Performers Rascal Flatts, Reba McEntire and Blake Shelton helped celebrate the first ever American Country Awards live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on December 6.

The new country music awards show hosted by Trace Adkins  puts the artists' fate in the hands of the fans. Country lovers had a chance to vote for their favorite country music artists online in a variety of categories.

The American Country Awards aired live on Fox and when it came down to the fans' choice for biggest winner of the night, one American Idol winner raised her Fender Stratocaster trophy higher than the rest -- Carrie Underwood.

While Underwood has always been a fan favorite, we couldn't help but wonder what happened to the momentum of country music's latest lucky lady, Miranda Lambert? Lambert has been steamrolling the competition at every awards show lately, but Underwood's six ACA trophies couldn't be denied.

American Country Award Winners

Carrie Underwood wasn't the only winner Monday night. Check out SheKnows' list of American Country Award winners, including newcomer Easton Corbin's breakthrough artist wins.

Artist of the Year - Carrie Underwood

Artist of the Year: Male - Brad Paisley

Artist of the Year: Female - Carrie Underwood

Artist of the Year: Duo or Group - Lady Antebellum

Breakthrough Artist of the Year  - Easton Corbin

Album of the Year  - Play On/Carrie Underwood

Single of the Year - Need You Now/Lady Antebellum

Single of the Year: Male - Why Don't We Just Dance/Josh Turner

Single of the Year: Female - Cowboy Casanova/Carrie Underwood

Single of the Year: Duo or Group - Need You Now/Lady Antebellum

Single of the Year: Breakthrough Artist - Little More Country Than That/Easton Corbin

Touring Headline Package of the Year - Carrie Underwood

Music Video of the Year - Hillbilly Bone/Blake Shelton with Trace Adkins

Music Video: Male - Hillbilly Bone/Blake Shelton with Trace Adkins

Music Video: Female - Cowboy Casanova/Carrie Underwood

Music Video: Duo or Group - Need You Now/Lady Antebellum

Music Video: Breakthrough Artist - Little More Country Than That/Easton Corbin

Decade Award - Rascal Flatts

Video Visionary Award - Toby Keith

Greatest Hits Award - Alan Jackson

Trace Adkins is a country superstar and with his deep baritone voice and black cowboy hat, coupled with his Southern charmed accent, he makes one feel completely comfortable -- not an easy task given Adkins' six-foot-six-inch presence.

Adkins is not new to film, he proudly states he has an agent and has been attending auditions in town. But, Nashville is still home and where his heart is most at ease. It is clear that Adkins is particularly proud of his work on The Lincoln Lawyer with Matthew McConaughey, Ryan Phillippe and Marisa Tomei -- especially in scenes where he goes toe-to-toe with McConaughey.

Trace Adkins interview!

SheKnows: Your scenes with Matthew McConaughey were pretty tense. What was that experience like for you entering a movie star's world?

Trace Adkins: It would have been terrifying, if not for the fact that he was so generous to me. He rehearsed the scenes with me and wanted to make sure that I felt comfortable. He just told me, "You've got this, man. Don't worry about it. You've got it." He convinced me that I was going to be all right. He didn't have to do that, and I appreciate him doing that.

SheKnows: Matthew told us Brad Furman doesn't shoot too many takes. Was that hard for you as a new actor?

Trace Adkins: By the second or third take, they'd say, "We got it," and I was like, "Hell, you had it on the first take, didn't you? I had it on the first take. What, the camera wasn't focused? What the hell is wrong with you people? [Laughs]"

Trace Adkins: Country king

Trace Adkins: Yeah, I'm not a fan of me, doing anything. I'm not a fan of my singing. I'm not a fan of my acting. There are a lot of people that can do both of those things better than I can, and I'd rather hear them.

SheKnows: What drives you to do it then?

Trace Adkins: Because some people are. And, you can make a hell of a lot of money. I just love it. I do enjoy it. There's that gratification that comes from performing in front of a live audience, and you can't replicate that with anything else. In the studio, the creation part of this business is fun. But, when you see the fans letting you know that they enjoy what you're doing, that's why I keep doing it.

SheKnows: Was it a difficult process finding the character of Eddie in The Lincoln Lawyer?

Trace Adkins: I know Eddie. There's a lot of Eddie in me. I've known lots of Eddies. I've fought Eddies, in my life. I worked in the oil field with a lot of Eddies. When I read the script, I thought it was something that maybe I could pull off, so I came out and auditioned for it.

SheKnows: How much of Eddie is in you?

Trace Adkins: I've used that intimidation tool, a time or two in my life. It's a pretty handy tool [slyly laughs].

SheKnows: Do you ride motorcycles like Eddie?

Trace Adkins: Yeah, I have a Harley. But, it was funny. They wouldn't take my word for it that I knew how to ride. They had an insurance guy following me around, the first day I was there, so we rode around awhile. It's the same way with horses. They won't take your word for it that you know how to ride a horse. You have to show them.

Trace Adkins: When I'm singing a song on stage, I hate hypocrites. If you don't put yourself in that lyric and emote and be what that lyric says that you are, then you're just going through the motions and you're being hypocritical. I just take that same approach with acting. I just take the dialogue and I emote it and become that. I use the same technique, really. I've never been trained as an actor, so it has to be a part that I think I can identify with and is something that I can pull off. I'm no Philip Seymour Hoffman or Johnny Depp. It's got to be a very specific thing for me to do. I'm not going to pull off every role that comes along.

SheKnows: What don't you enjoy about the movie making process?

Trace Adkins: Just the waiting. It's the same way with music videos. That is the one thing that music videos prepared me for, with the experiences that I've had making movies. That tedious waiting in between shots is the hardest part.

SheKnows: What do you like about making movies?

Trace Adkins: The challenge. Anytime you get out of your comfort zone and you have to do something that you're not comfortable doing and that you're not real sure of yourself in, there's an exhilaration that comes along with that. I get off on it, so that's why I enjoy doing it.

SheKnows: Did acting find you or did you find acting?

Trace Adkins: The first couple of roles I had were just invitations to just come be myself in a movie. This is the first time that I've auditioned for something and actually won the part. The first day on the set, The Lincoln Lawyer director, Brad Furman, came to me and said, "I want you to know that you're here because of your audition. I had no idea who you were." That kind of hurt -- I thought I was a bigger deal than that [laughs]. He had no idea who I was.

SheKnows: Now that you've been bitten by the acting bug, is there a role you would want to play?

Trace Adkins: Yeah, a mute gunfighter. I think that would be the ultimate role. You wouldn't have to learn any lines. You could just shoot people and maybe have a dog that follows you around. I'm working on it. I'm not anywhere close to being finished with the whole idea yet.

SheKnows: Will there be any new Trace Adkins music coming soon?

Trace Adkins: I've got a new single coming out next week, called Just Fishin'. It sounds like a country hick song, but it's not. It's about a father taking his little girl fishing and the point of the song is that she thinks we're just fishing, but that's not what it's about. That will be followed by an album, probably in the fall.

Matthew McConaughey is Mick Haller in The Lincoln Lawyer, an attorney on a mission. Haller is always on the move, a mover and shaker who operates his law firm out of the back of his black Lincoln.

McConaughey himself is quite the man in motion as well, a Hollywood legend-in-the-making who is known for being active, but also one who isn't content sitting around waiting for the next great part. McConaughey stars in The Lincoln Lawyer opposite Ryan Phillippe, Trace Adkins, Marisa Tomei and William H. Macy in the courtroom thriller based on the bestseller by Michael Connelly.

After getting his big break in Dazed and Confused, McConaughey has not looked back as he has become one of Hollywood's most bankable stars. McConaughey tells us in our interview that law school was initially his path of choice and gives us the inside scoop as to how his mind changed to pursue a life in show business.

McConaughey has been a versatile actor since choosing the life of acting. From that pop culture legend in Dazed and Confused, he has starred equally in dramas, comedies and period pieces. With U-571, Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, Amistad, Lone Star, A Time to Kill, We Are Marshall, Failure to Launch and The Wedding Planner, McConaughey always delivers.

Meeting Matthew McConaughey

SheKnows: What is it that you enjoy so much about portraying lawyers? Your role in A Time to Kill is unforgettable for one…

Matthew McConaughey: I thought that's what I wanted to do with my life since I was 14. When I was in school, that's where I thought I was heading -- law school at the University of Texas. I changed my mind my junior year when I looked up and saw two more years of school, then four years of law school, and realized, "You'll be 28 by the time you get out and you can actually implement an imprint in society." I didn't like that idea. I didn't want to miss my twenties. I wanted to get experience and try something out.

SheKnows: What was the most compelling thing about the law?

Matthew McConaughey: The debate. Love debate -- from both sides. When I went from that to being 19, 20, 21…I really started to fall on the side of the defense and really felt like that I was purely built for and felt 100 percent clear with being able to defend someone if I knew they were innocent. That was a battle I could not lose. There's certain things that you believe in and you go, "That's one of those places I'll find every bit of energy from the depths of my body and ancestry that I can fight that fight and win that fight." That was idealistically why I was interested in defense. Now, glad I changed my path. I get to do that now, retire and do something else, go on to another story. This story, much more of a pragmatic character as far as knowing how the system works. That ideology that I had at 19, 20, this character doesn't have that. He knows how the system works.

SheKnows: Do you think these defense attorneys care if the client is innocent?

Matthew McConaughey: The thing is most of these guys these defense attorneys are defending are guilty and they know that. It's just to what degree, how much can you ameliorate the sentence, and bring it down. It's much more of a game and the system is a game -- who's dealing who, let's make a deal out here in the alley outside of court so we can go in and get this off our desk -- than I ever thought it was. This guy plays the game very well and knows the system. He's on the side of defending the people that can't defend themselves, that underbelly of society. He knows the game and knows the system. His challenge is to make the system work for him, make the system work for him while not letting the system know they're working for him [laughs].

Matthew McConaughey is The Lincoln Lawyer

Matthew McConaughey: I personally love movement anyway. I love movement. This whole script had movement in its simplest form, the office, the mobile office. The Lincoln, you can hear it in the script, what great entrances and exits from scenes. Open up, the Lincoln pulls in, he gets out. It's a great segue. It's a vehicle literally for segues. That was something true about these guys who do what he does. They don't stop. Everything moving, dance, got a few things going, put it on my desk, call me up, walk with me, they have a dexterity that is always on the move.

SheKnows: Are you like that too? Always moving…

Matthew McConaughey: I prefer it. I'd rather work that way when we're making films too. I can't stand going back to my trailer to wait to then re-enter the next scene. Let's show up on set that day and everyone be prepared and let's crank and shoot film all day. Let's rehearse it on film.

SheKnows: Haller has that soundtrack with him, is there a soundtrack for you, personally?

Matthew McConaughey: I got different soundtracks for sure. I got a whole bunch of different playlists [laughs]. That's a fun thing, music, it's a really great creative tool for me for different roles. The soundtrack for Mick Haller was much different than any other soundtrack I've had for any other character. That's always fun to go through. Brad Furman, the director, had a really good musical sense of where he wanted to go with the film and I asked him early on, "One of the best things you can do for me is let me have musically what you got." So he handed me 40 songs and 30 that I didn't know. That helps with movement. That helps with pace. That helps with approach.

SheKnows: When it comes to that go-go attitude, how is that when you're doing multiple takes?

Matthew McConaughey: [Pauses] We didn't do many over and over. I think we average four or five. I'd rather do, I say it now because I just finished working with William Friedkin who always does a maximum of two [laughs], I like that. I like when there's no time to warm up into it because if you didn't get it by take two, too bad. You show up more on the first one, for sure. I don't mind more takes because I have a really good amount of energy and don't mind if we try something a little different. It's nice to do it again, sometimes I catch myself acting in one spot. I fibbed. I enjoy keeping it rolling…

Going inside The Lincoln Lawyer

Matthew McConaughey: I've done where we don't rehearse and I've done films where we heavily rehearse. I like rehearsals. Just for this particular relationship my character Mick has with Roulet, my client, we're both trying to play each other throughout the thing. I didn't want to know, I didn't even want to have an idea of what his hand was going to be. I sure as hell didn't want to share it with him what my hand would be. Look, I got my guy down. You'll have your guy down. Let's meet when we're in the scene. Let's meet each other there and go on this two-month fun journey of getting to know each other through our characters.

SheKnows: Did you have the opportunity to meet any attorneys who are like your character in The Lincoln Lawyer?

Matthew McConaughey: Yeah, I spent some time with a few. Couple in particular, I got a lot of information. I went in thinking I was going to get something really specific but it became more of watching them work. It was never anything specific, watching them work, watching the movement. It was almost like they were bookies. They're wheeling and dealing, haggling back and forth. They love telling their story. They love talking. They're born performers. They want to get up there and perform. They revel in that. Some of them had some high profile cases, and those high profile cases were on the wall [laughs], showing you yes, that was me. They weren't heavy in the morality of the situation. It's not that. It was much more they got a job to do. This is the job. My job is to get you not guilty or lessen your sentence. That's my job.

The Lincoln Lawyer stars Matthew McConaughey as Mick Haller, a defense attorney with a knack for producing not guilty verdicts for his clients or at the least, a drastically reduced sentence. When Haller takes the case of Louis Roulet , it becomes quickly clear that he may have met his match in the game of playing the law. Roulet, a rich kid from Beverly Hills, is being charged with the attempted murder of a woman and Haller sees it as a big case worthy of his time and expertise.

When the truth about what happened that night becomes muddled in he said/she said, Haller immediately realizes that his new client may be playing him as well as Haller plays the system.

McConaughey shines in The Lincoln Lawyer. His talents are on full display and it is a welcome joy to see him back in a cinematic courtroom. His Mick Haller is slick, powerful and completely engrossing. McConaughey was born to play the creation of author Michael Connelly from his book of the same name. Connelly told us that he knew McConaughey was his Haller as soon as he saw his performance in Tropic Thunder. We can completely see where that sentiment came from!

The rest of the cast is astounding. While McConaughey and Phillippe are perfectly cast and each turns in a career-best performance, the supporting cast is what makes this good movie great.

The first supporting actor that stands out is William H. Macy. The always-astounding Macy plays Haller's go-to private detective who, in this case, is charged with getting to the bottom of the fateful night that landed Phillippe's Roulet in prison. Also stealing scenes in The Lincoln Lawyer is Marisa Tomei who portrays a prosecutor and Haller's ex-wife with whom he shares custody of their daughter. Her scenes with McConaughey add a light to McConaughey's character in the sense that audiences are allowed to see the personal side of the consummate professional that is his attorney character.

John Leguizamo, Michael Pena, Bryan Cranston, Frances Fisher, Josh Lucas and country superstar Trace Adkins fill out the cast that could be one of the year's best so far.

The Lincoln Lawyer is riveting and robust in its showcasing a true L.A. story. There have been hundreds of L.A. stories in the movies, but rarely does a film delve into the gritty urban feel that is front and center in The Lincoln Lawyer. As directed by Brad Furman, the film has an almost musical rhythm to it that is only enhanced by the stellar soundtrack. The Lincoln Lawyer is constantly a work in motion, much like its protagonist in the hands of the astounding Matthew McConaughey.

The Lincoln Lawyer review

Out of five stars…

The horrific fire that destroyed the home of country singer Trace Adkins has thankfully claimed no lives. The family home of 11 years in Nashville, Tennessee is now being described as 'a total loss.'

The trouble started Saturday afternoon while Trace Adkins' wife Rhonda was out running errands. The couple's three daughters and a nanny were at home with the family dog.

Upon returning home, Rhonda saw black smoke in the sky and rushed to the house. Meanwhile inside, the children and nanny heard a loud crash, which they attributed to something possibly falling out of a kitchen cabinet. When an inspection of the kitchen turned up nothing out of the ordinary, the nanny thought to check the garage.

It was there that she reportedly found the dryer turned over, with smoke and fire permeating the air. She then quickly got the children and dog out of the house and called 9-1-1.

The family had previously established a safety plan in case of emergency. The girls knew that, should there ever be a fire, they would run to a big piece of yellow tape on a tree safely away from the home.

Speaking with the Tennessean, Rhonda told reporters, "I'm just numb. I'm sad because we lost irreplaceable things, like all of Trace's awards and our family photos." Keeping the loss in perspective she continued, "You can replace things, not people. I'm just glad that my children are safe."

A spokesman for Trace Adkins, who was flying to Alaska at the time of the house fire, says, "Trace wishes to express his gratitude for the immediate response of the Brentwood Fire Department and is humbled by the outpouring of concern from friends and fans."

No word yet on a cause for the fire at Trace Adkins' home.

Trace Adkins has had a life singer/songwriters can only dream of. He has reached the pinnacle of success in his chosen field, is married to a wonderful woman and has three beautiful young daughters, Mackenzie, Brianna and Trinity and two elder daughters, Tarah and Sarah. But, it took a long time to get to that point in his life and his new album, Proud To Be Here is a testament to that.

Trace has suffered through many tragedies in his life. He has severed his pinky finger in an accident, was shot by his second wife and recently lost his home to a fire.

Much of this album, according to Adkins, was inspired by his family farm outside of Nashville. The video of his song Just Fishin' was shot at this very home and the song Days Like This takes listeners to Adkins' backyard deck, complete with lake and views of the hills of Tennessee.

Said Adkins about the tune Just Fishin', "The song is very literal, especially that first verse. Kenny Beard and Casey Beathard came up to the house a year or so ago to write, and we were sitting on the deck talking. The TV was on and some kind of depressing news came on and somebody said, 'We don't need to listen to that on a day like this.' We wrote that song in about 45 minutes."

Adkins knows full well the joy of honoring a beautiful day. The star of the new film Lincoln Lawyer knows the house fire that destroyed his 5,000 sqaure foot family estate could have been much worse. Trace Adkins was away at the time, on a flight to Alaska, when tragedy struck. Upon landing, someone met him at the gate with the horrific news. After eleven years in the house, the family lost everything. Two of the children were in the home with their nanny but escaped unharmed. The family dog was also rescued from the fire.

Trace Adkins and baby names inspired by country music>>

Said wife Rhonda Atkins at the time of the devastation, "You can replace things, not people. I'm just glad that my children are safe."

Photo courtesy of WENN.com

How would you react if you had a chance to perform a jingle you wrote in front of country superstar Trace Adkins? Yeah, most of us would be pretty nervous. Not Dewey Longuski of Mason, Mich.

Longuski was crowned the winner of Waggin' Train's Tail Waggin' Jingle contest on Tuesday in Nashville – judged by Adkins. The contest asked dog owners to write and perform an original jingle for the brand describing how they enjoy a "tail waggin' good time" with their dogs. Five finalists were voted in by the brand's fans and flown to Nashville for the final round.

Adkins told SheKnows immediately afterward that it was difficult to pick a winner because they were all great. However, Longuski was the clear winner for the "Honkey Tonk Badonkadonk" singer.

"Everyone of them sold it," Adkins told us. "None of them seemed to be nervous or at least too nervous. I thought Dewey took the exact approach I thought was good for Waggin Train."

"He sang it like an old-time Western song… like Gene Autry," Adkins added. "It was perfect."

Longuski didn't have long to let his win soak in – he was immediately whisked away to a Nashville recording studio to record his jingle with Adkins as the producer. The jingle winner also received an autographed CD of his jingle that might find a home on the Waggin' Train website and Facebook page.

"It's a big treat to get to do this," Adkins said. "I hope he's not nervous. I don't think he will be."

"And if he is, we'll take all the time he needs to get this done."

Images courtesy Waggin' Train

Country music buddies Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins share a love of performing and a "Hillbilly Bone," but that's where the similarities end. The duo -- both scheduled to appear on tonight's American Country Music Awards -- differ when it comes to judging others.

"I always feel a little awkward when I'm in a position to judge someone," Adkins told SheKnows last month while judging the Waggin' Train Tail Waggin' Jingle contest finals in Nashville. "It's hard to make eye contact. I never have enjoyed sitting in judgment of anyone."

In contrast, Shelton found his niche -- and a new audience -- as one of the four judges on NBC's hit show The Voice.

That's not to say Adkins isn't willing to step outside his musical comfort zone. The Lincoln Lawyer actor will take the stage with Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth as co-hosts of this year's show.

"I guess they didn't learn anything last year," Adkins joked to SheKnows, referencing the fact that he was the host of last year's show. Adkins is looking forward to sharing the stage with the pint-sized star, even if their height and weight difference might make it look a little awkward.

"I'm looking forward to working with her," he said. "She's a spitfire and will help make up for my less-than-enthusiastic hosting capabilities."

Adkins -- also scheduled to perform -- said he thinks he'll do a better job this year.

"I'll be more comfortable," he said.

The American Country Awards will air starting at 8 p.m. EST on FOX.

Image courtesy WENN

Kristin Chenoweth had heads turning and jaws dropping in a cleavage-baring dress at the American Country Awards Monday night. Check out a picture of the emerald green gown that is now the talk of the town below!

The 4-foot-11-inch actress and country singer shared hosting duties with one of country music's tallest gents: 6-foot-6-inch Trace Adkins!

Kristin Chenoweth may be most well-known as an actress, but music with a touch of twang also holds a special place in her life. She said recently, "I know that some people see me in different things: I'm known for RV, West Wing, Pushing Daisies, Broadway, Wicked, it's kind of always different. But I hope what they learn about me ...is, yes, I'm a trained opera singer and, yes, I've done Broadway, but country music is also in my heart."

What do you think of Kristin Chenoweth's cleavage baring ACA dress?

MORE KRISTIN CHENOWETH NEWS:

Trace Adkins won't follow in buddy Blake Shelton's footsteps
Celebrity Cabbage Patch Kids: Cute or creepy?
Kristin Chenoweth asks "What would Jesus do?"

Image via WENN

It seems like just a few short months since we've had a Celebrity Apprentice. At least some version of it. Now the newest version is returning, and this one is good. Friday on Today, NBC and Donald Trump announced the contenders for this season of Celebrity Apprentice: All-Stars.

Past winner Bret Michaels may be the most notable, and he will be joined by country singer Trace Adkins, magician Penn Jillette, actress Marilu Henner and Apprentice diva Omarosa. In a year with multiple reality shows returning with their "all-star" season, this may be one of the most popular. Many of the contestants were slightly contentious during their seasons, and this one is bound to be dramatic.

"Trump has selected fourteen people from the first five seasons of his show to compete against each other for the all-star season," according to Vintage Vinyl News. "Among those is season three champion Bret Michaels who won the big prize even though he had undergone brain surgery between the taping of the competitions and the final live show."

Taping for the new season starts on Monday, but episodes won't begin airing until March 2013. It's hard to believe, but 2013 will mark the show's ninth year — and 13th season.

"Also on hand will be NBA Hall-of-Famer Dennis Rodman, singer La Toya Jackson and Playmate of the Year Brande Roderick," said the Associated Press.

Gary Busey, Stephen Baldwin, Dee Snider and Lil Jon will also be joining the season.

Michaels will be the only returning winner this season. The other four winners, Piers Morgan, Joan Rivers, John Rich and Arsenio Hall, will be appearing on the show but as advisers. Why Michaels would not be an adviser wasn't mentioned, but we can only guess it's because he is an entertaining contestant and will be better in that role.

Photo courtesy Michael Carpenter/WENN.com

Fans of the American Country Awards are going to see two familiar faces hosting this year's show as Kristin Chenoweth and Trace Adkins are repeating their roles. The singing superstars promise to bring the fun and excitement straight to the audience who voted on their favorites in country music.

The show was created in 2010 by the Fox network as the only country music awards show that gives the fans control of who wins. This is the third year for the show, and it has become an annual favorite for country music.

Adkins, who is back helming the show for the third year, told USA Today, in 2010, his thoughts on the program.

He said, "Finally we have an awards show that is voted on by the fans. It's not industry insiders who have agendas and political motivations."

This is the second year he will be back hosting with Broadway darling Chenoweth, who has dabbled in country music with her album, Some Lessons Learned, in 2011. She talked to Broadway World about her upcoming hosting duties and what the audience should expect.

Chenoweth told the online outlet, "The key for a good host is to be a good listener. Because, as you know, things happen that aren't supposed to happen when you're doing a live show, and for someone like me, you pray for it because it just makes it more fun. So my challenge will be to be a great listener and to make sure and give Trace Adkins a really hard time... I can't give too much away, but it's going to be fun!"

The duo is sure to have fun onstage, but they both have been making waves offstage as well. Recently, Chenoweth admitted to dating former Bachelor contestant, Jake Pavelka, all while recovering from a serious injury sustained on the set of The Good Wife.

She said of Pavelka, "It's been really fun to get to know him. That's kind of where that is."

As for Adkins, he caught a lot of heat for wearing Confederate flag earpieces on NBC's recent Christmas in Rockefeller Center holiday special. Even though that symbol is offensive to many people, Adkins defended his choice.

He wrote on his website, "As a proud American I object to oppression of any kind. To me, the battle flag represents remembrance of my Southern lineage — I am a descendant of Confederate soldiers who followed that flag into battle. I advocate for the preservation of America's battlefields and honest conversation about our country's history. To those who view the flag as a symbol of racism, that was not my message and I did not intend offense."

With romantic liaisons and freedom of speech controversies, Monday night is proving to be a must-watch event for the hosts alone.

Will Kristin and Jake walk the red carpet together? Will Trace wear his controversial earpieces when he performs? Find out Monday, Dec. 10 at 8/7c on Fox.

Image courtesy of DJDM / WENN.com

It's no fluke that Kristin Chenoweth is back to host the American Country Awards for a second time on Monday night. In fact, the Broadway star lobbied hard to get back on the show for one reason: Co-host Trace Adkins.

He's so fun,"Chenoweth told SheKnows over the weekend. "We just have such a good time together. I don't know why we have chemistry. We probably shouldn't but we do. I just love him."

2012American Country Awards:Aka the new kid >>

The singers made a dynamic duo last year with their various stunts — and she hinted they'll have even more surprises this year.

"People will be very disappointed if they don't watch this show live because we have outdone ourselves, in my opinion," she joked.

Yes, the Oklahoma native definitely has her country side — and it's something she wants to expand on in the future. "I really want to do another country album," she said. "I felt so proud of the first one. I don't feel done with it. I had to cut so many songs, so there might be a part two."

Things you may not know about the 2012 ACA nominees>>

But, back to the present: Who will be the big winners come Monday night? Chenoweth has a few ideas.

"I could be wrong, but I think it'll be [Jason] Aldean and I think Little Big Town," she said. "They're so kind, and for me that's the most important thing."

Current country heartthrob Luke Bryan also hits high on her list.

"He's not ugly," she joked.

American Country Awards 2012: The lonesome snub >>

And if he doesn't take home the prize?

"He can take home my eyeballs just so I can stare at him the whole time."

Great idea, Kristin.

Image courtesy FayesVision/WENN.com

The American Country Awards were a fun and glamorous affair in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Monday night. After it's all said and done, there's no doubt Kristin Chenoweth stole the show along with those really cute country singers.

Country hottie Luke Bryan opens the American Country Awards

Luke Bryan opened the show for the American Country Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada. Bryan looked great in his leather jacket and tight black jeans but his performance seemed a little weak to us — maybe it just seemed too obvious he wasn't really singing. Also, the song choice of "Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye" was not our first pick but it wasn't bad. We would have preferred something a bit more up-tempo. However, given that "Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye" is Bryan's latest number one hit, we understand the rationale.

Kristin Chenoweth is funny, like really funny

There's something about Kristin Chenoweth that is naturally funny. Plus, her laugh is contagious. The American Country Awards had a few skits with Chenoweth, one of which involved her dressing room filled with custom-made miniature furniture to make fun of her petite stature. The side-by-side comparison of Trace Adkins and Kristin Chenoweth made for great television. Chenoweth seemed far more natural in front of the camera and delivered her lines with a knack for comedic timing and tone.

Also, Kristin Chenoweth dressed up like Honey Boo Boo. Was the irony lost on the American Country Awards crowd?

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Dierks Bentley sounds great live

Unlike Luke Bryan tonight, Dierks Bentley sounds great live. His performance seemed a bit less pop and a little more country. Bentley performed his latest hit "Country & Cold Cans," which the crowd went wild for and loved every minute of his performance.

Lauren Alaina wins New Artist of the Year

With her infectious hit "Georgia Peaches,"Lauren Alaina is posed for country superstardom. The former American Idol contestant not only made our American Country Awards best-dressed list, Alaina nabbed New Artist of the Year in Las Vegas. The 18-year-old gave a heartfelt, overwhelmed speech and truly seemed honored to win. Congratulations, Alaina!

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Trace Adkins performed with Lynyrd Skynyrd

Well, this took me back — to when I wasn't even born. Trace Adkins performed with Lynyrd Skynyrd and it was really, really country. The performance was great, but I have to admit Trace Adkins took a backseat to Lynyrd Skynyrd, and that was probably for the best. Great guitar solos and awesome vocal performances livened up the show right in the middle when it was starting to get a bit dull.

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While we love Kristin Chenoweth, the choice as a host for a country award show seemed like a weird one. But, Chenoweth took the position and ran with it. The 2012 American Country Awards started with a skit by co-host Trace Adkins and Chenoweth, showcasing their difference in sizes , followed by him carrying her out on stage in a baby sling.

The co-hosts had a fun, but just innocent enough, flirty rapport all night. Adkins brought enough country to the show for both of them, and Chenoweth made sure the energy was up all night.

The world of Twitter seemed to be split, at least on Chenoweth. Because the viewers are country fans, many weren't sure what to do with her. There were many others who didn't even know who she was.

Adkins lived up to his reputation by performing during the ceremony. He took the stage with members of Lynyrd Skynyrd to sing their hit "What's Your Name?" Chenoweth introduced him by saying that when you think southern rock, the first artist you think of is Justin Bieber, a joke the audience didn't seem to appreciate . But, she quickly recovered by introducing Adkins with the band.

Shortly after the performance, Chenoweth came back onstage dressed as Honey Boo Boo. Adkins looked confused and disturbed at the same time, but he went along with it.

The hosts also introduced a Twitter contest between the two of them to see who would be dressed as Santa and who would be dressed as an elf. Fans had to use the correct hashtag to vote on whom they wanted to win .

A little later in the show, Adkins was playing his guitar onstage when he realized Chenoweth was in his guitar case. She said they were supposed to do a magic trick and he forgot about her.

"Brad Paisley would never, ever, ever do that to Carrie Underwood," said Chenoweth.

Chenoweth then got onstage and gave her own performance of a song called "WWDD," or "What Would Dolly Do?"

It seemed that Chenoweth was a little out of place throughout the night, but she pushed through it and did the best she could. Adkins seemed right where he feels comfortable, because it is his industry and his people. The crowd seemed to love everything he did, and the ACAs made a great choice for the night.

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American Country Awards hosts Kristin Chenoweth and Trace Adkins started a Twitter war Monday night when they had fans tweet which of the co-hosts they'd rather see as a Santa, and which they'd prefer to see as an elf. The directions given were to tweet to #KristinSanta or #TraceSanta, depending who they'd like to see wear the Santa suit.

Trace Adkins' tweets were mostly about how they'd like to see him as Santa. And some of the messages became a little graphic.

@Snowden86 tweeted, "@ACAINSIDER I wanna see #TraceSanta! I mean want woman wouldn't wanna sit on his lap!"

The sentiment was far from original though, as many women came up with the same idea during the contest.

"Watching the ACA and I gotta say I'm gonna vote #TraceSanta because he'd make a good looking Santa. hahaha:-D," @stargirlshiane tweeted.

Other Adkins fans were a little less direct. They still thought he would make a great Santa, but they would be okay with him dressing either way.

@Cortney_LaShae tweeted, "#tracesanta although a giant elf would be awesome (:"

While Adkins' tweets were mostly about why they'd love to see him as Santa, Chenoweth's tweets were mostly about why they'd love to see Adkins as an elf.

@_ericakcadwell_ tweeted, "#KristinSanta cause who wouldn't love to see @traceadkins in tights?"

That sentiment made up a large part of the comments about Chenoweth, but most of the rest were Trace Adkins-related as well.

"@acainsider Kristin would make an adorable elf but I'm up for a good laugh! #KristinSanta," said @Blon_D81.

Other fans chimed in but felt that the hosts were both good enough to be happy either way.

@inga_bee wrote, "Both would be hot! #KristinSanta #TraceSanta."

In the end, the Kristin Chenoweth fans won, and she ended up dressing as Santa. But really, they were less Chenoweth fans and more Trace Adkins-as-an-elf fans, because it seemed to be all about what he would wear. And the country singer did end up wearing tights.

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Trace Adkins can now be considered one of the legends of the country music world, and hosting Monday’s American Country Awards only added to that. Adkins co-hosted the show with Kristin Chenoweth and chatted with SheKnows before the show. His words before the show were inspiring.

"I just hope I don’t throw up," he said.

Besides that, he had little to say about the plans for the show, but did say Santa would show up . He also mentioned the chemistry with Chenoweth and how he was focused on that.

"I’m just going to try to stay somewhere in the same vicinity with Kristin," he said. "She’s got so much energy, she is always moving so fast, I have trouble keeping up with her. I’ll just do the best I can."

The co-hosts were reprising their roles this year, since they also hosted the 2011 awards. But for Adkins, his comments on hosting revealed much about the singer.

"You have to keep trying to one up yourself," he said. "If you’re not trying to get better then you might as well just quit. We hope that tonight’s show is the best one yet… maybe they’ll let us do this again someday."

Adkins also spoke about his numerous tours for the USO. He has been an outspoken advocate for the troops and went to Japan this time.

"I’ve never ever had a bad experience going and doing a USO tour," Adkins said. "It’s just one of the most amazing things that I’ve ever had a chance to do, and this time was no exception. This time we went to Japan, went to Okinawa, which was really surreal. But it was a great experience."

When asked what he is going to get up to in 2013, Adkins said there wouldn’t be much happening, but he will in fact be quite busy.

"I don’t think anything really crazy, just touring, [I] have a new album coming out in June," he said.

Adkins will be playing in Las Vegas on Saturday, Dec. 15 and will be out on a North American tour in 2013.

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