1999 CMA Awards

Alan Jackson blew the lid off the 1999 CMA Awards telecast, right in the middle of "Pop A Top." Suddenly, with a defiant look, the lanky singer paused. Dramatically shifting gears, he broke into the then-current George Jones hit, "Choices." Alan Jackson's choice of material stuns last year's audience.The audience gasped. For a moment, confusion reigned. But when the dust settled, everyone watching figured it out. The CMA had refused to allow George to sing "Choices" in its entirety on the show - and this was Alan's bold protest. "If George had died, there would have been a ten-minute tribute," explained Alan afterward. "But they couldn't even give him three minutes now." The show of support for his musical hero will remain a vivid memorable moment. Since 1969, the show has been a testament to the beauty of live television - providing unexpected laughs, tears and flubs, along with incredible performances.