Jackson's Action

Crow, who was there to take part in the show's climactic all-star Johnny Cash tribute, shared the stage with Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Hank Williams Jr., Travis Tritt, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. She was also a nominee for ''Picture,'' a duet with Kid Rock that made the country chart. That song may be more than a one-off; Crow is taking up residence in Nashville, and some locals enthuse that she could become a true country queen if she ever went for it.

''I take being embraced by country fans very seriously,'' Crow said backstage, ''because I grew up with it and I've gotten away with incorporating country into what I do. The roots that I have and the influences that I call upon, the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers and even something like the Flying Burrito Brothers, I don't know if they'll ever see the light of day on the radio. But I'm working my way there, I just want to do it with grace and class and integrity. If I can do that and people like it, that'd be great.''

Kid Rock also plans another run at the country chart with his upcoming album. One track, a duet with Hank Williams Jr., ''Cadillac Pussy,'' probably won't win him a berth on next year's telecast. ''It's a lot of fun -- not family fun, but fun,'' he said, adding that he has higher expectations for a more radio-ready tune called ''I Do It for You.''

Also aiming for some pop-to-country crossover action: Jimmy Buffett, who shared an award with Jackson for their hit duet, ''It's Five O'Clock Somewhere.'' ''I'm gonna do a little country album myself,'' he confirmed. ''It's not a big sidestep for me, obviously… I've put in a lot of time in this town.''

Kid Rock appeared on the telecast to hand out one of three trophies awarded to the late Johnny Cash, who hadn't won a CMA award since 1969. The shutout in the intervening 34 years ''bothered him a little, because those are peers,'' daughter Kathy Cash said afterward. Added son John Carter Cash, ''I don't think it made him mad as much as hurt his feelings. He always was rooting for the other guy, but it stung.'' Still, the elder Cash -- who was alive when nominations were announced, and had hoped to attend -- was grateful for the accolades CMA voters gave his ''The Man Comes Around'' album. And his family echoed that feeling. ''The truth,'' said John Carter Cash, ''always comes around.''