Brad Paisley Alabama

Brad Paisley opened the Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas with a performance that may be tough to top. After all, how can you beat Alabama?

The reigning ACM Top Male Vocalist walked out in his trademark white cowboy hat, ripped blue jeans and a black T-shirt for a performance featuring Randy Owen and the boys from Alabama. He sang 'Old Alabama,' which will be on his forthcoming album 'This Is Country Music,' due out it stores this May. Halfway through the already Top 20 hit, Paisley shouted, "Awww here they come!" and they did. Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry, and Jeff Cook emerged from backstage armed with guitars.

"The supergroup of country music right there," Paisley said as the trio played to a standing ovation inside the MGM hotel Grand Garden Arena. The song borrows liberally from Alabama's No. 1 hit 'Dixieland Delight,' and when Owen shouted "Yeeee-hawww!" it sounded like he'd been practicing the trademark howl since the trio officially retired from the stage in 2004.

Earlier on the ACM red carpet, Owen offered advice to new artists. “Be totally honest, do what’s in your heart, be yourself. Because when you fake it, people know that real quick.” Paisley doesn't qualify as a "new artist" any longer, but it's doubtful he'd turn down words of wisdom from a Country Music Hall of Famer.

Watch Brad Paisley and Alabama Perform 'Old Alabama' at the 2011 ACM Awards

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