Big and Rich Return to the Live TV Stage for the First Time in Three Years at Tonight’s CMT Music Awards

Welcome back, Big and Rich. For the first time in three years, country duo Big and Rich performed on live TV as part of the 2011 CMT Music Awards. They rocked their anthem 'Fake I.D.,' with an assist from country music's favorite guy's gal Gretchen Wilson.

There was no live TV "rust" that needed to be worn away; B&R stepped right back into their roles as if time stopped. It was the type of shake-up-the-room performance that could (and should) have made every one of country's elite feel like they were in a some dive bar or watering hole, enjoying some authentic, down-home country music stripped of any possible pretense.

While this was Big and Rich's first TV appearance in quite some time, they sailed through the song like they've not missed a beat, and Wilson only added to the boisterous nature of the performance. John Rich (obviously the Rich of Big and Rich) is used to live TV, though, as he took home the grand prize on this season of 'Celebrity Apprentice.'

We admit that we almost forgot for a moment that Rich is actually a formidable singer and a guitarist, since we were so used to him dismantling Donald Trump's challenges and raising money for the kids at St. Jude's like it was his full-time job. He looked in his element, with his bright red blazer, ubiquitous cowboy hat and his sunglasses, which he wore at night and inside.

We sure missed seeing Big and Rich bring the country rock live!

Watch Big and Rich Perform 'Fake I.D.' With Gretchen Wilson