The

Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards

last weekend brought together  a wide range of rock royalty -

a generational range

. From

Diana DeGarmo's

pretty smile to the grunge style of

T

he Black Crowes

. There were Soprano singers and Soul singers. Alternative rockers and classic pianists. American Idols and legendary rockers. A little something for everyone. And this year, the awards ceremony, got a new venue and new format: more concert-like, less stuffy banquet.

Lets start with

Diana DeGarmo

. She was a vision in red satin. Her voice was heavenly. Earlier in the evening, we had a chat right before she walked the red carpet. Diana's big news is that she'll be traveling around the nation reviving Dolly Parton's role of Doralee Rhodes in

"9 to 5 the Musical."

She is so excited to be performing at the fabulous

Fox Theater

from September 28 through October 5th. Her mom, Brenda, is equally excited. Diana spoke with me in Doralee's voice and nailed it! Make sure to catch the musical. I know its going to be great!

Next, let me introduce you to

Jordan Mobley

. He is a newcomer with a potentially successful career ahead in the Pop and R&B genres. It was his first time walking the red carpet and was a little nervous but mostly excited. Jordan made a point of stressing the fact that he is a big India Arie fan.

Speaking of

India Arie

... her performance was one of the highlights of the evening. I had a chance to talk fashion with her on the red carpet. Turns out her mother is her stylist. India was wearing a form-fitting black

Diane Von Furstenberg

dress and told me that before she left the house, her mother yelled,

"wait! put this on, it'll add a little umph to the outfit"

... it was a gold-sequined fingerless glove. The perfect accessory to the perfect little dress. India's mom doesn't just pull looks for her, but actually designs, creates and sews garments for India.

Musically speaking, India introduced a new song she wrote about the importance of "acceptance" over "tolerance." She sang it with pride and passion and stressed the significance of "honoring people's choices."

Other Red Carpet moments included:

[caption id="attachment_4539" align="aligncenter" width="407" caption="Blair and Michele Caplinger. Beautiful people of music."]

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[caption id="attachment_4540" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="Sonia Leigh"]

[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4541" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="Governor & Mrs. Perdue"]

[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4542" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="Shiny American Idols: Bo Bice, Diana DeGarmo & Ace Young."]

[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4544" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="STYX"]

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The Black Crowes refused to walk the red carpet, leaving fans disappointed. Reportedly, no one was to speak to them or even look at them backstage. Perhaps they could use some lessons from legendary rockers, Styx, who were super pleasant, funny and interacted very well with everybody.

The awards ceremony was hosted by Monica Pearson and Mara Davis, who were wonderful. Overall, it was an evening filled with great music and well deserved recognition(s). The show was broadcast live on Georgia Public Broadcasting.

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