Las Vegas, May 26 – Kid Rock was full of mystery at the Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas on Wednesday. “I’ll pay you guys double not to send your pictures to US Weekly magazine”, he told photographers in the pressroom at the Mandalay Bay hotel. We asked for an explanation. “I hate them. They’re worse than the tabloids, and they print lies”, he answered. What about Star magazine and The National Enquirer?” we pressed. “They’re fine. Go ahead and sell it to them”, Rock replied cryptically. He also didn’t offer an explanation for wearing a fur-lined jacket in the 80-degree heat, but we guess suffering comes with being a fashion icon.

In more fashion news, Heidi Newfield said of her two male counterparts in the group Trick Pony, “They may wear the pants in the group, but I pick out the pants!” She also said that the guys, Ira Dean and Keith Burns, will be her bridesmaids in her upcoming wedding. No word on what kind of dresses she’s chosen for them.

Does Willie Nelson have a blog like everyone else? He accepted his special achievement award with his wrist in a cast, reportedly recovering from carpal tunnel surgery. Cut back on the typing, Willie; you need that hand to play guitar. Other winners were Toby Keith, Alan Jackson and Martina McBride. But you already know that, since the awards show was broadcast live on CBS.

Photos by Jen Lowery