Stevie Wonder, John Mayer and John Fogerty were among those who made surprise guest appearances at the 2013 ACM Awards on Sunday (April 7). Perhaps more interesting, however, is who wasn't in attendance. Fans were left asking about a lack of screen time for three big country singers after Luke Bryan accepted Entertainer of the Year and credits rolled across the screen. 

It's difficult to say any artist was snubbed, mostly because the night's two biggest surprises (Bryan and Florida Georgia Line for New Artist of the Year) were fan-voted. The CBS broadcast was full of surprises, and a closer look reveals even more curiosities and questions about the decision-making process.

  • Ethan Miller, Getty Images
    Ethan Miller, Getty Images
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    Where was Alabama?

    Garth Brooks and George Strait -- the last two ACM Artists of the Decade -- were on hand to honor Dick Clark, so why not include Alabama? The country group won the award in 1989 and is actively touring. Loretta Lynn ('70s) and Marty Robbins ('60) also won the honor, but Robbins is dead and Lynn tends to limit her travel in recent years, so their absence is understandable. The timing was perfect to bring back the men from Fort Payne, but it seems they were left out. Perhaps they declined, or maybe they were never asked. Either way, it was an opportunity missed.

  • Ethan Miller, Getty Images
    Ethan Miller, Getty Images
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    Wow! What have Trisha Yearwood and Angaleena Presley been doing right?

    Both women revealed a slimmer -- but still curvy -- figure during the 2013 ACM Awards. The Pistol Annies brunette walked on stage in leather, lace and garters. Ladies, forgive your men if they left drool on the remote control at that point. Trisha Yearwood looked similarly healthy (although she was more modestly dressed) when she introduced Kelly Clarkson's performance. Mrs. Garth Brooks admits she's cut sugar from her diet and has lost 20 pounds. Presley's road to a smaller waistline is still a mystery.

  • Ethan Miller, Getty Images
    Ethan Miller, Getty Images
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    Um... where was Joe Diffie?

    Joe Diffie's return to the ACM Awards was not as overdue as Garth Brooks' or Shania Twain's, but it was as expected as Blake Shelton making a dirty joke at his wife's expense. Possible explanations as to why the real Joe Diffie never stood up include: 1) He wasn't interested 2) He wasn't available or 3) He wasn't asked. All three are unacceptable. This was his moment, and his absence was awkward. It was like a wedding with no bride.

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    Ethan Miller, Getty Images
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    Who is that girl?

    More than once viewers asked this question. Who was that girl performing behind Eric Church during 'Like Jesus Does'? Who were those girls singing and strumming guitars with Blake Shelton during 'Sure Be Cool if You Did'? While talented these three women are not yet famous, calling them only backup singers trivializes their efforts -- especially in Church's case. The same two women alongside Shelton helped him and his friends sing 'Boys 'Round Here' to open the show.

  • Jason Merritt, Getty Images
    Jason Merritt, Getty Images
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    Where was Taylor Swift?

    Yes, she was there -- she performed with Tim McGraw. But the lack of screen time for country music's biggest star was curious. The other four Entertainer of the Year nominees all performed their own songs, so why didn't Swift? Hunter Hayes was on stage so often you wondered if he had a twin brother. Brad Paisley even performed a cut from his 'Wheelhouse' album. John Mayer even took the stage, which in retrospect almost seems like a slap in Taylor Swift's face. The 'Begin Again' singer may have chosen to keep a low profile, but that would only prompt another list of five questions we'd like answers to.

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