Dollywood took home top honors in several categories at the 2007 International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo. "The Great American Country Show" won the prestigious Heartbeat Award during the Big E Awards ceremony. This was the second consecutive year Dollywood claimed the Heartbeat Award; "Dreamland Drive-In" won the honor the previous year.
The Heartbeat Award recognizes the show that demonstrates superior overall ability in reaching the hearts of its audience. Candidates are judged on the commitment of the cast, the quality and content of the production and the effectiveness on the part of the producing organization in seeking to create a special connection with its audience.
Scripps Network property, Great American Country (GAC) is one of the fastest growing cable networks. GAC and Dollywood partnered to create the park’s newest live stage show. This new show featured original programming, special musical performances and live concerts by country music’s most popular stars and legends.
Thirty-foot-wide video screens above the stage allowed hosts from GAC’s most popular shows to introduce each show segment and interact with the stage shows performers. Various GAC cable programs define the performance segments including GAC’s "Top Twenty" hosted by Nan Kelley; "Edge of Country" hosted by Kylie Harris; "The Year" hosted by Mark Wills; and "Master Series" host Bill Cody.
