I’ll be keeping track of all the CMA winners tonight when the trophies are handed out at the 50th annual Country Music Awards. The show will be telecast live on ABC at 8pm et/pt.
For an excellent analysis of all the nominees, read Deb (Windmill’s Music) excellent analysis here. Deb was a major part of our community here and sadly she passed away only a few days after the nominations. Today, I miss her more than ever. Her wit, wisdom, intelligence and deep love of country music impressed anyone who was lucky enough to get to know her. Her favorite singer, Carrie Underwood, has finally been nominated for Entertainer of the Year. If she wins it, I hope Deb is somewhere out there relishing the moment. This blog is for you Deb.
Speaking of Carrie, she and Brad Paisley will be co-hosting the CMAs for the 8th consecutive years. The American Idol 4 winner will be changing into 11 (!!!) different outfits. She’s been teasing fans on instagram with little glimpses of her decade themed wardrobe. It’s the 50th anniversary of the CMAs and EVERYBODY is going to be out for this one. Check out this list of performers and presenters.
There will also be your usual assortment of crossovers. BEYONCE will reportedly be performing (!!!) and there’s a rumor that used-to-be country girl, Taylor Swift, will take the stage too. I’ll be posting up photos and videos later on, so watch for that.
The show opens with some vintage clips of big stars like Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, Reba and so many more. Vince Gill performs “Mama Tried” with Merle Haggard’s son, Dan. Brad Paisley sings “Pickin’ and Grinin” with Roy Clark on banjo, Carrie Underwood sings “Stand by Your Man.” Charlie Pride takes the stage with “Kiss an Angel Good Morning.” Alabama is next singing “Mountain Music.” Charlie Daniels, Reba is next singing “Fancy.” Then, “Dwight Yokam” takes the stage with “Guitars and Cadillacs.” Clint Black sings “Just Killing Time” with the ladies on backup. Ricky Scaggs plays guitar and sings “Country Boy.” And then Alan Jackson sings, Aw, Randy Travis is on stage while the entire group sings “Forever and Ever Amen.” He sings the last “Amen.” There are tears in the audience!
Carrie and Brad take the stage to tell a few Jokes. “We’re so sick of politics we don’t even care who wins!” they sing. “The election is taking forever and ever!” Carrie promised no political jokes! “Make it end…” they sing. Carrie mentions that Loretta Lynn is in the house. All the past winners of best Female and Male were invited to sit in the audience. Billy Ray Cyrus is the “Designated Survivor” eating fried chicken off stage. KEITH URBAN and NICOLE KIDMAN ARE IN THE HOUSE. When Carrie congratulates one of Brad’s competitors, he calls her “Crooked Carrie.” Ha but then #I’mWithCarrie. Will Brad accept tonight’s results? The show is rigged he says. Then he calls Carrie a “Nasty Woman.” Everybody gets a gift “basket of deplorables.” There are special Willie Nelson Pot brownies, a bra of many colors “two guesses who this is for,” quips Brad. Ha ha. There are Tim and Faith barbie dolls. They get on the barbie tour bus. Then there is a bit with Peyton Manning.
The Olympic FINAL FIVE hand out the first award. Single of the Year goes to…Thomas Rhett for “Die a Happy Man.” He thanks the Lord, his “lovely” wife and all his amazing fans.
After the break Kelsea Ballerini is introduced by Carrie in yet ANOTHER FABULOUS OUTFIT. She sings “Peter Pan” while two dancers perform an aerobatic contemporary routine. Flying through the air!
Two stars from The Goldmans take the stage. Hey Hayley Orrantia. You were on X Factor USA. Olivia Newton John is also on stage. She won a CMA in 1972. That’s right. She was a country singer initially. They present Song of the Year to Lorri McKenna for the Tim McGraw hit “Humble and Kind.”
Carrie introduces fellow Female Vocalist of the Year nominee, Miranda Lambert. She sings “Vice.” Hm. Blake Shelton is nowhere to be found tonight. He’s probably cuddling with Gwen Stefani in Los Angeles.
Jason Aldean joins Brooks & Dunn to sing “Brand New Man.”
Elle King and Dierks Bentley sing “Different For Girls.” Announced on Good Morning America today–they won in the Musical Event category.
Carrie walks through the audience, pointing out a bunch of country legends who won Female Vocalist of the Year (Tanya Tucker and a few more) before introducing Maren Morris. Her big voice rings out on “My Church.” Gospel choir and horns!
Brad and Charlie Daniels are outside pimping for Chevy cars. Hooray. Product placement.
Jennifer Garner takes the stage. OK. She grew up in West Virginia. She introduces a clip of fellow West Virginian Brad Paisley winning the award in 2000. She pimps Save the Children on behalf of flood victims in WV. New Artist of the Year goes to Maren Morris! Immediately, she’s weepy. YA’LL I CAN’T WIN THIS AWARD AFTER PERFORMING! She says, I’ll fall apart. She watched the CMAs last year across the street in a bar.
Brad introduces Barbara Mandrell. She is the only woman to win Entertainer of the Year twice! She’s also hosted. While Carrie changes outfits, she introduces Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood. They start off with the June and Johnny duet “Jackson,” then “Chug-a-lug,” “Don’t it Make My Brown Eyes Blue,” “Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man,” “I Never Promised You a Rose Garden,” “Don’t Close Your Eyes,” George and Tammy’s “Golden Ring.” ALL THE HITS!
Carrie Underwood is the next performer. She sings her latest single from Storyteller, “Dirty Laundry.” She’s got on a black and white “cave girl” outfit. I would not mess with Carrie. Her hair game is also on point. She’s performing with an all girl rock band including Australian guitarist Orianthi. TOMATOES FOR THE WIN. Keith Urban is on his feet!
Faith Hill is next. She’s got a gold envelope! She’s handing out Album of the Year. And the winner is…Eric Church. It’s his second Album of the Year win. Next, Little Big Town sing “Better Man.” SURPRISE. Taylor Swift wrote it–just revealed today. The internet has been busy figuring out which ex boyfriend Taylor targeted.
Matthew McConaughey is on stage “alright.” He gives a meandering introduction to a “man I’m grateful to call my friend,” Tim McGraw. He sings the CMA winning tune, “Humble and Kind.” Video of people from all walks of life, including Muslims and Sikhs flash behind him as he sings. It’s a lovely antidote to all the political crap we’ve had to endure. A group of young people take the stage holding candles. Aw. Lori McKenna is in the audience crying.
Oh. Taylor Swift is presenting Entertainer of the Year later.
Alabama and Brad sing “Elvira” as we go into commercial.
Carrie and Brad (in an 80’s mullet wig. Carrie moves away.) Alan Jackson and George Strait sing “Troubadour” as clips of past Entertainers of the Year flash on the video screen.
Some sports announcers are next. IDK. The Cubs are winning tonight’s game! They hand out Vocal Duo of the Year to…Brothers Osborne. They did not prepare a speech. They’re both freaking out. Next Brad and Carrie pimp the Green Light a Vet initiative. From Wal-Mart! The audience stands as the CMA awards are “green lighted.”
Keith Urban is next. He sings “Blue Ain’t Your Color.” I like this song. It could have been a cross over hit in the 70s.
Josh Dallas, Cam and Cole Swindell are next to hand out the Vocal Group of the Year award to…Little Big Town.
OH IT’S QUEEN BEY BEYONCE! The Dixie Chicks are on stage! And nobody is booing! They sing Bey’s song “Daddy Lessons.” This performance is so…subversive. I LOVE IT. C’mon cameras. Capture the sour faces (I c U Kenny Chesney). I’m sure there are a couple out there. That dude! Playing the saxophone! With the rhinestone cowboy boots!
Peyton Manning takes the stage. People are screaming and shouting for some reason as he introduces his friend, Kenny Chesney who has won the Pinnacle Award. Only Garth Brooks and Taylor Swift have won this rare CMA Award.
After that excitement, Thomas Rhett performs his winning song “Die a Happy Man.”
Next, it’s Chris Stapleton, Dwight Yoakam performing the Willie Nelson/Ray Charles song “Seven Spanish Angels.” From the sublime to the ridiculous! It’s bro country Luke Bryan performing “Move.” Blech. Lee Greenwood sings “Proud to Be an American” with Brad and Carrie into commercial.
Florida Georgia Line and Tim McGraw join forces for “May We All.” Zzzzzz.
Vince Gill arrives to present Female Vocalist of the Year to…CARRIE UNDERWOOD! I was not expecting that. CONGRATS GIRL. It’s her fourth win. She’s crying. “Glory to God, Thank you Jesus,” she says.
After all that damn excitement, Eric Church takes the stage to sing “Kill a Word.”
Lily Tomlin is here to introduce Dolly Parton. She’s receiving the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. Jennifer Nettles and Pentatonix kick off the tribute with “Jolene.” That was incredible! Next it’s Reba to sing “9-5” Oh. She missed her cue. Then, Kacey Musgraves sings “Here You Come Again.” Carrie Underwood sings the iconic “I Will Always Love You” with Martina McBride. Maren Morris, Reba and Kacey Musgraves join in. Lovely. Dolly’s getting misty-eyed in the audience. She accepts her award wearing bright yellow. She’s sunshine! “This is an absolute high for me,” quips Dolly. Making pot jokes! Oh, they’re trying to rush her speech and Dolly is having none of that.
Inexplicably, Sharon Stone is next to present Male Vocalist of the Year to…Chris Stapleton. It’s his second award in the category.
Oy. We’re almost 15 minutes over. Brad Paisley is on stage singing “Today” against a backdrop of clips from CMA’s past. C’mon let’s end this thing!
Taylor Swift arrives to hand out Entertainer of the Year to…Garth Brooks. Well, that’s no surprise. Blah blah blah. The end.
Female Vocalist Of The Year
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Maren Morris
Kacey Musgraves
Carrie Underwood – WINNER
Male Vocalist
Dierks Bentley
Eric Church
Tim McGraw
Chris Stapleton – WINNER
Keith Urban
New Artist Of The Year
Kelsea Ballerini
Brothers Osborne
Maren Morris – WINNER
Old Dominion
Cole Swindell
Song Of The Year
“Burning House,” Jeff Bhaskar, Tyler Johnson, Cam
“Die A Happy Man,” Sean Douglas, Thomas Rhett, Joe Spargur
“Humble & Kind,” Lori McKenna – WINNER
“My Church,” busbee & Maren Morris
“Record Year,” Eric Church & Jeff Hyde
Single Of The Year
“Die A Happy Man,” Thomas Rhett – WINNER
“Humble & Kind,” Tim McGraw
“My Church,” Maren Morris
“Nobody To Blame,” Chris Stapleton
“Record Year,” Eric Church
Musical Event Of The Year
“Different for Girls,” Dierks Bentley featuring Elle King – WINNER
“Home Alone Tonight,” Luke Bryan featuring Karen Fairchild
“The Fighter,” Keith Urban (featuring Carrie Underwood)
“Think Of You,” Chris Young (duet with Cassadee Pope)
“You Are My Sunshine,” Morgane Stapleton with Chris Stapleton
Album Of The Year
Dierks Bentley, Black
Eric Church, Mr. Misunderstood – WINNER
Maren Morris, Hero
Carrie Underwood, Storyteller
Keith Urban, RIPCORD
Vocal Duo Of The Year
Brothers Osborne – WINNER
Dan+Shay
Florida-Georgia Line
Joey & Rory
Maddie & Tae
Vocal Group Of The Year
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town – WINNER
Old Dominion
Rascal Flatts
Zac Brown Band
Video Of The Year
“Burning House,” Cam, directed by Trey Fanjoy
“Fire Away,” Chris Stapleton, directed by Tim Mattia – WINNER
“Humble & Kind,” Tim McGraw, directed by Wes Edwards
“Record Year,” Eric Church, directed by John Peets, Reed Long
“Somewhere On A Beach,” Dierks Bentley, directed by Wes Edwards
Musician Of The Year
Jerry Douglas, Dobro/Lap Steel
Paul Franklin, Steel Guitar
Dann Huff, Guitar – WINNER
Brent Mason, Guitar
Derek Wells, Guitar
Entertainer Of The Year
Garth Brooks – WINNER
Luke Bryan
Chris Stapleton
Carrie Underwood
Keith Urban
