American Idol season 2018 alum Gabby Barrett, introduced by Christian artist Michael W. Smith performed her No. 1 hit song “The Good Ones,” on 2021 CMT Artists of the Year event Wednesday night live from Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
The song’s lyrics about finding a mate that is one of the “good ones” were all the more poignant as the country singer was backed by her husband, fellow American Idol alum Cade Foehner on guitar.
“Thank you, CMT. I don’t deserve to be here among these amazing names,” Gabby said as she accepted the award. “This road hasn’t been easy for me. It’s been difficult. Doors have been closed to me, but by the grace of God…and being pushed to not give up, [I’ve succeeded].”
Watch Gabby’s acceptance speech below.
Gabby joined Chris Stapleton, Kane Brown, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, Mickey Guyton, and Randy Travis in being honored at the event. “The Good Ones” is the second single from her June 2020-released album Goldmine. Like her first smash “I Hope,” it’s a platinum-seller, and a CMT Music Awards-winner as well. It garnered a fan-voted Country Music Television trophy for Female Video of the Year on June 9, 2021. This followed a 2020 CMT Music Award win for Breakthrough Video of the Year for “I Hope.”
Watch Gabby Barrett and Cade Foehner perform The Good Ones
Gabby has also been nominated for four 2021 CMA Awards, including Female Vocalist of the Year, New Artist of the Year, Single of the Year and Song of the Year for “The Good Ones.” The 55th Annual CMA Awards will broadcast LIVE from Nashville Wednesday, Nov. 10 (8:00 – 11:00 PM/EST) on ABC.
