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NASHVILLE – Chris Stapleton reveled in a celebratory night in Nashville as he took home three wins at “The 52nd Annual CMA Awards,” while Keith Urban
warmed hearts with his gracious acceptance of the coveted Entertainer
of the Year trophy. Country Music’s Biggest Night was hosted for the 11th consecutive year by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood and aired live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville Wednesday, Nov. 14 on the ABC Television Network.
Garth Brooks
began the night with a touching tribute to those affected by the
Thousand Oaks tragedy, saying, “Tonight’s show is lovingly dedicated to
the 12 individuals whom we lost far too soon just a week ago tonight at
the Borderline [Bar & Grill] in Thousand Oaks, CA. Tonight let’s
celebrate their lives, let the music unite us with love in their
enduring memory, so please, join me now in a moment of silence.”
Luke Bryan opened the CMA Awards, performing “What Makes You Country,” and welcomed newcomers Luke Combs, Lindsay Ell, Chris Janson, Ashley McBryde, Jon Pardi and Cole Swindell. Ell
shredded during her guitar solo, Janson rocked on the harmonica, and
Combs, McBryde, Pardi and Swindell joined in on vocals before all seven
artists united center stage to close out the first performance of the
night.
Paisley
and Underwood took their hosting to a new level, spoofing “A Star is
Born,” singing “Look Carrie, a star is bored” as Underwood yawned and
added “which one, Brad?” They continued, “Well, Keith just nodded off on
Nicole’s shoulder. Shh don’t wake Chris Stapleton, he just started
snoring in the front row. Hey quick record it, it’s going No. 1.”
Paisley
then reminisced about #BradBlewIt, the trending topic in 2016 where he
let the gender of Underwood’s baby slip. He equally tried the same stunt
this year by asking her rapid-fire girl or boy questions, enticing her
to share, to which she finally said, “Willie, it’s a Willie,” before
Paisley took out his phone to spread #CarrieBlewIt, “trending
worldwide,” he added.
Paisley then welcomed Underwood’s “first born” to the stage as a nice surprise, but instead Mason Ramsey
appeared to sing a parody of the yodel that went viral. Underwood
interrupted their singing, “I would like to say, this isn’t my son.”
Stapleton and Mike Henderson
accepted the Song of the Year award for “Broken Halos” as Stapleton
said, “I didn’t expect this one…I wrote this one with one of my dear
friends and heroes.” He then thanked his wife, family, and lucky stars
that he gets to live in Nashville where “all this cool stuff happens.”
Jason Aldean and Miranda Lambert took the stage for a heartfelt performance of “Drowns The Whiskey.”
A
shocked and emotional Combs accepted the New Artist of the Year award,
thanking his mom, dad, girlfriend, and road family, ending with, “God, I
love Country Music, man.”
Thomas Rhett took
viewers through “Life Changes” as he moved from the stage to the
audience before the entire Ravenwood High School Marching Band from
Williamson County, TN made their way to the stage. They were then joined
by Thomas Rhett for the grand finale as he jammed on one of the
student’s drums while sparks showered the stage.
Dan + Shay
took us on a journey of love, heartbreak and second chances during
their performance. They had everyone raising a glass of “Tequila” as
snow fell to the stage before the piano lit up for the final verse.
Stapleton took the stage again to accept his second win of the night for Single of the Year with producers Dave Cobb and mix engineer Vance Powell,
for “Broken Halos” and said, “We wrote this song about people that have
gone on long before their time…and I want to be thinking about the
people out in California right now as we are accepting this award and
want to dedicate this to them.”
Lauren Alaina gave us “A Lesson in Leavin’” as she acknowledged Country Music legend Dottie West from the middle of the audience, recognizing West’s recent induction into The Country Music Hall of Fame.
Kelsea Ballerini convinced everyone to forget about the ex they “thought they’d miss” during her edgy performance of “Miss Me More.”
Old Dominion brought the motel vibes, glowing neon signs and all, to the CMA Awards with their summer smash “Hotel Key.”
Underwood
reminded us that “Love Wins” during her powerful, color-filled anthem.
The Portara Ensemble from Middle Tennessee then made a surprise
appearance during the performance, joining Underwood on stage for a
commanding finale.
The
shock on Old Dominion’s faces said it all as they made their way to the
stage after winning Vocal Group of the Year for the first time, making
sure to thank their fans, the songwriters, and all those who believe in
what they’re doing.
Brett Young
had us begging for “Mercy” during his raw, emotion-filled performance.
Casually sitting solo on a stool in the middle of the audience, Young
thanked fans for making this his fourth No. 1 song before recognizing
the CMA Broadcast Awards Radio Station of the Year winners.
Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Ricky Skaggs
and his band Kentucky Thunder took viewers on a journey from one
classic song to another, starting with “Black Eyed Suzie” before Urban
and John Osborne made a surprise appearance for “Highway 40 Blues.” Skaggs and band were then joined by young instrumentalists Sierra Hull on mandolin and Carson Peters on fiddle. Paisley joined on guitar and Marty Stuart on mandolin for “Country Boy.”
Midland made their CMA Awards debut, honoring songwriter Jerry Reed and Hollywood legend Burt Reynolds
with a performance of “East Bound and Down,” bringing their traditional
Country vibes, dance moves and personalities to the stage.
Kacey Musgraves was in awe as her latest release Golden Hour was recognized as Album of the Year with producers Ian Kitchuck and Daniel Tashian. She thanked her producers, management, fans, and her family.
Underwood congratulated Mac McAnally, the Musician of the Year winner, which was announced at the pre-telecast reception.
Florida Georgia Line and Bebe Rexha’s
collaboration was “Meant To Be,” and their performance on the CMA
Awards highlighted their record-breaking crossover and No. 1 single.
Florida Georgia Line and Rexha, who made her CMA Awards debut this year,
were joined by a 21-person orchestra, providing the audience with a
classical rendition of their smash song.
Underwood
and Paisley took a moment during the show to thank the firefighters and
first responders who are battling the wildfires in California, sending
their thoughts to all those affected.
New Artist of the Year winner Combs shared a story about heartbreak during his performance of “She Got The Best of Me.”
Urban
delivered an electric performance of “Never Comin Down” 10 feet high
above the stage with a silhouette of his band and a rock guitar finale.
Brooks made the worldwide debut of his new song “Stronger Than Me,” written about his wife Trisha Yearwood,
giving us a glimpse into their almost 14-year marriage. As Brooks sang,
the spotlight shone on Yearwood, and he performed directly to her, a
personal moment that fans experienced alongside the couple.
Brothers Osborne
graciously accepted the award for Vocal Duo of the Year joking, “We
don’t know why we keep winning this…we thought this was going to Dan +
Shay. And if we were in Florida, there’d be a recount.”
Pistol Annies took
back their independence during their rousing girl power anthem “Got My
Name Changed Back” as Lambert played an “authentic washboard.”
Dierks Bentley and Brothers Osborne commanded the stage with a powerful duet of “Burning Man.”
Stapleton, alongside Maren Morris, Mavis Staples
and Stuart, brought pure soul to the stage during their medley of Pops
Staples’ “Friendship” and The Staple Singers’ “I’ll Take You There.”
Co-host
Paisley’s television debut of his new song “Bucked Off” was filled with
rodeo cowboys, a fiddle solo, the always epic Paisley shredding on the
guitar, and a nod to hero George Strait.
Stapleton
accepted the award for Male Vocalist of the Year saying, “I’m really
proud of this award, and I’ve tried really hard to be a good singer”
before thanking his kids who “put up with him being gone quite a bit and
not getting to be as good a dad as I would always like to be” before
telling them he loves them and thanking them for “sharing him with all
these people.”
Musgraves took the stage for “Slow Burn,” showcasing her effortless vocals and poignant lyrics.
Eric Church closed out the CMA Awards with a high-energy, showstopping performance of his hit single “Desperate Man.”
An emotional
Underwood took the stage to accept the Female Vocalist of the Year
award, thanking her family, her Country Music family and continuing,
“Thank you God, I have been so blessed in my life.”
Urban, in complete shock of winning Entertainer of the Year, thanked his wife Nicole Kidman and barely held back tears as he acknowledged everyone on his team.
Winners
in the Musical Event of the Year and Music Video of the Year categories
were announced Wednesday morning on “Good Morning America” live from
Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row in downtown Nashville. Chesney and Murphy
took home the Musical Event of the Year award for “Everything’s Gonna Be
Alright,” while Thomas Rhett and TK McKamy were awarded Music Video of
the Year for “Marry Me.”
“The 52nd Annual CMA Awards” is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer, Gary Halvorson is the Director, and David Wild is the Head Writer.
“THE 52ND ANNUAL CMA AWARDS” – FINAL NOMINEES (by ballot category order):
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
• Jason Aldean
• Luke Bryan
• Kenny Chesney
• Chris Stapleton
• Keith Urban – WINNER
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
(Award goes to Artist, Producer(s), and Mix Engineer(s))
• “Broken Halos” – Chris Stapleton – WINNER
Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton
Mix Engineer: Vance Powell
• “Drinkin’ Problem” – Midland
Producers: Dann Huff, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne Mix Engineer: Justin Niebank
• “Drowns the Whiskey” – Jason Aldean (Feat. Miranda Lambert)
Producer: Michael Knox
Mix Engineer: Jeff Braun
• “Meant to Be” – Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line
Producer: Wilshire
Mix Engineer: Serban Ghenea
• “Tequila” – Dan + Shay
Producers: Scott Hendricks, Dan Smyers
Mix Engineer: Jeff Juliano
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
(Award goes to Artist and Producer(s))
• From A Room: Volume 2 – Chris Stapleton
Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton
• Golden Hour – Kacey Musgraves – WINNER
Producers: Ian Fitchuk, Daniel Tashian, Kacey Musgraves
• Graffiti U – Keith Urban
Producers: Keith Urban, Dan McCarroll, J.R. Rotem, Josh Kerr, Jason Evigan, Greg Wells, Benny
Blanco,
Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid, Jesse Shatkin, Jimmy Robbins, Oscar Holter,
Matt Rad, Eric Valentine, Ian Kirkpatrick, Mike Elizondo, Captain Cuts,
Ross Copperman, Dann Huff, Peter Karlsson
• Life Changes – Thomas Rhett
Producers: Julian Bunetta, Jesse Frasure, Dann Huff, Joe London, Thomas Rhett
• The Mountain – Dierks Bentley
Producers: Ross Copperman, Jon Randall Stewart, Arturo Buenahora Jr.
SONG OF THE YEAR
(Award goes to Songwriter(s))
• “Body Like A Back Road”
Songwriters: Zach Crowell, Sam Hunt, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
• “Broken Halos” – WINNER
Songwriters: Mike Henderson, Chris Stapleton
• “Drowns the Whiskey”
Songwriter: Brandon Kinney, Jeff Middleton, Josh Thompson
• “Drunk Girl”
Songwriter: Scooter Carusoe, Tom Douglas, Chris Janson
• “Tequila”
Songwriter: Nicolle Galyon, Jordan Reynolds, Dan Smyers
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
• Kelsea Ballerini
• Miranda Lambert
• Maren Morris
• Kacey Musgraves
• Carrie Underwood – WINNER
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
• Dierks Bentley
• Luke Combs
• Thomas Rhett
• Chris Stapleton – WINNER
• Keith Urban
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
• Lady Antebellum
• LANCO
• Little Big Town
• Midland
• Old Dominion – WINNER
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
• Brothers Osborne – WINNER
• Dan + Shay
• Florida Georgia Line
• Maddie & Tae
• Sugarland
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
(Award goes to each Artist)
• “Burning Man” – Dierks Bentley Feat. Brothers Osborne
• “Dear Hate” – Maren Morris (Feat. Vince Gill)
• “Drowns the Whiskey” – Jason Aldean (Feat. Miranda Lambert)
• “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” – David Lee Murphy (with Kenny Chesney) – WINNER
• “Meant to Be” – Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
• Jerry Douglas, Dobro
• Paul Franklin, Steel Guitar
• Dann Huff, Guitar
• Mac McAnally, Guitar – WINNER
• Derek Wells, Guitar
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
(Award goes to Artist and Director(s))
• “Babe” – Sugarland (Featuring Taylor Swift)
Director: Anthony Mandler
• “Cry Pretty” – Carrie Underwood
Director: Randee St. Nicholas
• “Drunk Girl” – Chris Janson
Director: Jeff Venable
• “Marry Me” – Thomas Rhett – WINNER
Director: TK McKamy
• “Tequila” – Dan + Shay
Director: Patrick Tracy
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
• Lauren Alaina
• Luke Combs – WINNER
• Chris Janson
• Midland
• Brett Young
“THE 52ND ANNUAL CMA AWARDS” – FINAL NOMINEES FOR BROADCAST PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR (BY MARKET SIZE):
NATIONAL
• “American Country Countdown” (Kix Brooks) – Westwood One
• “Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40” (Bob Kingsley) – Westwood One
• “Country Countdown USA” (Lon Helton) – Westwood One – WINNER
• “The Mayor of Music Row” (Charlie Monk) – Sirius XM Satellite Radio
• “The Music Row Happy Hour” (Buzz Brainard) – Sirius XM Satellite Radio
MAJOR MARKET
• “Bud
and Broadway” (Bud Ford, Jerry Broadway, Kelly Rebal, “Captain Mac
Douglas” Gregory Paul Ford, “T.Wall” Tom Wall, and “Sweet Becca” Walls) –
WIL, St. Louis, Mo. – WINNER
• “Double-L” (Lois Lewis) – KNIX, Phoenix, Ariz.
• “Hawkeye
in the Morning” (“Hawkeye” Mark Louis Rybczyk, Jasmine Sadry, and
“Connected K” Katelyn Maida) – KSCS, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas
• “KYGO Morning Show” (Tracy Dixon, Guy David, and Patrick Knight) – KYGO, Denver-Boulder, Colo.
• “Tim, Ben and Brooke” (Tim Hattrick, Ben Campbell, and Brooke Hoover) – KNIX, Phoenix, Ariz.
LARGE MARKET
• “Jim, Deb & Kevin” (Jim Denny, Deborah Honeycutt, and Kevin Freeman) – WFMS, Indianapolis, Ind. – WINNER
• “Obie & Ashley In The Morning” (Obie Diaz and Ashley Stegbauer) – WWKA – Orlando, Fla.
• “Q Morning Crew” (Mike Wheless and Janie Carothers) – WQDR, Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
• “The Randy, Jamie, and Jojo Show” (Randy Carroll, Jamie Martin, and Jojo Meza) – KAJA, San Antonio, Texas
• “Ridder, Scott and Shannen” (“Ridder” Shaun Ridderbush, Scott Dolphin, and Shannen Oesterreich) – WMIL, Milwaukee-Racine, WI
MEDIUM MARKET
• “The
97.5 WPCV Breakfast Club” (Roger Todd, “Julie K.” Kansy, and “D.J. Thee
Trucker” Dale Sellers) – WPCV, Lakeland-Winter Haven, Fla.
• Brent Michaels – KUZZ, Bakersfield, Calif.
• “Ken, Kelley, and Daniel” (Ken Hicks, Kelley Bradshaw, and Daniel Wyatt) – WUSY, Chattanooga, Tenn. – WINNER
• “The Odd Squad” (Roger Rhodes, Robyn Adair, and Dan Carson)– CKRY, Calgary, Alta.
• “Scott and Sarah in the Morning” (Scott Wynn and Sarah Kay) – WQMX, Akron, Ohio
SMALL MARKET
• “Barrett, Fox & Berry” (Bill Barrett, Tim Fox, and Tracy Berry) – KKNU, Eugene-Springfield, Ore.
• “The Cat Pak Morning Show” (Brent Lane and Candy Cullerton) – WYCT, Pensacola, Fla.
• “The Eddie Foxx Show” (Eddie Foxx and Sharon Green) – WKSF, Asheville, N.C.
• “The Good Morning Guys” (Todd Harding, Susan Moore, and Brian Gary) – KUAD, Ft. CollinsGreeley, Colo.
• “Steve and Jessica Mornings” (Steve Waters and Jessica Cash) – WFLS, Fredericksburg, Va. – WINNER
“THE 52ND ANNUAL CMA AWARDS” – FINAL NOMINEES FOR RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (BY MARKET SIZE):
MAJOR MARKET
• KKBQ – Houston-Galveston, Texas – WINNER
• KNIX – Phoenix, Ariz.
• KUPL – Portland, Ore.
• WKKT – Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, N.C.-S.C.
• WSOC – Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, N.C.-S.C.
LARGE MARKET
• KCYY – San Antonio, Texas
• KUBL – Salt Lake City-Ogden-Provo, Utah
• WQIK – Jacksonville, Fla.
• WUBE – Cincinnati, Ohio – WINNER
• WWKA – Orlando, Fla.
MEDIUM MARKET
• KUZZ – Bakersfield, Calif.
• WBBS – Syracuse, N.Y.
• WHKO – Dayton, Ohio
• WUSY – Chattanooga, Tenn. – WINNER
• WYRK – Buffalo-Niagara Falls, N.Y.
SMALL MARKET
• KCLR – Columbia, Mo.
• KKNU – Eugene-Springfield, Ore.
• KTTS – Springfield, Mo. – WINNER
• WCOW – La Crosse, Wis.
• WKSF – Asheville, N.C.
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