Five moments from the CMA Awards that made country music history.
The CMA Awards are always a highlight for country music, and this year’s awards ceremony in particular will be remembered forever. For the show’s 50th anniversary, the host, performers, and celebrities joined together to produce an event unlike the rest. The first eight minutes alone of the highly anticipated 50th anniversary surpassed previous ceremonies by a long shot. But despite an opening difficult to outshine, audiences all over were waiting to see what surprise would come next – and they weren’t disappointed. Here are five moments from the show that we will remember for years to come.
The opening performance
As mentioned above, the opening ceremony was hard to surpass. With hosts Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley leading the pack with a medley of classic and beloved country songs, it would be hard to avoid singing along. Adding past Entertainer of the Year winners to the performance made it one for the ages. Never before, and probably never again, will we see Alabama, Reba McEntire, Ricky Skaggs, Alan Jackson, Vince Gill, Dwight Yoakum, Randy Travis, Roy Clark, Charley Pride, and Merle Haggard’s son Ben perform in a room together. It was both magical and gratifying.
Dolly Parton’s tribute
Dolly Parton took home the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award and with it a whole lot of love. Jennifer Nettles and American a cappella group Pentatonix kicked off the tribute with her hit “Jolene.” Taking over with a full band singing “9 to 5” was Reba McEntire, followed by Texas native Kacey Musgraves with “Here You Come Again.” Finally, bringing tears to Parton’s eyes in the audience, Carrie Underwood and Martina McBride joined the group for a beautiful rendition of “I Will Always Love You.” Check out part of the performance below.
Garth Brooks’ night
Garth Brooks was presented with the biggest most esteem award of the night: Entertainer of the Year. It was the fifth time Brooks has taken home the honor. After giving a wonderful tribute performance with wife Trisha Yearwood earlier in the night, none other than country-pop phenomenon Taylor Swift presented Brooks with his award. After that memorable evening, you could say that Brooks’ new album is far from being forgotten.
Maren Morris is the new kid on the block
Maren Morris started her career as a songwriter in Nashville, Tennessee, where she was struggling to make it into the industry. Last year, she watched the CMA Awards at a bar across the street from Bridgestone Arena. This time around, she’s inspiring us all by being named this year’s breakout star, proving that a lot can change in a year with hard work and a dream to follow. Watch the music video from her hit song “My Church.”
The Dixie Chicks take the stage with ... Beyoncé
We’re as surprised as everyone else that Beyoncé made an appearance at the Country Music Association Awards, but even more so that it was with the Dixie Chicks. As out of place as the pairing looked on paper, it turned out to be one for the books. The collaboration took place around the end of the night with Beyoncé leading the performance of “Daddy Lessons.” The union was entertaining, musically and visually.
