Well, the 52nd Annual CMA Awards clearly understand the popular phrase, “save the best for last,” because the last three minutes stole the first three hours the night of Wednesday November 14, when Keith Urban took home his first Entertainer of the Year Award since 2005 (it was also his first nomination since then!) An overdue and well-deserved honor, Urban’s shocked look on his face and free flowing tears of gratitude said it all. His “baby girl”, Nicole, wiped away a few of her own, beaming with joy for her husband. His acceptance speech gave recognition to his family, first and foremost, followed by his camp, label, band, crew, and of course the fans. A proud believer, he thanked God and mentioned that he felt like his Dad was watching over him from above. The sincerity continued in his kitchen at midnight with another heartfelt post. And we thought he was having a great night pre-win with his “high” performance of “Never Coming Down” (literally– he had his own stage above the stage). We could go on and on about his record-breaking sales from his ninth album, Graffiti U and the 58 city mega tour that followed this past year. We could talk about how he is one of the few male artists to include females on his tour like Lindsay Ell and Kelsea Ballerini. But last night wasn’t about any of that. Urban’s win last night was a solid reminder that at the end of the day, country music is truly about faith, hope, and love. And in a world that constantly wants to bring politics and self into everything, Urban proved that consistency, humility, and genuine real-life connections will take you so much farther than ego and mediocracy.
Speaking of consistency, best performance of the night goes to none other than the great Ricky Skaggs. Finally—-these young eyes watching can see music not made from computer screens and loop machines! (not that we don’t like that too). But Skaggs, an eight-time CMA winner and 25 time nominee since the early 80s, has always kept country pure and traditional, no matter what mainstream sound was packaging and shipping at the time. The craftsmanship and style that this man possess is unlike any other. And the whole world was reminded last night when he played thru a string of his hits, including “Black Eyed Suzie”, “Highway 40 Blues” and “Country Boy.” Keith Urban, John Osborne, Marty Stuart, Brad Paisley, mandolin protégé Sierra Hull and his well renowned bluegrass band, Kentucky Thunder, all joined him on stage for the musical event of the evening that brought the arena to its feet. It’s no wonder that in 2018, the master of the mandolin was inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Bluegrass Hall of Fame back to back. The legendary Chet Atkins was right with what he said all those years ago. Skaggs is still “single handedly” saving country music and we are all the lucky ones for it.
There is one more name we can add to the list that may be “single handedly” saving country music and her name is Kacey Musgraves. Musgraves, the only female nominated for Album of the Year against today’s top males, also became the first to win it since Miranda Lambert in 2014, and only the sixth woman to win the coveted trophy in all 52 years of the CMAs. This of course, comes on the heels of the most controversial topic in the country industry as of late: the support (or lack thereof) of women, particularly when it comes to country radio. Musgraves’ fourth studio album, Golden Hour, debuted in March of this year to critical acclaim and top spots on the sales charts. A hybrid of country, pop, and disco, the new music with new producers garnered her tours like Harry Styles this past summer. Yet, it produced no hit radio singles. In fact, Musgraves has received very little radio airplay since 2013’s Same Trailer, Different Park. But the feisty brunette doesn’t seem to let that bother her.
Because Musgraves is what we call an artist’s artist, meaning she makes music because it feels right down to the core, not because it moves up in numbers. Coincidentally enough, last night also marked the exact date of Musgraves’ 10 year anniversary in Nashville, which just goes to prove, true success does not come overnight. But it does come with a resurgence of energy and undeniable presence in the playing field for the women who fight tooth and nail to maintain their ground. And as Karen Fairchild so boldly stated before calling Musgraves’ name, “for all the little girls writing songs out there. . . . “ she’s right. It is for all the little girls. But that win is for all us big girls too!
And while these three distinct moments perhaps created a new recipe in the country music cookbook, don’t let them take all the praise at the dinner table. There was quite the number of appetizers plated up and ready to share, just in time for Thanksgiving next week. Here’s a look at some of our favorite moments:
- Stronger Than Me. They say there’s strength in numbers and hopefully that’s true for the families of the recent California shootings. Garth took to the stage before the show officially started to offer a “Moment of Silence” in remembrance of those who senselessly lost their lives last week. Later, he reappeared for an intimate surprise that he shared with more than just his wife. I’m not crying. You’re crying. Let’s face it—we were all crying. Even Garth and Trisha. And while we are used to seeing G-man run around the stage like a maniac, he proved that even with a stripped down, acoustic performance of a love song, he is the Entertainer of our Lifetime. “Stronger Than Me” is sure to be his next chart topper and probably, the wedding song of 2019.
- Love Wins, Carrie Wins, Carrie Reveals. Carrie’s comeback from last year’s fall is proof that you cannot keep a mama down, especially several months pregnant in heels and in more wardrobe changes than Reba had in all her 90s shows put together. (By the way, we now know Baby #2 is a boy!) And you cannot keep her from “crying pretty” during her fifth win as “Female Vocalist.” Her new album, Cry Pretty, explains everything. Our hope is that her 2019 Female driven tour may be enough to garner her a nomination for Entertainer by this time next year. . . although that category hasn’t taken too kindly to females in several years. But with heartfelt and flawless performances like she had with the relevant anthem “Love Wins”, we are one step closer.
- “Friendship” Leads to Collabs
*Mavis Staples Feat. Maren Morris, Marty Stuart, and Chris Stapleton
*Luke Bryan Feat. Ashley McBryde, Lindsay Ell, Jon Pardi, Chris Janson, Cole Swindell, and Luke Combs
Seven was the magic number at the start of this show. Seven big names to be exact, all taking the stage at one time for Luke Bryan’s bro country standard, “What Makes You Country.” It’s always a fun time to see artists trade off lines of a song and interact like the friends that they are. And it’s even better when you have two bad ass females slaying the guitar. But unfortunately, Lindsay Ell and Ashley McBryde still seemed to be overshadowed by the guys (not purposely we don’t think). Ell and McBryde are two of the most promising and powerhouse artists we have, male or female. Give them more time on stage and let them sing their own songs, for crying out loud. At least all due respect was paid to the legendary Mavis Staples. A powerhouse of a goddess, the 79 year old R&B singer brought the house down with her soulful hit, “Friendship.” Backed up by a gospel choir, Morgane Stapleton, Chris Stapleton, Marty Stuart, and Maren Morris, she then went into one of her most iconic songs, “I’ll Take You There”.
- Did Someone Call for a Desperate Man? Eric Church, who wasn’t even originally on the lineup to play (your guess is as good as ours), got his chance to shine as a last minute fill in for eight time CMA winner Kenny Chesney, who had an unexpected death in the family. And while we also would have relished in witnessing Chesney and David Lee Murphy perform their Musical Event of the Year (congratulations!), “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright”, we sure did enjoy watching Church rock the stage with the grit and power that only he can deliver. Now if we can only get him nominated for Entertainer next year.
- There’s a First Time For Everything—It was a certainly a night of “firsts” for Hurricane Combs, as he spun his way to the stage for Best New Artist. And knowing his parents were out there in the audience somewhere gave us all the feels as Luke Combs was genuinely shocked and honored by the recognition, after spending years constantly being told “no”. Old Dominion also captured their first CMA after being nominated multiple times for Best New Artist and Vocal Group of the Year in the last two years. The guys broke Little Big Town’s 6 year winning streak but LBT is super supportive of the guys of course. And so are their parents—they all were in attendance, so they could hear their sons rock out “Hotel Key” before accepting their honor.
- Midland Goes East Bound for Bandit-Throwback Texas Trio Midland, known for their 70s looks and easy going vibe, was the perfect band to pay homage to Smokey and the Bandit. The movie, starring Burt Reynolds and Sally Field, was the 2nd highest grossing movie of 1977, producing the hit single “East Bound and Down” for another cast member, Jerry Reed. We lost Reynolds back in September at the age of 81.
- Three Awards and an Apology—It’s hard to believe it’s been three years since Chris Stapleton was first recognized by the CMAs. This year, the “Millionaire” singer led with five nominations, and won three: Best Single and Best Song for “Broken Halos” and Male Vocalist of the Year. Stapleton shared that he and his friend Mike Henderson wrote it about “people who have gone on long before their time”, mentioning that their thoughts are with California. He also went on to thank his children (The Stapletons are known for being a private family) for “putting up” with him being on the road so much and for sharing him with “all these people, and I appreciate it.”
We appreciate it too, Stapleton children. However, as with any live taping, there were a few misses. Such as the fact that Dan + Shay nor Chris Janson won anything for “Tequila” or “Drunk Girl”, respectively. Dan + Shay did at least get the chance to perform the biggest hit of their career, showing off their incredible range of harmony and vocals. The “lit” piano added to the ambiance of romanticism and heart break. Janson didn’t even get that. And hearing him sit down at a piano and play “Drunk Girl” live is as soulful and thought provoking as rain falling on a tin roof. The message is incredibly poignant in a day and age where it seems the younger generation promotes drunk hookups over safety and selflessness.
Of course, the inclusion of women once again will reign as the trending topic, no doubt. While showstoppers from Kelsea Ballerni and the Pistol Annies were strong and clear in their message of independence and equality, there simply were not enough of those performances across the board. Lauren Alaina performed a beautiful tribute to 2018 Country Music Hall of Fame Inductee, the late Dottie West with a clip of “Lesson in Leavin.” But Alaina would own the stage with her new single, “Ladies in the 90s” and the crowd would go wild for the throwback song.
And what about the artists who walk the Red Carpet and sit in the first few rows, but never get mentioned at all? Or get a chance to join in on the collaborations? It seems to be the same artists, year after year, and even some twice during the same show, that get stage and camera time. Not that we don’t love seeing Keith slay a guitar as much as humanly possible or Brad host and perform twice. But let’s maybe make some room for some others to take root (Chris Young, Michael Ray, Carly Pearce perhaps???).
All in all, the CMA Awards were a much needed break from depressing headlines and childish politics. And even more so, they provided a window of comfort and warmth, much different than the freezing temperatures and rain outside the Bridgestone walls. The CMAs reminded us why we cling to country music in the first place, no matter if you’re an artist, an industry exec, or a fan (or all three). Because despite the world’s best attempts (and sometimes our own self sabotaging) to shake our foundation, united we stand. We are a family.
And that includes production and crew members! As The Big 98’s Amy Paige reminded us yesterday on her Facebook, so many people work behind the scenes around the clock to make these events flawless. Light designers, camera operators, hair and makeup, costumers and dressers, stage and production crew—all running around backstage with very little sleep so that we can enjoy these performances. And in particular, the pyrotechnics team nailed it!!! That is not an easy feat to pull off, and they kept everybody safe during Bryan’s opening number, Dan + Shay’s fiery piano, and the ring of burning fire during “Burning Man” for Dierks Bentley and Brothers Osborne. Also, a special shout out to the ushers, ticket takers, food prep, bartenders, clean up crew, security, medical staff—-we want to take a minute to thank each and every one of you who make events, like the CMAs possible.
Happy CMA everybody! Congrats to all the winners and nominees. Til next year!
Entertainer of the Year
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Kenny Chesney
Chris Stapleton
Keith Urban – Winner
Single of the Year
“Broken Halos,” Chris Stapleton – Winner
“Drinkin’ Problem,” Midland
“Drowns the Whiskey,” Jason Aldean feat. Miranda Lambert
“Meant to Be,” Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line
“Tequila,” Dan + Shay
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 Duo of the Year
Brothers Osborne – Winner
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Maddie & Tae
Sugarland
New Artist of the Year
Lauren Alaina
Luke Combs – Winner
Chris Janson
Midland
Brett Young
Vocal Group of the Year
Lady Antebellum
LANCO
Little Big Town
Midland
Old Dominion – Winner
Album of the Year
From A Room: Volume 2, Chris Stapleton
Golden Hour, Kacey Musgraves – Winner
Graffiti U, Keith Urban
Life Changes, Thomas Rhett
The Mountain, Dierks Bentley
Song of the Year
“Body Like A Back Road,” Sam Hunt
“Broken Halos,” Chris Stapleton – Winner
“Drowns the Whiskey,” Jason Aldean feat. Miranda Lambert
“Drunk Girl,” Chris Janson
“Tequila,” Dan + Shay
Musical Event of the Year
“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 & Kenny Chesney – Winner
“Meant to Be,” Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line
Music Video of the Year
“Babe,” Sugarland feat. Taylor Swift
“Cry Pretty,” Carrie Underwood
“Drunk Girl,” Chris Janson
“Marry Me,” Thomas Rhett – Winner
“Tequila,” Dan + Shay
Musician of the Year
Jerry Douglas, Dobro
Paul Franklin, Steel Guitar
Dann Huff, Guitar
Mac McAnally, Guitar – Winner
Derek Wells, Guitar