The 56th Annual CMA Awards: Country Music's Biggest Night

Last night was one for the books here in Nashville, Tennessee. As Peyton Manning said, The Biggest Night in Country Music is essentially The Super Bowl of Country Music. I will have to concur considering every heavyweight imaginable was in the house.

The CMA Awards brought out big names and spectators from all walks of life. Many willing to stand in the long lines that curled around Bridgestone Arena. Happily and Patiently waiting for admission in their best black-tie attire.

One could easily pick up the energy - it was eager, a bit anxious, but mostly exciting. The night was young!

For those that were able to fit their personal belongings in their pockets, the trek inside the venue went pretty smoothly. I was pointed to an entrance where a kind woman quickly scanned my ticket as soon as I made it past the double doors.

I managed to make my way into Bridgestone at exactly 6:07PM. More than enough time to spare before Showtime.

The ceremony opened up with a heartfelt tribute to Loretta Lynn. Cheers filled the room as the first three performers of the night hit the stage. Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, and Reba McEntire kicked off the award show paying homage to the late Country Music icon performing some of Lynn’s biggest songs including her 1971 hit, ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter.’

Before you knew it, the show was well on its way. Peyton Manning and Luke Bryan made their way onto the stage.

With not a moment to spare, the duo hit us with Dad jokes. All while poking fun at each other. Whether or not their intention was to make folks feel right at home, that’s exactly what they did as we made ourselves comfortable for the night ahead.

The second act of the night was Musical Event of the year Winner, Ashley McBryde. The ‘Never Wanted To Be That Girl’ singer alongside friends, Brandy Clark, Caylee Hammack, Pillbox Patti, and John Osborne, performed ‘When Will I Be Loved.’

As the performance closed out, the focus shifted to the stage on the left. Melodies behind the levitated prompt riled up the audience. After all, it was Music Video of The Year Winner: Cody Johnson. The ‘Til You Can’t’ Singer captivated folks and struck chords on many heartstrings with his lyrics.

All in our feelings and happy to be there. The cherry on top of an already top tier night was the microdose of nostalgia one can only get from being in the presence of a familiar face. The moment Reba McEntire and Rex Linn came out to present the award for Song of the Year, a roar of laughter swept across the room. Reba joked about being unlike her fictional characters while Rex sarcastically added that he was not actually bald.

From the darkness across the main stage arose an unexpected set. By the time the lights came into focus and the audience could make out the shadow figures, it was clear Cole Swindell had made it onto the scene. The Georgia Native blessed us with his hit, ‘She Had Me At Heads Carolina.’ However, it was the unexpected collaboration with legendary Jo Dee Messina that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Apparently, it was the duo we never knew we needed.

A pinnacle moment of the night was when Luke and Peyton reemerged from backstage accompanied by Grammy Award-winning Jeannie Seely. In the most gracious of ways, the chart-topping icon introduced us to our next performer: Miranda Lambert.

Lambert hit the stage ready to cause a scene! The ‘Palomino’ singer-songwriter wasted no time getting down to business. It was hard to stand still throughout her performance of ‘Geraldene’. From the band to the lighting; our girl Miranda’s set did not disappoint.

Little Big Town had the honor of introducing Wynonna Judd to present the CMA Award for Best Duo. Prior to reading off the nominees, Wynonna was sure to let Country Music fans know their love and continued support is appreciated. In that moment, we all felt how much the night meant to her.

While her Mother Naomi is no longer with us, her presence is very much alive and last night could not confirm that enough.

Following the big win from Brothers Osborne for Best Vocal Duo of the Year, the next performance of the night came from ‘Growin’ Up’ singer, Luke Combs. Naturally, the Charlotte, North Carolina boy threw on his staple black PFG shirt and black dickies. Keeping it true to his attire from the official video for ‘The Kind of Love We Make.’

Luke Bryan took off his hosting hat in exchange for his entertainer outfit, but like Combs, you can’t take the Country out of him.

Bryan passionately sang his song ‘Country On’, which he hoped would uplift the audience and the hardworking Men and Women of this Country. I’d say, he did exactly that.

The feels didn’t stop there. Carly Pearce’s interlogue to her performance painted a picture for audience members of the very influences that sparked the creation of ‘Dear Loretta.’ From her upbringing in Kentucky, to her Meemaw, whom like the late Loretta Lynn, was a Coal Miner’s daughter.

Pearce delivered an emotional acoustic performance with Ricky Skaggs & Sonya Isaacs that really did a number on our heartstrings. One of many sets to do that Wednesday Night.

Another spotlight moment in the night included the recognition given to Music Industry Executive, Joe Galante. In this forty-nine years in the business, the New Yorker has achieved various accolades throughout his tenure. From signing The Judds, Vince Gill, Carrie Underwood, among others. Galante is still very much active in the industry as a chairman for both the CMA Board of DIrectors and the CMA Foundation Board of Directors.

Not too bad for a man that is also one of three Sony Music Nashville chief’s to join the Country Music Hall of Fame.

While topping a shoutout like that may be a heavy task, it goes without saying that the Zac Brown Band with the help of friends were the right ones to keep the winning streak going.

Last night’s performance of ‘Out in the Middle’ was not only special due to Marcus King joining them on stage, but also due to the band’s first televised performance debut with their first female member. Between King and Caroline Jones, the sound of two talented musicians shredding the guitar was electric.

One of many highly anticipated performances of the night was clearly Thomas Rhett and Katy Perry’s set. The backdrop behind Rhett set a more mellow tone in comparison to the prior performances. The screen played visuals from music video for ‘Where We Started.’ Before you knew it, Ms. Katy Perry popped out from behind the backdrop dressed in Denim with an all black cowgirl hat.

Prior to Luke Combs taking home the win for Album of the Year and Ms. Lainey Wilson’s win for Best New Artist of the Year, the bell bottom wearing beauty rocked the stage alongside labelmate, HARDY.

Their performance was followed up by Kelly Clarkson, Kelsea Ballerini, and Carly Pearce. A trio that let out their unapologetic, badass alter egos as they sang their hit song ‘YOU’RE DRUNK, GO HOME.’

It did not go unnoticed that all three matched each others energy all while a waterfall of fireworks decorated the stage behind them.

Rising artist and CMA Award Nominee, Morgan Wallen, received a warm welcome as the props lifted above the stage to reveal our next performer. ‘You Proof’ proved to be the perfect single from one of his many hits to be part of last night’s celebrations. The crowd sang along throughout Wallen’s set. I could hear folks within earshot hoping he would surprise us with another song.

Even though it was a Wednesday, Chris Stapleton and Patty Loveless took us to church with their performance of ‘You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive.’

A pleasant surprise wrapped in a bow was Lionel Richie’s appearance as a presenter for the Female Vocalist of the Year. All smiles as the nominees were showcased on a big screen. Ultimately, the award went to our girl Lainey Wilson.

To top things off, we were blessed with a rockin’ performance from Brothers Osborne with The War and The Treaty. The vibes during ‘It’s Only Rock & Roll’ were immaculate and the group’s presence was energetic. They gave audience members a second wind of energy without a doubt.

In typical Elle King fashion, the rebellious singer-songwriter paid homage to the late Jerry Lee Lewis with a killer performance of ‘Great Balls of Fire.’ In addition to her over-the-top piano arrangement, she also received a helping hand from American Rock duo, The Black Keys.

As the night drew to a close, it was Dierks Bentley, Jon Pardi, Carrie Underwood, and Lainey Wilson performance honoring this year’s recipient of the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award that hit it out of the park. The anticipation built up knowing that THEE Alan Jackson would be making an appearance at any moment.

And before you knew it, there he was. In his best black, long sleeve and white cowboy hat. The smile on his face and genuine happiness in his eyes were his best accessories. As he thanked Country Music fans for supporting him all these years, he went on to recognize his wife Denise for sticking by his side for the past 42 years.

To close out the ceremony, Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain made their way onto the stage to present the last award of the night: Entertainer of the Year.

Performance after performance. Not a dull moment was experienced last night.

Even if one went alone, there were no strangers at the CMA Awards.

Until next year, thanks to the Country Music Association for having me.

Missed the show on Wednesday? No worries! You can watch many of the CMA Awards Performances on YouTube or relive the entire night on Hulu .

Peep the complete list of winners from “The 56th Annual CMA Awards” below:

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Chris Stapleton

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR

Old Dominion

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR

Brothers Osborne

MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR

“Never Wanted To Be That Girl” – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde

Producers: Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Jenee Fleenor, Fiddle

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR