While most award shows are full of politically charged opening monologues and acceptance speeches, the CMA Awards made a conscious effort to avoid political banter during country music’s biggest night.
Unlike other star-studded events, CMA Awards co-hosts Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood vowed the show wouldn’t be filled with political satire — and the country superstars kept their word. As the biggest names in the genre took the stage during Wednesday night’s show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, politics was not a topic of discussion.
Instead, the CMAs began on a somber note with Garth Brooks leading a moment of silence for the 12 people who were killed at a Southern California bar last week.
“Tonight let’s celebrate their lives. Let the music unite us with love,” Brooks said.
After the names of the victims flashed across the screen, Luke Bryan kicked off the night with a performance of “What Makes You Country,” where he was joined by several of his fellow country singers.
“Let’s be proud of what makes us country tonight!” Bryan said to a cheering crowd.
Luke Bryan performs “What Makes You Country” at the 52nd annual CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP)
Despite avoiding controversial topics, Underwood and Paisley still delivered a joke-filled opening monologue that left many in the audience in stitches.
“Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga made a movie, and it’s sure to win a lot of big awards,” the hosts crooned. “Country music’s biggest night is here in Nashville.”
Paisley belted out, “Uh oh, Carrie, look! A star is bored.”
Underwood then seemingly revealed the sex of her baby, saying it will be a “Willie” after Paisley repeatedly asked her about baby names.
Hosts Brad Paisley, left, and Carrie Underwood appear at the 52nd annual CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP)
Fans took notice of Underwood and Paisley’s efforts to keep the show clear of politics — unlike the Oscars, Golden Globes, Emmy Awards and several other Hollywood award shows where political overtones have become par for the course.
The #CMAAwards are proving that you can have an awards show be a success without politics. It’s the ONLY award show I’ve watched all year and I’m so grateful it’s focused on celebrating great music and musicians. A big THANK YOU!
— 🇺🇸MAGAMOM🇺🇸 (@melly_boo94) November 15, 2018
So great to watch an award show WITHOUT all the politics. Real music and genuine people who actually support each other. My ❤️is happy. #CMAawards
— Tracy (@mrshicksnj) November 15, 2018
Loveee #CMAawards
Just people Comin together celebrating good music.
No word of politics, no agendas being pushed, just strictly entertainment
— Greg Wiley (@Gwilez) November 15, 2018
#CMAawards thank you, thank you, thank you, @BradPaisley and @carrieunderwood for leaving politics OUT of your monologue, BRAVO
— Brian Gregory (@blownvette79) November 15, 2018
Underwood kept the positive and uplifting theme going when she gave a rousing performance of her song “Love Wins.” It features the lyrics, “I believe you and me are sisters and brothers/And I believe we’re made to be here for each other.”
Chris Stapleton was the first artist to win an award during the show, taking home Song of the Year for “Broken Halos” and later for Single of the Year for the same song. The singer is the leading nominee with five, including a bid for Entertainer of the Year, where he will compete with Bryan, Aldean, Chesney and Urban.
“I didn’t expect this one, man, thank you so many great songs in the category,” Stapleton said as he accepted the award.
Later, Luke Combs took home the award for New Artist saying, “God, I love country music man. Thank you guys.”
An emotional moment came when Kacey Musgraves won Album of the Year. “This is really, really crazy timing because I just realized this morning — it sounds like a lie — 10 years ago today I moved to Nashville,” she said. “I’m so proud of it and it’s inspired by this beautiful universe, all of you and most of all love.”
Dan + Shay, who lost in all four categories they were nominated in, gave an impressive performance of their hit “Tequila.” When Brothers Osborne won vocal duo of the year, John Osborne said, “I thought this was going to go to Dan + Shay. Make some noise for those boys.”
“I don’t know why we keep winning this,” John Osborne said when he first walked onstage.
“If this was in Florida there definitely would be a recount,” added T.J. Osborne, in the only political moment of the evening, which earned laughs from the audience.
Garth Brooks performed a touching new song dedicated to his wife, Trisha Yearwood, who was teary-eyed and was hearing the song for the first time. Recent Country Hall of Famer Ricky Skaggs performed alongside Brad Paisley and Keith Urban.
In addition to the various performances, Midland took the stage to pay tribute to the late Burt Reynolds who died in September at age 82. The group performed a cover of the “Smokey and the Bandit” theme song, Jerry Reed’s ‘East Bound and Down.”
Underwood, who is nominated for Female Vocalist and Music Video of the Year, said it is tough picking between friends when it comes to voting.
“When I vote, I legitimately try to look at who deserves it,” she said. “I know that you root for everybody, you’re glad that everybody’s there, you’re glad your friends are nominated for things, but I just try to think who’s killing it, who’s crushing it this year.”
