Eric Church Takes Jab At Garth Brooks Amid CMA Awards Fallout
This story has been updated.
Well well, it’s getting chippy out there after Eric Church and others lost the 2019 CMA Entertainer of the Year honor to Garth Brooks. Some believed Eric Church and Carrie Underwood were the two front runners for the biggest trophy in country in 2019—Eric for turning in the highest grossing touring numbers during the eligibility period, and Carrie Underwood for having a landmark year and having a groundswell of support behind her as sole woman nominated for the award. But in the end it was Garth that swept in to get it.
At Eric Church’s show at The Anthem in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, November 16th, he was singing a rendition of “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” by Waylon Jennings. One of the most recognized protest anthems in country history that Waylon made a #1 in 1975, Eric Church has been known to cover the song in concert upon occasion. But this time he changed one of the lines to, “I know Garth didn’t do it this way” before cracking a smile, shrugging his shoulders, and taking a victory lap around the stage during an instrumental break. The crowd sure seemed to know Eric’s intention, and roared in approval.
The show was part of Eric Church’s current “Double Down” tour, and he played The Anthem the night before as well. Numerous concertgoers brought signs to the concert proclaiming Eric Church as the real Entertainer of the Year. Eric Church acknowledged the signs, and then said, “I told ’em I said, ‘Listen, I’m fine with it. [But] you pissed the wrong fans off.”
Historically, there has been little love between the two Entertainer of the Year nominees. After losing the CMA for Entertainer of the Year in 2017 to Garth Brooks, Eric Church had some choice words for Garth, who chose to lip sync his performance of “Ask Me How I Know” after complaining that his voice was too worn out from multiple performances on the road.
“That pissed me off,” Church said in 2018. “To me, lip-syncing is and always will be a red line. It’s fabricated. I don’t want young artists thinking it’s OK, because it’s not … So the winner of the biggest category of the night lip-synced in the biggest moment on the show? Fuck that! And I didn’t like his excuse at all. I felt like he was speaking for the other nominees. I can speak for myself—I’m not lip-syncing. If I can’t sing, I won’t sing, or I’ll sing badly. But at least you’ll get what you get.”
The winner for Entertainer of the Year is always met with great interest, and often, controversy. But this year it has felt especially contentious. Eric Church is known for ruffling feathers. He once got kicked off a Rascal Flatts tour for playing too long, and too loud, and once called out Blake Shelton for his participation in The Voice. Now he’s taken another shot at Garth.
Don’t expect Garth to respond.
liza
November 17, 2019 @ 8:16 pm
What exactly were Carrie’s landmark accomplishments from July of 2018 through June of 2019, other than giving birth?
Trigger
November 17, 2019 @ 8:28 pm
I don’t have a dog in this race, but I would say that giving birth and raising children while maintaining a top-level career is a pretty big accomplishment.
liza
November 17, 2019 @ 8:46 pm
She had a mediocre album. Its singles did nothing on the charts. Two years before, yes. She did squat that was worthy during this eligibility period. It’s unbelievable the way you give this pop princess a pass.
Woogeroo
November 17, 2019 @ 10:54 pm
I don’t get the Carrie Underwood thing to be honest, such a pop singer and the songs she sings really don’t do anything for me at all. I’m not hating, I just really don’t ‘get it’.
Trigger
November 17, 2019 @ 10:58 pm
I don’t get why we’re talking about Carrie Underwood here at all. I get that she was mentioned in this article. But to use this article to tee off on Carrie Underwood with the first comment is a perfect example of Stan behavior.
Lowen Carlson
November 18, 2019 @ 9:19 am
Well said!!
liza
November 18, 2019 @ 11:46 am
Poppycock.
liza
November 18, 2019 @ 11:49 am
How about some posting rules, Trigger? Like only comment on the headline and not any comments in the article. That should lower your sensitive-ass blood pressure.
Mark Sartin
November 19, 2019 @ 6:54 am
Who is Carrie Underwood?
jbear123
November 18, 2019 @ 2:15 pm
Had the biggest selling album for a women in Country music in 2018, not to mention biggest sales week for a Country album in the past 3 years & biggest sales week for a female artist that year in general.
Was also number one on Billboard 200 – which no other female Country artist managed to do that year
US Billboard 200 – 1
US Top Country Albums – 1
UK Country Albums – 1
Canadian Country Albums – 1
Australian Country Albums – 1
Of the 3 singles to have charted thus far on US Country radio only one failed to crack the top 10, just pipping out at 11 (so still higher than Dive Bar’s rank at 16 & still top 20). Southbound was a number 1 and Cry Pretty made it to number 5.
Her massive Cry Pretty tour was a resounding success (64 shows played in US, Canada and Europe), and she didn’t just stand there and sing, she played guitar, bongos and the piano.
$1 from every ticket when to Danita’s Children charity helping children in Haiti.
Hosted the CMAs in both 2018 & 2019 – which involves performing as well as writing the content and all the other bits in pieces that goes into it like all the CMA press stuff (Good Morning America, official press conference etc)
Sunday Night Football 2018 & 2019
Performed at:
Grand Ole Opry – 8 times
Opry City Stage
Spotify Hot Country Live
WE Fest
Tuckerville Festival in the Netherlands
Glastonbury in England
CMA fest 2018 & 2019
Elvis All Star Tribute
iHeart Radio Music Festival
American Music Awards
ACM Awards
American Idol Finale
CMT Awards
CMT Artist of the Year
Fan Club Party 2018 & 2019
Keith Urban concert
Grand Final Footy Show in Australia
Grand Final Footy Brekky Party in Australia
Deni Ute Muster in NSW Australia
Danita’s Childrens Charity Event
Alaska Trucker Association Event
Cavendish Beach Music Festival
Private Concert in Seattle, Washington
Made appearances on
Ellen
Jimmy Fallon
Jimmy Kimmel
Stephen Colbert
The Project in AU
Hosted Bobby Bones Top 30 show
Co-Hosted with Ryan on Kelly & Ryan
Made numerous appearances on Radio
Numerous Calia promotional events
SiriusXM Town Hall with Jenny McCarthy event
Was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame
And got her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
So please do yourself a favor & stop crapping on as though she just sat on her ass and did nothing and didn’t deserve a nomination for EOTY cause she sure as hell deserved it more than the person who walked away it.
dukeroberts
November 18, 2019 @ 3:02 pm
Carrie may not be the most country, but she might DO the most for country. She is the popular face of country music.
Tracy Dill
November 18, 2019 @ 4:46 pm
Wow!! I knew she did alot of publicity events, concerts, hosting, . but I had no idea she did all that. Plus she takes care of her family on tour. That’s not easy. I love Garth but I definitely believed there were more worthy opponents.
Robz
November 18, 2019 @ 7:36 pm
You tell it… jbear
SB
November 18, 2019 @ 7:41 pm
None of that matters. My great aunt was the executive director of the CMA for years and the nominations and voting is all done by the members of the CMA. She said it is not based on sales. Concerts etc. Just your peers nominate you for your accomplishments and community involvement.
liza
November 18, 2019 @ 7:49 pm
I guess the voters just like Garth better.
Carolyn Fulton
November 18, 2019 @ 9:29 pm
Well said!
Joebob
November 18, 2019 @ 11:38 pm
You need a hobby
jbear123
November 19, 2019 @ 1:56 pm
Hey @ Joebob I have a hobby, it’s called music duh!
Jo
November 18, 2019 @ 11:28 am
Bless your heart
Jeff
November 18, 2019 @ 11:37 am
Dang right it is.
James McComb
November 18, 2019 @ 3:18 pm
👍👍👌
MrsDas
November 18, 2019 @ 10:50 pm
Since when is having a career and a baby what this award is for?? Smh
Trigger
November 18, 2019 @ 10:58 pm
Not sure I said it’s what the award is for. Just pointing out that having a baby isn’t easy. It’s like giving birth.
CeeCeeBee
November 17, 2019 @ 8:48 pm
Huge selling album, 3 hit singles, sold out stadium tour?
Sheela
November 17, 2019 @ 9:15 pm
Such entitlement
Renee Bromfield
November 17, 2019 @ 9:18 pm
She went on a WORLWIDE tour….
Meanwhile Garth did ten shows….
She could outsing him any day!!
tedra407
November 18, 2019 @ 9:13 am
Re
Trrrance
November 18, 2019 @ 4:39 pm
But she doesn’t out entertain him. It’s not “singer of the year.”
Joyce
November 18, 2019 @ 3:26 am
Its entertainer of the year award ,Garth did 10 shows ,Carrie did a world tour among other things .
Ashley
November 18, 2019 @ 9:01 am
Agree I would like to know as well
Toni Gunter
November 18, 2019 @ 9:15 am
I have always liked Eric Churches music, NOT because it was GREAT, but because it was DIFFERENT. This it the SECOND TIME I have heard him DISRESPECT BETTER ARTIST because he was a LOUD MOUTH JEALOUS ARTIST WITH NO CLASS !!!! First he DISRESPECTED BLAKE SHELTON after BLAKE DRUG HIM ALONG while he was on TOUR !!! Then Eric DISRESPECTED GARTH over saving his voice that was going out on him, AND AGAIN THIS PAST WEEK OVER JEALOUSY !!!! WTH is wrong with him ?? YOU DON’T GO AND ATTACK TWO OF THE BEST COUNTRY SINGERS in the BUSINESS !!!! Eric could only hope he could leave a LEGACY THAT THOSE TWO WILL HAVE when they are gone. Sad as it is, he will NEVER be the LEGENDS GART AND BLAKE ARE/WILL LEAVE. COWBOYS ARE TOUGH, NOT WHINNY LITTLE LOSERS. SORRY ERIC YOU CHOSE YOUR PATH, NOW YOU HAVE TO LIVE WITH IT. There is NO NEED to buy ERICS MUSIC—-WHEN THERE ARE SO MANY GREAT AND RESPECTABLE ARTISTS IN YOUR FIELD. GROW UP SO YOU DON’T LOSE MORE FOLLOWERS THAN YOU ALREADY HAVE !!!!!! BIG, BIG MISTAKE !!!!
JPalmer
November 18, 2019 @ 9:28 am
OK BOOMer
Dennixx
November 18, 2019 @ 12:28 pm
OMG. Get an original line PLEASE….!
Souette
November 19, 2019 @ 2:52 am
Thank you!!!
Chris
November 19, 2019 @ 12:21 am
This meme should be banned from country music spaces – we are the one genre that respects all ages.
AT
November 18, 2019 @ 9:35 am
Blake never took Eric on tour. Eric opened for Miranda Lambert on their 2010 CMT Tour. There doesn’t appear to be any issues between them anymore – Eric congratulated and shook Blake’s hand after he won made vocalist a few years back.
Brian
November 18, 2019 @ 12:04 pm
Exactly! Don’t disrespect other artists because you felt like you should have won! Awards are just ataboys anyway. He will never be as popular or as good as Garth or Blake, so he needs to be thankful that he has a career doing what he loves and stop worrying about who won what award!!
Sandra york
November 18, 2019 @ 4:41 pm
It sure seems to me that show was about woman of country music but it was clear as hell to me by them giving that to MR BROOKS it was telling the woman no matter how hard they work or how well they do its still a mans world that was a slap in the face to the woman that night of all nights i would like to havd 5 mins with them S.O.B.Carrie Underwood should of got the win that night please give me 5 mins with the dam ass who took that away from her mans world my ass i take thst back G. B. HOW do u feel knowing you only got thst couse your a man what if it happen to your wife and she lost couse she is a woman Carrie Underwood is entertainer of the year he has not done a thing funny this has happen befor with him something should be done bout this big mistake
Tammie Black
November 18, 2019 @ 9:19 pm
Wow, you really need some grammar lessons or something. At least PROOFREAD your comment before you post it, so people can UNDERSTAND what the hell you said.
Chris
November 19, 2019 @ 12:24 am
The archetypal Carrie-obsessive comment.
Saying she lost because she’s a woman is an absurd conspiracy theory with no basis in fact.
The Original WTF Guy
November 18, 2019 @ 12:21 pm
GART!!!!! You tell ’em Toni!!!!
I hate to tell you, but EC already has, IMHO, more of a legacy than GART!!!! does.
And GART!!!!! as a Cowboy? Sure, he went to OK State, but I doubt GART!!!!! has ever gotten close enough to an animal to ever get any shit on him. For that matter, I’m not sure EC has either, but no one is claiming he is a cowboy.
You momma
November 18, 2019 @ 3:43 pm
No Fu$$ing way, garth brooks is country music. Eric church is a wanta be pussy who use to want to be a rock star. His parents were rich and got him a deal in nashville to be a country singer. He was the wired kid at school wearing long black jackets and black everything. Garth made 3 times the money than eric did this year wake up
nzcountrymusic
November 19, 2019 @ 8:22 pm
Yeah but Eric’s hot and Garth is fat and old so……
Batman
November 18, 2019 @ 2:37 pm
Lmao, eric church or the guy who has sold more albums than almost anyone on the planet and is probably the best entertainer of anyone to ever live in country music.
Dalton Barnes
November 18, 2019 @ 3:59 pm
Your insane to say Eric Church wont have a legacy rivaling Brooks or Shelton he has you making comments and throwing whiney insults just like you criticized him for making 1pt to Church one of the busiest artist in all of music set what record for touring attendance beating out both if them, is what of the best guitar players in country music doesnt just hold one like an accessory, writes nearly every song he sings and the ones he sings that arent his he makes them better. Got kicked off the rascal flats tour because he outshined them plain and simple… once performed just him a guitar and a Microphone when the venue he was scheduled to play had major technical issues he didnt reschedule he performed like an artist is supposed to. Eric Church is an all out better performer and musician in general then Garth who still hasnt left the 90s and Ole Blake that can spit out a toe tapper once in a while whose albums should have just the 1 of 2 songs you hear on the radio because the rest of the album is shit “fact” so go listen to Dan and Shay and put some rhinestones on your skinny Jean’s because you have no idea what real country music is and you never will
Dawn Johnston
November 19, 2019 @ 5:46 am
FACT
Lummox
November 18, 2019 @ 4:01 pm
Anyone who doesn’t write their own music are just industry stool pigeons. If Record labels image groups and PR groups have to pick out your boots, snap button shirts and matching hats…well then the singer is not an artist and they have no business being mentioned in the same breath as Hank Sr., Waylon, Cash and Willie. I think that’s what Eric is getting at. Garth is a fake country musician/artist and him lip-syncing only proves the point even more.
Mike Lewis
November 18, 2019 @ 8:37 pm
I dont have a pony in this race but I do need to say aa a musician of 40 plus years a lot of older singers rarely wrote their songs Conway Twitty George Jones Tammy Wynette rarely wrote the entire song lyrics they sometimes collaborated with the writers etc. There is a entire industry that are writers omly ever heard of Chris Kristofferson for example in fact writers collect royalties ling after the sing song disappears Willie Nelson still collects royalties of songs that were his and recorded by Patsy Clune etc I could go in and on bit I do find this whole generation sorely lacking in respect and quite frankly the dings have little heart or soul
Greg Green
November 19, 2019 @ 7:49 pm
George Strait wrote how many of ‘his’ songs? So he’s not a real country artist? Most of the world would disagree.
Monica Banks
November 18, 2019 @ 7:13 pm
I 100% AGREE with you. Out of the 3 mentioned in the article ERIC CHURCH IS MY LEAST FAVORITE. How dare he attack Carrie OR Garth. They have more talent and more respect for themselves and others than ERIC CHURCH ever will. I don’t listen to his music and I don’t ever plan to.
Heath Green
November 18, 2019 @ 8:04 pm
Garth was great in his day and has a right to do as he pleases when singing. Eric has came up in country music his own way and with his own style. I respect both for the work they have accomplished. However i can see how Eric could get pissed when he worked his ass off to achieve his goal just to get knocked down from an artist that years ago put in the leg work but retired and now is back winging his performance but since he was so popular back then and now it makes the ones today get pushed back for popularity rather than hard work. We all have been there at some point in life. As far as saying that one is better than another thats only a matter of opinion.
Di Lemberger
November 18, 2019 @ 10:57 pm
I wholeheartedly agree. Garth and Blake beat the country Path many years paying their dues many times over. And you won’t find any nasty comments from them pointing at other artists. Get over yourself Mr. Church you just aren’t that great.
Barbara
November 18, 2019 @ 10:04 am
Sold out world tour with multiple concerts every week like a rock star), not just 1 or 2 (on the weekend).
Frank Turner
November 18, 2019 @ 10:46 am
Did Garth give birth? Giving birth and being wildly popular, I bet Garth can’t compete with that!!!!
Gary Lee Hester jr
November 18, 2019 @ 11:50 am
Frank Turner, my dude, that is about the stupidest and retarded thing I’ve read (or heard) in a while.
Jimmy Lee dikkens
November 19, 2019 @ 3:17 am
I second that lmao
I m country music
November 18, 2019 @ 2:05 pm
Waaa waa Eric church you whiney ass cry me a river you big baby.when you are country music hall of Famer maybe you have a dog in this fight until then you are another whiney bitch ass nobody.
DJ
November 18, 2019 @ 2:43 pm
But she has that horrible disfiguring scar so she deserved that award!
Imagine the pain of performing and looking so jacked up!
Daniel Eugene Ridgely
November 18, 2019 @ 5:16 pm
Garth isn’t Garth anymore.Eric Church is one of the only real country singers out there.There really is no real country music out there anymore.
Michael Matlock
November 18, 2019 @ 6:40 pm
I’d like to know what in the Blue Blazes of HELL has Brooks has done besides copying Milli Vanilli? I can tell you! NOTHING!
And I don’t care for Church or Underwood.
Roadmax
November 18, 2019 @ 7:10 pm
Carrie Underwood sucks she oversings and screams and her music isn’t even country she has Nanny’s and house cleaning people don’t kid yourself about how hard she works I highly doubt it
Kim
November 18, 2019 @ 7:35 pm
Exactly but you forgot the fall for the plastic surgery excuse more of the Hollywood plastic.. country music you got to live it in order to sing it..but that’s in the past like everything else
Dorothy Page
November 19, 2019 @ 1:22 am
Eric Church is the male equivalent of cry baby Faith Hill, a spineless libtard, that wouldn’t know true country if it hit him in the face. Garth reawakened country music and deserves any recognition he’s given.
RWP
November 19, 2019 @ 8:29 pm
So is this a good time to tell you Garth is a fellow “libtard”?
Kay
November 19, 2019 @ 6:43 am
From a 79 year woman who has never posted on anything before and probably will not post again. Why was Carrie nominated for EOTY as she is a pop singer? I think Miranda Lambert should have been nominated as she has more awards than anyone in country music. She was ignored and wasn’t included in anything at the CMA show except to sing one song. Miranda was introduced by Carrie and her previous awards were not mentioned unless I didn’t hear it. From what I read Miranda fully supported Carrie to win EOTY. Miranda stands up for all women in country music and my opinion she was ignored. Also, her Wildcard cd is the best I have heard this year.
Dawn
November 19, 2019 @ 7:38 am
Ahhhhh—- the cry pretty tour. It was epic.
Tyler Wayne
November 17, 2019 @ 8:18 pm
Love him or hate him. Eric Church is genuine as fuck. Unlike Chris Gaines. Just my humble opinion
Kevin
November 17, 2019 @ 8:46 pm
Fact. I feel like every word that comes out of Garth’s mouth is bullshit. And I’ve been a fan of Garth nearly my whole life. It’s just that every time Garth talks, I feel like throwing up
Lisa
November 18, 2019 @ 3:50 am
I remember being a kid (35 now!) and my mother rolling her eyes every time he spoke, and she still does, and I notice it. He puts on SUCH a show, and I don’t mean that in a good way. Every time he speaks it just feels so cheesy and fake.
Katie
November 18, 2019 @ 2:27 pm
Every word that Garth is wisdom.. Garth Brooks has been making music way longer then Eric has at the end of the the better men won.. Eric talk’s shit and Garth doesn’t have time to play on his level
D Ray White
November 18, 2019 @ 5:55 pm
Chris Gaines begs to differ. Garth is lame arena rock with theatrics and token country embellishments. Not a fan of either, but at least Eric Church writes his material and doesn’t resort to flying around on wires.
Rob
November 18, 2019 @ 3:09 pm
I couldn’t agree more. Even his love for Trisha (who I love) is so over the top and fake. He just always seems fake. He was great 20 years ago, but it’s time for him to step back. I honestly didn’t even know he was still singing.
Tina Davis
November 18, 2019 @ 4:42 pm
Agreed
RWP
November 18, 2019 @ 7:53 pm
I’m with ya Kevin. Especially when he ‘s talking about something (himself usually) and he goes off in that stupid whisper thing –*whisper* “Cause that’s who *lower whisper* Garth Brooks is” So phony. Fuck off with that shit and talk like a man already.
Tee
November 18, 2019 @ 12:19 am
Haha…Chris Gaines
Lori A Hoffman
November 18, 2019 @ 3:37 pm
Yes, whatever happened to Chris anyway?
Michael Fuoco
November 18, 2019 @ 3:27 am
GOD BLESS ERIC CHURCH!!!
Harris
November 18, 2019 @ 7:08 am
Not much genuine about singing are you sure hank done it this way when your music is nothing like Hanks.
Jenny Janes
November 18, 2019 @ 8:17 am
This.☝️
Harris
November 18, 2019 @ 7:09 am
Not much genuine about singing are you sure hank done it this way when your music is nothing like Hanks. Or Waylon’s.
Lummox
November 18, 2019 @ 4:04 pm
Anyone who doesn’t write their own music are just industry stool pigeons. If Record labels image groups and PR groups have to pick out your boots, snap button shirts and matching hats…well then the singer is not an artist and they have no business being mentioned in the same breath as Hank Sr., Waylon, Cash and Willie. I think that’s what Eric is getting at. Garth is a fake country musician/artist and him lip-syncing only proves the point even more. Pretty sure Waylon would very much approve of Eric’s style.
Convict charlie
November 18, 2019 @ 5:59 pm
You would be wrong on garth not writing music. By 1993 he had 48 cuts for either himself or others on a major label. It’s a footnote with each one in the back of “platinum cowboy” by Edward Morris.
Kross
November 17, 2019 @ 8:20 pm
I don’t want to belong to any club that would accept me as one of its members.”- Groucho Marx. They did him a favor.
Jayson
November 17, 2019 @ 8:25 pm
The CMA’s are a joke. Who actually watches that dogshit?
kiwicountry
November 17, 2019 @ 8:26 pm
Good on ya Eric, you tell it like it is. And it was BS re the lip syncing, jez I have even seen Carrie sing on stage at the Opry with a cold, she didn’t sound awful nor was she at her best but dang she still sang live. Really sucks that those who deserved the award due to hard work and their contributions to Country music were overlooked because of $$. Well Eric & Carrie are still EOTY to me (I think they both earned it).
CeeCeeBee
November 17, 2019 @ 8:45 pm
Instead of taking shots at Garth, he should be taking shots at the CMAs. According to their own criteria, both Church and Underwood were more deserving of the award. And if he’s mad about being robbed, he should be taking shots at Maren Morris who is the one who REALLY robbed him in the album of the year category (but again, the fault lies with the CMAs, not the artist).
Tom
November 17, 2019 @ 8:52 pm
Or maybe just choosing to ignore the CMAs.
Harris
November 18, 2019 @ 9:18 am
Yeah if theres one defining characteristic of being an Outlaw in the style of Waylon Jennings, its caring very deeply about winning a CMA award.
Di Harris
November 18, 2019 @ 10:22 am
Touche’
dt
November 18, 2019 @ 10:49 am
yep. there it is.
AndrewEsq
November 18, 2019 @ 5:00 pm
And the commenter of the year award goes to Harris! Harris couldn’t be here tonight….
Lt
November 18, 2019 @ 7:08 pm
Eric Church is not enough outlaw to be a pimple on Waylon’s ass
Truth5
November 17, 2019 @ 8:50 pm
Garth is more country than Eric Church, and I like some of Eric’s music. Eric needs to focus on making better music instead of arena rock. Entertainer of the year and the cmas are a joke anyways with one or two decent moments over a 3 hour show.
Skyler
November 18, 2019 @ 6:51 am
Have to agree here… With all of the people pulling each way, it easy to admit that Garth is more country and I like Eric too for the most part. Eric will win one day I’m sure unless he ditches the CMAs. And so will Carrie and I think Stapleton will if he can build another good year once a new album comes up.
Dennis
November 18, 2019 @ 9:31 pm
How bout you candy ass’ get a life most of these paper cowboys wouldn’t piss on you if you were on fire.
truth5
November 19, 2019 @ 7:14 am
we got a bad ass over here, look out.
Tom
November 17, 2019 @ 9:02 pm
And yet, I can’t help but picture the perfectly-moussed, stone-washed jeans-wearing Eric Church singing “We Shall Be Free” in that high school talent contest.
Don’t get me wrong, Garth winning ETOY in 2019 would have been like Elvis winning the award in 1976. But I still think it’s funny.
Jacob
November 18, 2019 @ 4:45 pm
Hi. What are you talking about? Is there actually video if Eric church singing we shall be free in high school? I would love to see that
Tom
November 19, 2019 @ 8:02 pm
My mistake, apparently it was college, not high school. But here’s the link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=11&v=5f_1VUnIK8o&feature=emb_logo
Ron
November 17, 2019 @ 9:03 pm
Seriously people who are upset over This… Garth Brooks is and has far outsold both Church and Carrie…
It’s also about More than records… it’s concerts… sales… public opinion…and he’s still true country… exactly what CMA stands for.
patricia schuessler
November 17, 2019 @ 9:06 pm
I feel it is time for all of you to grow up! It is a piece glass you stick on a shelf. You all have wonderful voices and great lives .You have a job that allows you to travel and meet thousands of people who love you.Enjoy your job and be happy for Garth and be happy!!!!!!!!!!
Sam Cody
November 17, 2019 @ 9:12 pm
Church ain’t even qualified to carry Garth’s empty fucking guitar case.
guitarwoman
November 18, 2019 @ 5:00 am
@SamCody, 8 dont necessarily agree with your sentiment, but your comeback is hilarious😂😂😂.
Priceless! ROFLMFAO
Sherri Miskin
November 18, 2019 @ 9:37 am
Ain’t that the truth! Garth is amazing . I own all of Garth’s music and none of Eric Churches. If I want to listen to listen to rock or rap I will go to the classic rockers who did it right.. Most country today is based on rock and hip hop and not based on real country music, ie, Alan Jackson, George Strait, Vince Gill etc. All of this whining is nothing but sour grapes.
R williams
November 18, 2019 @ 12:37 pm
Amen!
Hey Arnold
November 17, 2019 @ 9:19 pm
Isn’t Garth one of the good guys?? I mean he’s Country, he uses real instruments and fiddle and steel.. His song lyrics are often stellar. I do like the Dive Bar song, it’s fun and rowdy!!!
Couldn’t Eric Church go after Sam Hunt, Old Dominion or Dan and Shay instead of Garth??
scott
November 18, 2019 @ 6:43 am
He could, but he wouldn’t get half the publicity.. he’s a tool …
Gibbs
November 18, 2019 @ 10:29 am
Did they lip sync ? Garth initially “bought” his fame. Bought his own records to up the sales, smart move it worked for Elvis as well.
I’m more an Eric Church Fan ( due to his authenticity) . Personally, I don’t think many of the new artists are country ( Cody Jinks maybe) but that’s about it. Heck, Dollys not country anymore, not Carrie, not Miranda etc…
Convict charlie
November 19, 2019 @ 6:38 am
Your take is incorrect. He didn’t buy his records. He paid for his records out of his own pocket and delivered it as a full product. He kept the music rights to it. He received a 16% royalty as a result from the label on sales. Thirty tigers gives 10% going on last articles on here. A current 360 deal pays artist royalties less than 1%. It’s around $9.22 out of every $1,000 spent goes back to the artist.
Skyler
November 18, 2019 @ 12:27 pm
Exactly. Garth is pretty country overall whether people admit it or not. Play an old Garth record…. You will get plenty of fiddle and steel just like you said.
ScottG
November 17, 2019 @ 9:27 pm
Didn’t get an award… so sad. So outlaw.
Don Campbell
November 17, 2019 @ 9:58 pm
I love Garth but his new music has been mediocre at best. Anything after his first two albums is on that level also. He’s riding on that and good for him but to discount what Eric Church has done is ridiculous. Garth is a massive self promoter and damn good at it…. Seriously, what has he done musically since before he retired that’s notable…. Nothing! But he has a XM radio station and a bunch of us 90’s Fans still buying tickets! He’s a genius! And Eric Church is a badass , I’ve seen both in the last 2 years and I can’t wait to to Eric again!
guitarwoman
November 18, 2019 @ 5:04 am
Gotta love those BADASS boys!!!!!!!
Sam
November 17, 2019 @ 11:14 pm
Oh Eric. Before you start dogging on anyone may I remind you of your half time performance at the Cowboys game couple of years ago. I wish you had lipsynced as did most of America. Honestly take it up with the CMAS. Or the fact you and Carrie, Keith and Chris are represented by the same group and maybe you cancelled each other out.
Guy Smiley
November 18, 2019 @ 12:19 am
Garth’s got too much class to response.
Erich Church ripping on Garh is like..
Everybody Loves Raymond Ripping on Seinfeld.
Full House ripping on Breaking Bad.
A Basketballer from the Island of Togo Togo ripping on Michael Jordan.
Andy Klinder ripping on Ricky Gervais.
Ghost Dad ripping on The Godfather.
Eric is just after publicity.
Hey Arnold
November 18, 2019 @ 10:54 pm
like … Jimmy Fallon ripping on Johnny Carson
Guy Smiley
November 18, 2019 @ 12:22 am
The Dance will still be sung in 50 years time. If someone searches for
Eric Church in 50 years time on google, a pic of a giant douche will come up.
Lisa
November 18, 2019 @ 8:00 am
The Dance WILL be still sung in 50 years, sure. But The Dance came out in 1989. That was 30 years ago. This award was for Entertainer of the YEAR. THIS year.
Suzy
November 18, 2019 @ 12:44 am
I am so disappointed in all of this bickering. This is going to result in a dark cloud over CMA. The whole thing just makes me sick. Those who voted included numerous CMA offcials including producers, song writers, etc. All of this probably wouldn’t even have happened if the show was not geared toward great women with huge accomplishments, which should have been a totally different show. It shouldn’t even have been done the night of the awards. While Carrie Underwood has a beautiful voice and is nothing less than stunning, a lot of her focus by fans and others is how glamorous she looks. She does not fit the mold as to the history of country music stands for. Low cut sexy sequin dresses of a body con nature with the hem almost up to her tail while singing Christian country does not correllate with Grand Ole Opry and/or country music. When I think of a role model and a lady who exemplifies country music and is a role model. I think of Reba McIntyre. She wears sequins, has some glamour going on, but is modest and on the conservative side. She as well as other country music stars has the whole package and she would never be involved in this turmoil. Come on people… grow up…everyone can’t get an award and everyone can”t be selected for a job they apply for. This continuing pointing of fingers and putting a person down needs to stop. What kind of example is being set for our children. The whole crybaby and whining thing is a disgrace. In general, life isn’t fair. We all have things happen that seem unfair and when this happens, we need to accept it and move on.
Elaine
November 18, 2019 @ 9:21 am
Well said!
AT
November 18, 2019 @ 9:42 am
“ The whole crybaby and whining thing is a disgrace. In general, life isn’t fair. We all have things happen that seem unfair and when this happens, we need to accept it and move on.”
You literally just listed that people who dress “a certain way” shouldn’t be country singers.
jbear123
November 18, 2019 @ 2:22 pm
And someone liky Dolly squeezing her fake boobs into a tight low cut sexy sequin dress does? WTF kind of pathetic comment is that? Reba McIntyre is 64 years old, she’s not going to go around dressing like she’s 20 or 30 something is she. Good grief, Carly, Kelsea, Kacey, Maren and Miranda all wear stuff more figure hugging that shows off their body than Carrie does. Like go hop in a time machine and travel back to 1812. It’s the 21st centry and Kim K poses nude on Instagram all the time so Carrie is modest for the times, by a lot.
Sharon Porter
November 18, 2019 @ 9:41 pm
Very well said!
Max Stevens
November 18, 2019 @ 3:04 am
Brooks has a marketing degree, he knows his fans & how to “market” his fake bull shit good ole boy image. Look up hypocrite, see Garth Brooks.
Sam Cody
November 19, 2019 @ 9:55 am
Uh…yea…guess who else has a marketing degree? Eric Chruch. Look it up.
Dana McClelland
November 18, 2019 @ 3:34 am
Grow the f…. up. Mr. Church. Maybe that is why you didn’t win, your lousy attitude. Your feeling of entitlement, your lousy spots-men-ship. Just GROW UP!,
Dawn Johnston
November 19, 2019 @ 5:53 am
He sang that line for his fans and WE LOVED IT! GET OVER IT!!!
Will
November 18, 2019 @ 4:08 am
Jamey Johnson and his band are the best performing artist out hands down. He or the band rarely gets recognized. So much more talent in the world than these jokers. Let these pop dudes have their spot light but keep supporting real music. Getting kicked out of country didn’t hurt a thing!
Karla
November 18, 2019 @ 11:48 am
Yaaaasssssss! Don’t they call themselves the Kenthardly Playboys or something like that?! They’re amazing!
Candyapole
November 18, 2019 @ 4:30 am
Everyone needs,to get over it and move on Garth won and that’s it !!!!!!!! Everyone is,so upset about a award you all should be proud of who you are what you have become and accomplished you do not need a award to prove that move on keep making all your fans happy with a
the great songs you sing and perform for them thats,what makes you a star your fans!!!!!!!!!
not a award
Lynda B Soles
November 18, 2019 @ 4:52 am
The CMA Awards was a piece of S—. It’s not Country Music any more. Even the older singers that were there are trying to change. There will never be anyone to beat my all time favorites Conway and Loreta Lynn.
OlaR
November 18, 2019 @ 5:05 am
Trigger wrote: “Some believed Eric Church and Carrie Underwood were the two front runners for the biggest trophy in country in 2019…”.
Some believed…not all. Some people spend too much time in a bubble.
I thought Carrie was the only possible winner. Not because i am a fan of CU. Because it was her year. Maybe her last chance to win the EotY award.
The members of the CMA made a decision & gave the award to Garth Brooks again.
I think for the last time. Luke Combs will take over next year.
Lip-syncing should be a no-go on an award show. But is/was Garth Brooks the only one?
Eric Church is a bad loser. He is his own bubble filled with Eric Church arrogan…well…”greatness”.
Bubbles can burst. It happened only a couple of nights ago.
guitarwoman
November 18, 2019 @ 5:10 am
@SamCody, I dont necessarily agree with your sentiment, but your comeback is hilarious😂😂😂.
Priceless! ROFLMFAO
Lee
November 18, 2019 @ 5:19 am
This years CMA awards ceremony reminded me of the movie called “Pure Country” with George Straight. Lights, smoke and crazy noise. What has happened to Country Music?
Kevin Smith
November 18, 2019 @ 5:21 am
GB needs no defending. He is ridiculously popular and has sold so many more records than most folks could ever dream of. When he announces a show, it is an immediate sellout. If you don’t care for his tepid version of country pop, at least admire the marketing genius that he is. In my mind that’s his true strength, selling an image and selling it well. He’s a go big or go home guy and don’t kid yourselves, the guy has put his entire life into this career. At least admire the work ethic and determination it took to get to where he is. What he has done is a huge, improbable achievment. And yes, he has some songs that will stand proudly in the great American song catalog.
While Church has his moments, and I’m taking nothing away from him, he is not on the level of Garth. Not many folks will ever get to that point.
And as pointed out, the CMA does the voting and awarding. Take it up with them.
Weird, never imagined I’d even consider being a GB defender , but here I am. LOL.
Cheers
Dorothy
November 18, 2019 @ 5:41 am
Let’s count # of people attending Garth concerts. He keeps ticket prices reasonable so more people can enjoy his shows. He performs because he loves it.
Sherry geraci
November 19, 2019 @ 9:15 am
Am I crazy but didn’t Garth Brooks “retire” a few years ago? Seems to happen a lot in country music…George Strait comes to mind as one superstar to do this. Just sayin’
Greg Green
November 19, 2019 @ 8:03 pm
They’re entertainers, not home bodies. Once they spend a few years at home taking out the trash and painting the house they realize it’s more fun to let the roadies do stuff like that and get back to performing on stage.
Clearly he has the fan base to do it while. Why knock him for not sitting around at home?
Jorja
November 18, 2019 @ 5:53 am
Welp … Since many people have added their two cents, I figured mine should be added to the mix.
First and foremost, while Garth had a phenomenal career (early on) which captivated fans and concert goers alike, he then decided to retire. Okay … That’s fine and dandy,
During his “supposed” retirement, other country artists were able to capture awards that — during Garth’s heyday) — we’re usually awarded to Garth. I mean, the man was, at that time, the “king” of country. There’s no point in arguing about that.
However, he retired for a few years and others climbed the ladder — most notably, Keith Urban & Carrie Underwood. Others — Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, and even Eric Church were and continue to be chart toppers and have the ability to perform @ sold out concerts.
Then, out of nowhere, Garth comes out of retirement …. And some (including me) wonder what triggered this decision. While it’s none of anyone’s business, it’s still curious regarding the timing.
But here’s what I don’t get … Yes, he’s released a couple of songs and while I hate to admit it, I love “Dive Bar” and it is, more than likely, due to Blake Shelton accompanying him on the song.
Lastly, Garth has been performing in … Yup, you guessed it, “Dive Bars” which can only hold so many y people but, at the same time, the smaller the venue, the more intimate the performance.
Carrie is Carrie … She’s good to a certain degree but I sure as hell wouldn’t perceive her as an Entertainer of the Year unless, of course, judging is based in raising a family, having a baby and performing “Cry Pretty” atnlast years CMA Awards BUT, unbeknownst to most is the very real fact that she was lip syncing. It took several rewinds of my DVR to finally see the “truth” of that celebrated performance … no live singing … just lip syncing. EOTY? Not a chance.
Keith Urban won the award last year and he deserved it in my opinion. His performance of “We Were” was real, live and just him, his guitar and voice … think Garth could do that? I don’t.
So … to end this silly babble, it is my opinion that it should have gone to Keith Urban. He’s a performer’s performer and gives his fans everything during his concerts — no lip syncing, plays guitar, banjo, dances all over the stage and works his ass off to ensure the people in attendance go home satisfied.
The only thing that comes to mind regarding Garth’s Dive Bar performances is that the audience goes home drunk.
Amanda Tate
November 18, 2019 @ 9:09 am
He came out of retirement because his youngest daughter finally graduated high school, just like he said he would. The charity shows he did before that were just that, charity shows. There was nothing curious about it.
Convict charlie
November 19, 2019 @ 6:43 am
His daughter is a singer and lives in Nashville performing. Allie Colleen
nzcountrymusic
November 18, 2019 @ 3:41 pm
“Carrie is Carrie … She’s good to a certain degree but I sure as hell wouldn’t perceive her as an Entertainer of the Year unless, of course, judging is based in raising a family, having a baby and performing “Cry Pretty” atnlast years CMA Awards BUT, unbeknownst to most is the very real fact that she was lip syncing. It took several rewinds of my DVR to finally see the “truth” of that celebrated performance … no live singing … just lip syncing. EOTY? Not a chance.”
What a crock of shit! Sorry but that is such a pathetic attempt to drag her down that I can’t actually believe you went ahead and posted it. All you have to do is go on Instrgram and search up the videos posted by those who were in the audience and it’s 100% crystal clear it was live, no lip syncing at all – that’s really trying to scrape the barrel, too bad for you it’s empty.
Greg Green
November 19, 2019 @ 8:09 pm
Why he’s working again is none of anyone’s business but you spent five paragraphs commenting on it.
I didn’t understand why so many people are picking on him for going back to work. Isn’t that what performers are supposed to do.
Maybe it’s just that Garth 2.0 is still bigger than so many current stars?
And I’m not even a Garth fan. I’m even less of a Church Sour Grapes/Cheap Shot fan.
Pam Rosebrook
November 18, 2019 @ 5:54 am
Garth is not country Who the hell fake a name and look and tries to BS ppl then rides on his wife’s tail Garth suck Old country is still better Hank William’s Ray Price ETC And nothing against Eric or Carrie But I haven’t listen to radio or watch any award shows for over 5 yrs I listen to old country on cd’s New stuff some sounds like yelling and some ppl look like freaks Sorry my opinion and I am not that old 60 this yr
Lcody
November 18, 2019 @ 7:04 am
English please.
Susan
November 18, 2019 @ 8:44 am
True. The country music today sounds like yelling. Honestly don’t understand Carrie Underwood as entertainer of the year, she doesn’t have that country sound like Reba, Dolly, Crystal, Tanya etc.
Like you, haven’t listened to country , except on CD, in years.
Mike Honcho
November 18, 2019 @ 6:05 am
Can these two please just beat the shit out of each other. Preferably severe enough that I don’t ever hear another thing from either one of them.
Elaine J
November 18, 2019 @ 6:08 am
Garth deserved that award. I’ve always liked Eric, but come on, don’t act like a child. And being the only female nominated shouldn’t make them automatically give it to you.
Yvonne
November 18, 2019 @ 6:20 am
If you have have ever been to all of their concerts, you understand why Eric’s fans are pissed. And Eric was probably playing and singing to the sentiments of his fans when this was done; because he’s an ENTERTAINER. He doesn’t need to create an alter ego to try to keep his career from fledgling. He doesn’t need to retire because he’s not on top and his fans think he stinks for having an affair. He doesn’t need to go on a talent search contest. He’s just real, he loves his fans, he gives them the most value for their dollars because he knows his fans work hard and have a choice about who they spend their money on for the ticket prices. I have never been to a show for any entertainer that loves his fans and the music so intensely. I’ll take a 4 hour concert going to Church any day verses maybe the hour or two hours you get from the others after two or three opening acts. Hail to the Chief.
Greg Green
November 19, 2019 @ 8:12 pm
If you have have ever been to all of their concerts, you understand why Garth’s fans are pleased.
It works both ways. So why is Church pissed?
Yvonne
November 19, 2019 @ 8:51 pm
Lord love Chris Gaines and Trisha’s husband. Ingenuity is a great sales point!
Elisha Grant
November 18, 2019 @ 6:31 am
I was watching hockey 🙂
Tony Kepuska
November 18, 2019 @ 6:33 am
Are You Sure Hank Played The Same Waylon Cover Every Low Level “outlaw” Band Played
Gary P Sellers
November 18, 2019 @ 7:13 am
Garth sold 84,000 tickets in Knoxville TN this past Sat. night. Can anyone else do that in country music ?
Greg Bowlan
November 18, 2019 @ 7:20 am
If either of them were real country I might could see it.
Halfasscoonass
November 18, 2019 @ 9:03 am
I 2 was kinda surprised that Garth got this award. I’ll always like Garth & I’m glad he’s still performing & loving what he does but on the other hand I believe there were newer performers that greatly deserved this award. Such as Carrie, Eric, Morris, Miranda, Keith etc.. I was really ecstatic that Luke Comb’s won (🥰 his music) Upon them scanning the audience after announcing Garth, Several entertainers seemed to have that WTH look on their face!
I was P.O’d & wandered Why so many women that were Not included on stage with the women of country music 🤷♀️
Why wasn’t Miranda up there with them? Faith? Hell even Trisha Yearwood was right there in the front row but not included on stage??? Several more Great Women Of Country Music!! Just saying
Mike
November 18, 2019 @ 9:20 am
Garth said at the time of his retirement that he was going spend time raising his kids. He did that. His kids are grown.
I don’t understand what you don’t get about what triggered his decision to come out of retirement. It’s pretty well documented that he came back because his kids were grown up, and he didn’t need to focus on them any longer.
Sturat crassley
November 18, 2019 @ 9:39 am
All you effing commenting geniuses please answer me this: how does Jason Aldean win entertainer of the decade last year? Fallout still apparent this year.
who put the tonk in honkytonk badonkadonk?
November 18, 2019 @ 9:53 am
CAN WE PLEASE JUST GO BACK TO ARGUING ABOUT STURGILL SIMPSON?!?!
JT
November 18, 2019 @ 9:59 am
Didn’t Eric Church blame the NRA for the Vegas shooting?
Trigger
November 18, 2019 @ 10:06 am
No.
https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/the-mischaracterization-of-eric-churchs-rolling-stone-cover-story/
Tim
November 18, 2019 @ 10:01 am
No one puts on a show and has greater depth to his lyrics than eric church, hes a badass country singer and should have won entertainer easily.
Molly
November 18, 2019 @ 10:07 am
I like some of Eric’s Music, but he is always such an ass hat. If he was given the Entertainer of the Year award he would wind up being an embarrassment to country music over all. Probably why he doesn’t win imo.
Tim
November 18, 2019 @ 10:11 am
Eric Church has by far the best lyrics , the best meaning to his songs of any country singer out there for a long long time he should have won hands down.
OK BOOMER
November 18, 2019 @ 10:20 am
Yall need to be careful or you are gonna make Garth cry again.
Sylvia
November 18, 2019 @ 10:38 am
I just wish we had more country! I don’t like the new country, I like the old songs, they are real country!!! I have no idea who Eric Church is, I’m sure he is good BUT THATS NOT TRUE COUNTRY. I LOVE GARTH BROOKS, AND ALL THE OLD COUNTRY SINGERS..
Glenn Dawson
November 18, 2019 @ 10:39 am
Not complaining But here it is folks KEITH URBAN KICKS ASS AND I HOPED HE WOULD HAVE GOTTEN IT AND GETS ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR AWARD NEXT.FINE FELLOW I VOTE FOR HIM.
Tacophilly
November 18, 2019 @ 10:56 am
I’m now a Eric Church fan. Not of his musicianship, but because he called out the bullshit. Be real, fake is just that. I sing 200 song at least ever week, good, bad but t least it is real. Never, ever lip sync.
Hillbilligirl
November 18, 2019 @ 10:59 am
Personally I don’t care who the artist is. When we go to a concert it’s to hear the artist themselves. As they age we expect a change in their performance. Keep it real that’s why we love you to your end. When your voice is tired and you can’t belt it out-don’t! There are so many beautiful talented country artists (as other genre) that I’m happy to have enjoyed for decades. Thank you for keeping the fans happy!!!!! 🤩
thebugman10
November 18, 2019 @ 11:05 am
Sounds like Eric Church cares about winning EOTY, Trig. 😉
Trigger
November 18, 2019 @ 11:14 am
Well, he also said the night before “I’m fine with it” about losing. I don’t think it’s that he doesn’t want it. I just think he wants Album of the Year more. The real anger should not be over Garth Brooks winning. It should be Maren Morris winning Album of the Year over Eric. That’s what fans should be hot and bothered over. But Eric is clearly feeling the frustration of his fans, and sees they want him to win Entertainer, and feeding them red meat from the stage. Eric will have other opportunities. Carrie Underwood likely won’t.
Melissa W
November 18, 2019 @ 11:53 am
I am just curious why you don’t think Carrie will have another chance at it?
I’m not a big fan of her pop music. She seems nice, head on straight, nice family. But her last record sold very well. I imagine she will release another album in time and do another world tour to promote it. She seems to have other projects and appearances she does to maintain being in the public eye. I don’t see why she can’t or wont maintain the same success. Do you think she wont have another chance at it because the EOTY award seems to have turned into a touring/ numbers award?
albert
November 18, 2019 @ 12:43 pm
”The real anger should not be over Garth Brooks winning. It should be Maren Morris winning Album of the Year over Eric. That’s what fans should be hot and bothered over”.
yeah ….this one felt like the school-yard bully holding you down and rubbing dog shit in your face …..its the ultimate ‘ what ‘re you gonna do about it ..?? ‘ insult to COUNTRY / country fans across the board.
maybe the most blatant ” we don’t give a damn about COUNTRY music ” choice ever .
maybe the final ‘tell ‘ at the table ….CMA could not care any less about COUNTRY music .
Tia Skaggs
November 18, 2019 @ 11:57 am
Haven’t seen Garth since he opened for the Judds in Tacoma but Boy Howdy did Eric Church bring down the house last night in Atlanta. Entertainer for my year is Eric Church hands down!!!
Ms Chandler
November 18, 2019 @ 12:05 pm
Sorry to say I’m glad Garth Brooks won the reward an least give him the chance.Carrie is always winning something an for Eric Kenneth Church I know ur always trying maybe next time.I told you to be calm at things.You stop texting but it’s okay even though you divorce ur wife doesn’t mean you have to take up on other people.She cheated on you .But congrats Mr Brooks.BYE?
kanebrownsnumber1fan
November 18, 2019 @ 12:09 pm
That CMA award show was a DISGRACE! where was chase rice? KANE BROWN!?!?!?! Sam king of country Hunt? The best country duo in history FGL!!! Instead we got brooks and dunn? WHO?
Entertainer of the is clearly Kane Brown. He has taken over country music and melted hearts of us zoomers around the world.
IT WAS SO BORING!!! ballad after FREAKING BALLAD of depressing funeral anthems. READY SET LETS ROLL READY SETS LETS RIDE GET YA FINE LITTLE A** ON THE STEP SHIMMY UP INSIDE. those were the days..2013, forever missed.
kristofer hitchcock
November 18, 2019 @ 5:50 pm
Whose fake ID did you steal to be commenting on this thread?
F.mc Daniel
November 18, 2019 @ 12:17 pm
Wow been waiting for this to happen… country was country from the 50s into the 90s. In my opinion Upchurch, Aldean,Bryan and all the others will never meet the standards set before them. Perhaps that’s why they radically change their music.. thank heaven for Sirius Radio. First 10 minutes of award show was super. Kristofferson segment was good.
After that I stopped watching. I did View Carrie Underwood performance online and as with all the men substandard… Remember when Saturday night out for the boys was a pair of Wranglers, boots and a hat. And the girls nice blouse, Tight Fittin Jeans,boots and real country music. Sadly it’s only a memory.
MountainGirl
November 18, 2019 @ 12:35 pm
Country music has changed from decade to decade and will continue to change. From the 30’s and 40’s with Hank Williams Sr. to 50’s and 60’s with Conway Twitty, Cash, and Merle Haggard. The genre will change and change back once again.
Eric Church is a great songwriter and his music takes from many genres to include rock. (Cash was touring with Elvis, and Buddy Holly) You cannot pigeon hole country music. Eric is outspoken and says what he thinks, but he is a great songwriter and entertainer all the way back to the beginning of Mountain Boys at Appalachian State University. Eric will take this in stride, continue to write great songs and make music. Carry on Chief! Drink a little drink, smoke a little smoke…… 😎😎😎
country girl
November 18, 2019 @ 12:40 pm
I think this drama bw all these artists just proves that the country music community isn’t as ‘tight knit’ as they proclaim to be. That has ALWAYS been bullshit. Some of these artist can’t stand each other but they just keep a better lid on it.
I also think it is disgusting that these artist let their ‘stans’ do there dirty work. Carrie fans are the worst of the bunch. I recently saw them commenting under Tricia’s twitter post, commenting on Tricia and Garth’s weight and appearance. Total low blows. You can’t tell me Carrie and her team do not know what is going on online. It is a direct reflection on the artist.
Not sure how Eric’s fans are behaving? I did see alot of Garth’s fans taking the high road, probably because they are in a different age group and don’t wrap up his celebrity in there identity. It is actually scary how these fans act.
It does not make Carrie look good at all.
nzcountrymusic
November 18, 2019 @ 5:12 pm
And what are some Trisha and Garth fans writing on Carrie’s pages??? I mean get real for goodness sake they all post low blows – it’s twitter, like what do you expect? You never seen an eddition of ‘Mean Tweets’ on Jimmy Kimmel?? Like Gaga said it’s the toilet of the internet.
And implying that what some doush on twitter says is a reflection of the artist is just stupid. It’s only a reflection on the doush who wrote it. Not to mention that little thing called ‘Freedom of speech’ remember or you forget where you live?
Carrie is busy raising her kids, being a wife and working on whatever she has to do next, she’s not going to waste her time policing what others say, why the hell should she? That’s Twitter’s job, go write them an angry letter, don’t take it out on Carrie.
Scrapple
November 18, 2019 @ 12:47 pm
I have no strong feelings on Garth/EC/Carrie/anyone else in regards to this year’s EOTY award, but I was at the Friday night show at the Anthem. Fans didn’t “bring” signs saying that Eric Church should have won. They were clearly distributed to fans by his team before the show. His people were talking to everyone up front well before the show making sure that people would be waving them (and they were the fake-homemade type of signs, printed up to look like handwriting, when in fact they all looked exactly the same).
63Guild
November 18, 2019 @ 12:51 pm
Trig
Are the likes on comments still turned off?
Also I have no problem with Eric doing this
Fan
November 18, 2019 @ 1:01 pm
All I can say is “Poor Losers”
Joyce K
November 18, 2019 @ 1:03 pm
I love Garth and anyone who sings REAL COUNTRY. Garth will not be able to sing forever, so for those that didn’t win, if you’re as good as you think you are, than you will have ample opportunities to win just as Garth has, but if you can’t stay in the industry on top as GB has, then you probably won’t, and maybe you should ask for a participation trophy instead of being a sore loser and disrespecting a COUNTRY LEGEND!!
WhiskeyBrown
November 18, 2019 @ 1:36 pm
This site should change its name to Saving MainStream Country…I cant believe all of these comments defending Garth and carrie underwood… You people are the problem…Garth Brooks is no different than a Sam hunt, Kane brown or FGL…Garth Brooks is playing a character..The powers to be in nashville go and look for super models or people that look marketable..They find somebody with a decent voice then they take em to the nearest country western store and dress them up in a country music Halloween costume…Then they open up their country music catalog and pick main stream poppy songs written by other people that they think will best play to a certain demographic then they push that artist for radio play and awards..All for one reason..MONEY MONEY!!!!!!!The artists you hear on that radio and see at these shows should be the most talent country music artists..Artists that write and play all of their material and are true to themselves…The real country music artists that should be on ever station and all over these award shows dont even get invited and dont get any radio play at all..Tyler childers, Cody Jinks,Whiskey Myers,Jason Eady, Chris Knight, Sturgill Simpson,Evan Felker and jamey Johnson are the real country music artists…That write what they live and live what they write…Garth Brooks is playing and singing songs that was hand picked for him for a reason..Thier is a reason he wins these awards and there is a reason he gets a ton of radio play and has for years…He is a puppet being controlled by the suits in Nashville..He is a cash cow for the powers to be..The same as Carrie underWood and the rest..And what is sad you people buy it hook,line,and sinker..If anybody shouldve won Entertainer of the year..It should have been Tyler Childers..An artist who wrote every single song on his last three albums..Somebody that plays with the same group of musicians that he started with and hasnt hired professionals..He doesnt dress up and put on a costume and have all this fancy stuff on stage..Its just him..his band playing songs that he wrote about the life he lives and has sold out shows all over the country with Nashvilles money and backing.. He is what a country music artist should be…They take us country music fans as fools..Go look up Midland..and go look at what they did before becoming honktonk heros..The lead singer was a underwear model..Garth and the rest is no different..Its all about money and they continue to do it cause you people keep buying it and allowing them to do so…..JMO…
country girl
November 18, 2019 @ 1:44 pm
Lori McKenna blows all of those dudes out of the water………….just sayin’
ScottG
November 18, 2019 @ 10:35 pm
I don’t know, there are some good ones mentioned here, but Lori is a badass and one of my favorites for sure.
Trigger
November 18, 2019 @ 2:26 pm
Hey WhiskeyBrown,
You’re preaching to the choir here. Tyler Childers was the 2018 Artist of the Year. All the names you touted are ones regularly highlighted here. The CMA’s come around once a year, and make for a great way to re-integrate disenfranchised country fans who are staring at their TV’s and wondering, “What the hell happened to country music?” If we don’t engage and offer our dissent about what’s happening in the mainstream, it will never improve. It’s a messy business, but it’s important we stick our noses in and let our voices be heard.
Barry Henderson
November 18, 2019 @ 1:38 pm
Garth Brooks is a fake. Doesn’t have a unique sound. And is NOT the top selling single artist in history as portrayed. BS.
Sheila Stokes
November 18, 2019 @ 2:00 pm
Never have been a big fan of Eric Church. I do like some of his music but not a fan of his voice.
Jill Hiott
November 18, 2019 @ 2:11 pm
Lets just for one minute take Carrie Underwood out of the so called rift and everybody else that was nominated.Since when should Garth Brooks deserve Entertainer of the Year in 2019?Or 2017?He’s had his time in country music! He needs to carry his old a double s home and sit on the porch!! Its like Alan Jackson said a long time ago, the CMAs is an I’ll scratch your back and you can scratch mine organization and he was absolutely correct!!! That’s what this about! Don’t get confused.It has nothing to do with who deserves it.This ain’t their first rodeo with this issue.It won’t be the last neither I can promise you that!! Just hide and watch people!!!
Micco69
November 18, 2019 @ 2:13 pm
This site should have opened up this can of worms and stayed out of this conversation. The CMA set themselves for failure. They should of did the award show differently . Have the country woman show on a different night. Take away the entertainer of the Year out of the show. The men have there entertainer of the Year and the woman have there’s. These award show needs to stop and really think about how to present s the show. This CMA show has left country music fans enraged. Just like politics.
Trigger
November 18, 2019 @ 2:22 pm
Do you mean, “should NOT have”?
The worms were already wiggling. I just gave them some context.
I agree, the 2019 CMA’s have become extremely divisive, it poured gas on the fire of the women in country issue as opposed to doused the flames, and everyone is made about Entertainer of the Year aside from Garth fans. But I’m just reporting on what’s going on. Take it up with the CMA’s. I actually tried to preach the idea of unity before Eric Church chose to stir the pot.
https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/before-cmas-garth-brooks-carrie-underwood-honored-randy-travis/
Lisa Trawick
November 18, 2019 @ 2:17 pm
I don’t think Eric Church is lost any fans because of what he said. Garth Brooks did lip sync and then you end the biggest award of the night you should at least sing with your real voice. I’m not sure about the whole thing with Blake Shelton but anybody would have to admit Eric Church has gotten screwed over. He should have won Entertainer of the Year, hands down
DM
November 18, 2019 @ 2:43 pm
Sounds like “sour grapes” to me! Garth is a fantastic entertainer and has pulled out HUGE crowds! Eric Church just needs to shut up!!
Cynthia McClellan
November 18, 2019 @ 2:51 pm
I was NOT a Garth fan when he was (I hate to say the word), but say it I will ,”hot”. Like some of his music? Yes I did. He willingly stepped away from the business…for 15 YRS. He was able to, and that’s okay. BUT (and it’s huge but for me), he “waltzes” back into the business with one new album. In my area of the US only one single from that album received airplay. (I don’t keep up with tours/other appearances) and he was named Entertainer of the Year??? Were the folks who voted him in reliving his glory days and now stuck in a time warp? I gave up watching any of the country music shows the year Beyonce & The Dixie Chicks performed. What an insult, IMO. Thus, I learned of Garth being awarded EOTY (again) [Nov. 2019]??? Over all the other nominees who were on the road, in the studio, putting themselves out there…the academy/public chose Garth, again? What an insult. The old country boys/gals aren’t happy either, bet on this. It’s acknowledged, the past 20+ yrs of country music is anything but country as it’s smothered in a blanket of pop. I do have my favorites among the country artists of today…an ear for lyrics first, and the instruments second is what keeps me hanging in there. Nothing like a cry in your beer song. To all the other nominees for EOTY award, I’m sorry y’all were robbed.
albert
November 18, 2019 @ 3:08 pm
here’s the big overlooked factor in who gets these awards as explained to us by the likes of Bono , Mick Jagger and even Sir Elton .
once an act is established with that first couple of BIG songs they become a ‘brand’….a company . that company begins to hire hundreds , even thousands of people to keep it afloat and successful . that company CANNOT go under at any cost once it has so many employees and their families to be responsible for in terms of income . lots of things NEED to happen to keep this company rolling including concessions , compromises , MUCH trend -chasing , back scratching and God only knows what other ‘favours ‘ which result in awards . what we see in these big-big-time “country” main-streamers is a result of that alchemy .
I believe it was mick who said ” sure the stones could hang it up ….but we’d put thousands of people out of work ” . we can only imagine how many people garth , carrie . luke b , fgl , church , shelton and urban employ when compared with how many a tyler childers or a sturgil employs . do you think ANY of those mainstreamers can afford to leave anything to chance with all of those payrolls, loans ,commitments and responsibilities to deal with?……
the company’s ‘owners’ are going to compete , fight , cow tow and market market market to ensure THEIR product is successful no matter the ‘quality ‘ of that product . it’s called ‘commercial’ music for a reason .
it doesn’t matter whether garth or eric or carrie wins , to a REAL country fan any more than it matters what store you shop at for cornflakes . and it wouldn’t matter to commercial music fans either if they took the time to understand how they’re being targeted , indoctrinated , conditioned and spoon fed in order to ensure ‘customer loyalty ‘ to the company .
Convict charlie
November 19, 2019 @ 6:55 am
Correct. To give your post a little more context garth’s Old stadium show for the world tour before he retired was 63 trailers. It was the power equivalent of 300 homes. Can’t imagine the crew it takes to just assemble and put back in the trucks. The sheer expenses of it all. Sold out 11 shows in Australia and lost money.
Aaron Watson told me in an interview just at his label he employs 24 full time people. That doesn’t include contract labor and other things to keep it going. He’s doing it all on his own dime and running the label basically.
Rob
November 18, 2019 @ 3:11 pm
I couldn’t agree more. Even his love for Trisha (who I love) is so over the top and fake. He just always seems fake. He was great 20 years ago, but it’s time for him to step back. I honestly didn’t even know he was still singing.
albert
November 18, 2019 @ 3:22 pm
the fact that garth’s lack of authenticity goes unrecognized or simply ignored by so many goes a long way towards explaining why mainstream ‘country’ music is what it is . that target market just doesn’t see through it .
D COX
November 18, 2019 @ 3:19 pm
I will never understand why the “losers” talk shit about the winners. Get pissed at the people who vote. Eric Church is a punk in my opinion. He will never make in his lifetime what Garth made in 3 years.
Mel
November 18, 2019 @ 3:34 pm
They’re all Pop Singers anyway…most of them sound alike. It’s a popularity contest.
Wait your turn, Eric!
Danny
November 18, 2019 @ 3:37 pm
Who is Eric church, a pop artist why would he be in any category with Garth. Just asking for a friend.
Guy
November 18, 2019 @ 3:49 pm
Didn’t know country musicians wanted to ban guns,,,,, oh yeah, Eric is all for it, he doesn’t deserve any country music award
Trigger
November 18, 2019 @ 4:11 pm
Read this:
https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/the-mischaracterization-of-eric-churchs-rolling-stone-cover-story/
Tina Davis
November 18, 2019 @ 5:06 pm
I loved Eric Church until he started his gun control shiff!
JK
November 19, 2019 @ 2:19 am
Country music isn’t your political safe space, it’s a genre.
Jacob
November 18, 2019 @ 4:54 pm
I think you’re all taking this too seriously. He just stirred the pot a little while playing a live show while playing to his fans. He knew they’d love it, the moment felt right, everyone was having fun. Just have a nice chuckle.
Jacob J
November 18, 2019 @ 4:55 pm
I think you’re all taking this too seriously. He just stirred the pot a little while playing a live show while playing to his fans. He knew they’d love it, the moment felt right, everyone was having fun. Just have a nice chuckle.
Donna
November 18, 2019 @ 5:19 pm
IMO awards shows are just a bunch of people patting themselves on the back. The popular kids get the awards and play on radio. The hard working real artists are overlooked. Toby Keith, Billie Currington for example.
Skye
November 18, 2019 @ 5:37 pm
Now that’s funny right there. Sounds like a sore loser to me. Church will be a has been 5 years from now if not sooner.
Rob
November 18, 2019 @ 5:41 pm
EC sucks a wanna be ridding on cover tunes
N
November 18, 2019 @ 5:55 pm
Next thing you know, we are back tracking to handing out participation awards. Come on! Not everyone can win and those that do, were voted for. It isnt a fan voted awards show. It isn’t a male vs female awards show. Why are you pitting people against each other? Plenty of other years when a popular artist did not win. It’s just now,with social media, everyone thinks their opinion matters. Garth Brooks won. Congrats. End of story. Next…
elobo
November 18, 2019 @ 5:59 pm
Been a fan of country music for quite a while and love some of the changes but most people on this thread with their heads on straight admit that none of this music put out today is true country. As some have said yes music changes with time but that doesn’t mean its country. Saying uneducated things like Eric would just play with his guitar just for the fans and it was better than Garth should look at his residency at the Wynn. It was just him and a guitar as he prepped for his return to music. If Garth was truly that bad then people would not go to his shows. If you don’t win stop whining just go out and prove it with your actions. This last part may offend some here too:
Keith Urban was pop long before he was country and even his country music is not real country in the vein of Hank, Waylon, etc …
Eric is not country no matter how hard he tries and his music shows that. While he may be a good artist and write his own music it just isn’t.
Last bagging on an artist for not writing their own music is akin to saying George Strait sucks because most of his hits weren’t written by him but he made them his own. Ill take a George Strait concert ticket before Carrie because of his style of music. Ill take a Garth ticket long before EC because of Eric’s attitude. Maybe if he said Carrie should have won instead of attacking an artist that he will never compare to in showmanship, sales, or sportsmanship. Time to move on Eric your time may come but not with this attitude. The voters while many believe were wrong in their decision are people too and read this stuff to make their decisions. Be a little more country and a little less rock n roll. LOL
Marky Mark
November 18, 2019 @ 6:08 pm
Entertainer of the year: This Award is for the act displaying the greatest competence in all aspects of the entertainment field. Voter should give consideration not only to recorded performance, but also to the in-person performance, staging, public acceptance, attitude, leadership, and overall contribution to the Country Music image. Award to artist.
If your not going to respect your elders, your gonna respect your betters!
Lew
November 18, 2019 @ 6:09 pm
I was at both shows, many fans had signs referring to the award. To acknowledge their admiration, he dropped a line about it. The crowd ate it up and he kept on playing. I doubt Eric (or Garth for that matter) has lost much sleep over it. A more inspiring story would have been about the little boy he brought on stage the second night during “These Boots”. Bottom line, they played two great shows and The Anthem is an outstanding venue. Say what you want about him, but no one left either show disappointed.
Misty
November 18, 2019 @ 6:32 pm
If Eric Church and Carrie Underwood thought they deserved the award. They might want to ask the people that voted the award to Garth. He didn’t give it to himself he was voted the award
Christopher Burrell
November 18, 2019 @ 6:43 pm
If we take Eric at his word, in this case he should follow it, and shouldn’t have covered Are Sure Hank Done It This Way, because he murdered this song. His pettiness that has so marked his career isn’t what bothers me, that is expect from him. What bothers me is that he totally butchered Waylon’s song. This has to be the worst cover of this song I’ve ever heard from a mainstream country artist. Eric needs to do us all a favor, and not cover greats like Waylon if he is going to totally butcher his songs…is a little musical integrity and taking the time to give this song the respect it deserves too much to ask for? Apparently, for Church it is asking too much.
Dan
November 18, 2019 @ 6:57 pm
Ridiculous to throw shade at another artist like he voted for himself to win the award. Thow shade at the judges and the CMA if ya’ll don’t like the out come. This guy is a sore loser.
Lt
November 18, 2019 @ 7:42 pm
Eric Church is not enough outlaw to be a pimple on Waylon’s ass
Lt
November 18, 2019 @ 7:46 pm
Eric Church is not enough outlaw to be a pimple on Waylon’s ass
Marcella Thomason
November 18, 2019 @ 8:39 pm
Toni, I agree 100%
Delmar M Lewis
November 18, 2019 @ 8:59 pm
Ok I dont have a pony in this show except to say Garth deserves his due for what ge has done in the past bit the mew guys need to figure out for themselves how to do the same as far as writing your own songs few if any artist actually do they may write a lune or two in which that actually entitles them to royalties but remember there is a category for songwriters of the year also and song of the year how many artists (singers) do you see getting those as for the new generation I’m sorry but its just not as good as it was (same) goes for rock there is just way to much corporate control based on projections and polling to ever have real country or rock return as ot was in the 50s on up to the 90s I know this from playing music fo 40 plus years both live and in studio
george finley
November 18, 2019 @ 9:12 pm
Eric who?
Rusty Walters
November 18, 2019 @ 9:28 pm
Eric and Carrie
You both just Lost Me As A Fan
Poor Loosers Both of You
And Please Don’t come to 2020 Country Jam.
Garth Deservers So Much More
Rusty Walters
Grand Junction Colorado
nzcountrymusic
November 19, 2019 @ 1:54 pm
Well you weren’t much of a fan then were you so no loss there. I mean what is it you don’t get? Garth was awarded the EOTY not because of hard work but because of $$. It’s celebrating corporate greed and not the artist or their contribution to Country music. If it was about what the CMA’s deemed it’s supposed to be about than the artist who put in the most work for the year (not the last decade) would have won and that was Carrie or Eric, how you can think Garth worked harder then them when all he did was 5 shows for which he just turned up, walked out on stage, sang for a couple of hours then walked off again & went home is beyond me. Yeah that’s real hard work, not. No he gets it cause he made them the most $$, well there’s no spirit of Country music in that is there.
chrystal
November 18, 2019 @ 9:28 pm
Every one seemed to forget that Garth Brooks cheated on Sandy his family while he was on tour with Trisha Yearwood and his wife found out left him and took him to the cleaners to later marry the same woman who helped the Married man destroy a family sounds like a real great entertainer to me
Chris
November 19, 2019 @ 12:47 am
Lol. You realise pretty much every country legend was cheating or drunk or popping pills, right?
People lived the songs they sang.
Tom
November 18, 2019 @ 10:25 pm
Eric Church is just a karaoke singer and Garth Brooks sounds like a dog dyin. Come to think of it they both sound like dogs dyin!!!!!!!!!!! Lots of egotistic bullshit in the music business. They both probably have to use pitch app. On a recording board. Its the record companies fault we have to put up with this nonsense country. No style anymore. We now know the answer to the question Who’s gonna fill their shoes? NOBODY!!!!!!!!!! You cant blame the singers everybody wants to fufil their dream . Its the record executives and bullshit producers that put out this trash country. But as long as you go to these clowns concerts, buy their cd’s watch them on tv, buy their videos and listen to them on the radio and buy the products they endorse you will get to continue to get dog dyin country shoved down your throats while they laugh all the way to the bank. Nashville needs a good cleasing from the top down in the recording and show business industry. In the words of the late Jack Boes, he told me one time ” Remember one thing Tom , they’re all SLUGS!!!!!!!!!!!! EEEEEEEEEEE AAAAAAAAAAAA THE EEEEEEEEEEE AAAAAAAAA ARE MY OWN SENTIMENTS.
Ken
November 18, 2019 @ 10:36 pm
Bring back King George he’s the best!
Chris
November 19, 2019 @ 12:48 am
The importation of pop “stan” culture to country is really showing in these comments.
Trigger
November 19, 2019 @ 8:52 am
Yes. It’s quite alarming. But I think it’s a growing problem across culture, not just country. It’s due to the prevalence of social media.
Rob katana
November 19, 2019 @ 3:42 am
Bunch of sore losers. Maybe a participation award next year will keep them from crying..Nothing but low class.How does a unknown become known? Call out and disrespect knowns..
kristi L garner
November 19, 2019 @ 6:04 am
What we need back is the old country music. Hank, willie,haggard, etc.
I personally dont care for pop country
Te'a Wagner
November 23, 2019 @ 10:11 am
EXACTLY. The difference is back then they were Outlaws that played Country AND Western. The “Artist” ( using that word real loosely ) of today Would NEVER figure out what and who the real Country Artist is. Just like use humans do we think we can improve something that is not broken… It is a sad sad times….
Chris
November 19, 2019 @ 6:43 am
Isn’t the award supposed to be for entertainer of the year? Keyword ENTERTAINER! Not “popular artist”.
I have always had a problem with this category in the awards because I feel that the winner should be the person who is the most entertaining to watch live! I don’t know how much touring Garth did this year ( and I have always been a Garth fan) Carrie is great, the woman has a voice that’s hard to top. Then I watch Eric Church playing sold out arenas doing 2 back to back shows in most. Playing 2 ninety minute sets each night. Not to mention different set lists every night. Keeping the energy up throughout the show and keeping fans on their feet. In my opinion he was the best ENTERTAINER of the year. Garth clearly the more POPULAR!
Like I said I’m a fan of all of them including Keith Urban. That’s just my personal opinion though!