The 2018 CMA Awards LIVE Blog
The snark machine is up and running, the censors have been bound and gagged in the back room, and we’re ready to get the 2018 installment of the Saving Country Music CMA Awards LIVE blog up-and-running. This annual exercise allows us to help keep our sanity, vent our frustrations, register our dissent, find commiseration for what the hell has happened to country music, as well as give credit for any positive events that may transpire throughout the night.
So as you watch along with the awards, keep your refresh fingers at the ready, and feel free to pipe up in the comments section if you have something to share. And please understand this is completely off-the-cuff and without a net, so there will be occasional spelling errors, curse words, and general bad behavior. Bring a thick skin.
For a run down on what you can expect, please check out the 2018 CMA Awards Complete Preview.
WARNING: Language
All times Central time.
WINNERS:
- Entertainer of the Year – Keith Urban
- Album of the Year – Kacey Musgraves “Golden Hour”
- Female Vocalist of the Year – Carrie Underwood
- Male Vocalist of the Year- Chris Stapleton
- Single of the Year- “Broken Halos” – Chris Stapleton
- Song of the Year – “Broken Halos” – Chris Stapleton
- Vocal Duo of the Year- Brothers Osborne
- Vocal Group of the Year – Old Dominion
- New Artist of the Year – Luke Combs
- Musician of the Year – Mac McAnally
- Video of the Year – “Marry Me” by Thomas Rhett
- Musical Event of the Year – Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” by David Lee Murphy and Kenny Chesney
10:30 – There are three major bullet points from the 2018 CMA Awards:
• The Album of the Year win by Kacey Musgraves is massive, and in so many ways. Regardless of how you feel about her music, her public persona, Golden Hour, or anything else, it is a big win for the good guys, meaning people who want to keep substance in country music, people who want to make sure everyone is given an equal playing field, and people who want to make sure radio doesn’t dictate the winners and losers in country. It’s a big win for a deserving album, and like we saw with Entertainer of the Year later, it could have gone to someone much worse.
• Chris Stapleton still dominates awards shows, picking up three more trophies, and giving him a total now of 10 CMAs. It felt a little strange to give him so much love from the song categories, but it’s hard to argue against “Broken Halos,” and again, it could have gone to something much worse. Chris Janson’s “Drunk Girl” is the song that feels like it was left holding the bag.
• Yes, Keith Urban is now the reigning Entertainer of the Year. This feels somewhat similar to when they gave the award to Brad Paisley in 2010 because it was “his time,” and if he didn’t win it that year, he may never win it. But Keith Urban has won previously back in 2005. Perhaps the vote got split, and Keith Urban prevailed. With the way Stapleton was racking up the awards, it felt like it may have been him, and perhaps he siphoned enough votes from Jason Aldean—who also felt like a front runner—and Keith Urban stole one. It’s not about Keith’s overall body of work. His early career is fine. It’s that he’s arguably the biggest sellout in country music at the moment. Keith Urban knows better. Kane Brown and Thomas Rhett don’t. And now we’ve reinforced Urban’s bad music with country’s biggest award.
The awards felt very flat for the first 45 minutes. The Ricky Skaggs tribute helped bring it to life, and after that it remained pretty strong and did not give us much to snark about. Overall the winners could have been much worse, but Keith Urban’s Entertainer of the Year win sure leaves a bad taste in your mouth. Even if it was Jason Aldean, it would be expected. Keith Urban has no business with that trophy.
10:16 –
10:07 – Folks, I am still in shock. I am going to try and compose some final thoughts, run down the winners, and get out of there. THANK YOU to everyone for following along, commenting, liking, retweeting, sharing, etc. Means the world!
10:00 – Seriously, Keith Urban for Entertainer of the Year? What. The. FUCK?
This is an outright abomination. Keith Urban is the worst Entertainer of the Year in the history of the CMA Awards. This is a travesty. It’s not that Keith Urban has had a terrible career, but you can easily make the argument he is the WORST “artist” currently in country, and unarguably the biggest sellout.
What a shitty way to end a night that started off bad, and was going pretty good.
9:57 – LOSER – Country Music. Winner – Keith Urban for ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR ?!?!
9:54 – Ah, Lionel Richie is here. With Luke Bryan, that’s two of the three American Idol judges. Katy Perry would be here too, but she’s busy being deloused in Beverley Hills.
9:52 – Thanks everybody in the comments section. Joanna Cotten is who was singing with Eric Church. She is a member of his band. Yes, I should know this.
9:49 – No argument here about Carrie Underwood for Female Vocalist of the Year. Miranda would have been a fine pick too, but it would have just been one of many. Feels more significant for Carrie. This is her year. Miranda will be back next year, likely with a new album. Too early for Maren.
9:48 – WINNER – The CMA for Female Vocalist of the Year goes to Carrie Underwood.
9:46 – I’m a “Desperate Man” apologist, but this version feels a little thin, once again partially to blame of the washed-out sound.
9:45 – Okay folks, who is the woman singing with Eric Church? He always chooses someone cool. It’s been Rhiannon Giddens and Valerie June in the past.
9:44 – Eric Church comes out to perform “Desperate Man.” Would be cool if Ray Wylie Hubbard was waiting in the wings to comes out to bang some bongos or something.
9:38 – “Slow Burn” is one of the more pedestrian songs from “Golden Hour” compared to “Space Cowboy,” “Rainbow,” and some others, but a real solid performance.
And the sound held up for Musgraves. Seems that the later performers are benefiting from better sound, as are bands that are a bit more quiet. Loud bands get washed out.
9:36 – That’s “Smokin’ Brett Resnick playing with Kacey Musgraves. He’s one of the rocks behind Kelsey Waldon.
9:33 – Album of the Year winner Kacey Musgraves takes the stage to perform “Slow Burn.”
9:32 – WINNER – The CMA for Male Vocalist of the Year goes to Chris Stapleton.
Easy call. Makes it three tonight. Might be four.
9:31 – Martina McBride looks like she just blew in from a Disney on Ice performance.
9:29 – New Brad Paisley song is not bad. Sounds like a soft George Strait tribute.
9:27 – Brad Paisley comes out singing “Bucked Off”—a song he JUST released. Sounds pretty country to me.
9:21 – Damn, Stapleton sounding like B.B. King with his guitar here. The 2nd half of the CMA Awards are definitely better than the first. This isn’t really country, but it’s a nod to the roots and “Americana” influences in the genre.
9:18 – Okay seriously, Maren Morris usually spits the bit on these awards shows, but she did a really good job on this one, despite her culturally-appropriated inflections.
9:17 – ∼ “One of these things is not like the others. One of these things just doesn’t belong.” ∼
9:16 – Ooh! Morgane Stapleton, Dave Cobb, and Marty Stuart joining Chris Stapleton, Mavis, and Morris.
9:12 – Dierks Bentley got his 2018 CMA Awards official wardrobe top at Target in a 5-pack for $6.99.
9:11 – This “Burning Man” Dierks Bentley song totally pisses off actual Burning Man-attending hippies.
9:08 – Thanks to everyone commenting down below! Reading when I can.
One more hour!
9:05 – The Pistol Annies performance of “Got My Name Changed Back” is fine. Fun song, fun performance. Nothing special. Could have been a more meaningful song, but hopefully it gives the radio single a boost, which is the right play in this instance.
9:01 – Everyone at Rolling Stone Country just pitched a tent in their music pants with the Brothers Osborne win. Expect a think piece saying it’s all because they tweet about Trump and pot.
Florida Georgia Line gets razzed once again, and deservedly so. Good win for the good guys.
9:00 – WINNER – The CMA for Vocal Duo of the Year goes to Brothers Osborne.
8:58 – Slow clap for Garth Brooks. Good song, very good performance, and gutsy to come out on stage with just the guitar. Intimate and honest. This is Garth proving when he leaves all the bullshit and marketing behind, he can be a great entertainer, and yes, an artist.
8:56 – Garth Brooks proving here how even the most powerful men in the world still have to bend over backwards for a BJ from their wife.
8:55 – Okay Garth, you better make us weep.
8:53 – If Keith Urban had won Album of the Year, later tonight I’d be in Downtown USA trying to flip over police cars.
8:51 – They awarded the CMA Award for Album of the Year 15 minutes ago to Kacey Musgraves, and they’re STILL naming off the producers for Keith Urban’s “Grafitti U” nomination.
8:47 – Seriously Keith Urban, your pubic hairs are grey. Stop with this 20-something dance club bullshit.
8:47 – …and while we’re at it, let’s build a wall around Georgia Southern university to keep the invading hordes of Bro-Country songwriters at bay.
8:46 -I’d be a strong proponent of passing whatever draconious Trump-era immigration laws one wants to propose if it meant shipping Keith Urban back to Kiwi Land.
8:45 – This performance is why Luke Combs is good, but not great. A work in progress. Better than many of the other up-and-comers, and good to see a guy who looks like America get a shot. But he needs to bring more heart and substance.
8:43 – Seriously, who does Luke Combs think he is with his red solo cup, Toby Keith or Ron White? Put your beverage down and put your heart into it, young man. Screw the image consultants.
8:40 – Back to Kacey Musgraves winning Album of the Year, this is HUGE. As someone who thinks it’s a album with some great songs, but not necessarily a great album, it’s still a huge win on many fronts. It’s a win for women, for songwriters, for artists who are ignored by radio, for artists who receive critical praise but commercial moderation, and it’s symbolic of the Nashville community stepping up and making a statement. This is NOT a political album as some like to say it is. But it’s important to the politics of country music in many ways, and a MUCH better pick than Keith Urban, or Thomas Rhett. Cool moment.
8:37 – “Meant to be, meant to be, meant to be, meant to be, meant to be,” Is this shit over yet? What a forgettable song.
8:35 – The CMAs really missed an opportunity to feature “A Star Is Born” in some capacity tonight. Would much rather see Lady Gaga as the token pop star as opposed to Bebe Rexha.
8:32 – Kacey Musgraves remarks that she moved to Nashville 10 years ago to the day that she wins Album of the Year.
8:31 – WINNER – The CMA for Album of the Year goes to Kacey Musgraves and “Golden Hour”
8:30 – Ahh, I guess it’s in tribute to Burt Reynolds, but still, Midland’s got some good songs. Let them play one, AND play tribute to the Bandit.
8:28 – There’s no bigger fan of Jerry Reed than me, and AWESOME a true country song is getting played on the CMA Awards. But why not give Midland a chance to highlight their original stuff? This is strange.
8:27 – Half way through folks!
8:25 – Great job by all in the Ricky Skaggs tribute, and all worth checking out individually. Sierra Hull is a great songwriter too. I’ll even forgive Keith Urban for getting thrown in there.
8:22 – Of course music is a matter of taste, but you can’t tell me after watching this Ricky Skaggs tribute that more talent wasn’t on display in the last five minutes than the first entire half of the CMA Awards.
8:21– Awesome. Marty Stuart, Sierra Hull, Carson Peters, Brad Paisley all on stage with Ricky, ripping up “Country Boy.”
The fresh-faced fiddler up there Carson Peters is no joke. YouTube his ass when this thing is over.
8:20 – America, on the CMA Awards right now is a guy named Ricky Skaggs. He’s a country & bluegrass musician. What you’re hearing right now is what country music actually is, not what you hear on radio. Please take note, & understand there’s a whole world of music out there like this.
8:17 – Hell yeah! Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder!
8:15 – Your Saving Country Music Alternative Vocal Group of the Year is MIKE AND THE MOONPIES!
8:12 – LOL, when you have to tell people who you are and you have three #1 hits like Brett Young does, you know you’re a generic, forgettable Music Row robot.
8:11 – I’ll forget about Brett Young as soon as they cut to commercial, and thank God.
8:09 – Old Dominion sucks. But seriously, so did this category. Would have loved to see Midland win, and they come with their own baggage.
8:08 – WINNER – The CMA for Vocal Group of the Year goes to Old Dominion.
8:06 – Really solid performance by Carrie Underwood. Not a huge fan of “Love Wins,” and I understand to some she’s more an athletic singer than a graceful one, but it’s hard to not feel inspired when she takes the stage. Best performance so far tonight.
8:04 – Carrie Underwood always has some of the most imaginative presentations. Granted, light shows wouldn’t work for most, but she pulls it off well. “Love Wins” is the first song that feels relevant and pressing up to this point.
8:03– Let’s see if Carrie Underwood can pull this presentation out of the gutter.
7:57 – Hey, it’s a Kellie Pickler sighting! Put her ass on the stage and stop diminishing her as the “dumb blonde” trope.
7:56 – If Old Dominion was a hotel, they’d rent rooms by the hour, have DNA stains on the bedspread, and a throw rug over a murder-sized blood stain in the carpet.
7:54 – Doesn’t Old Dominion have a high school hangout to troll with dime bags? Screw these dudes.
7:53 – The hot chicken bit is a rip off from the Oscars pizza bit, just not nearly as funny.
7:51 – Ah, Kelsea Ballerini saving some money on backup dancers, going with the chair dance troupe that advertises on Craigslist, and performs at senior citizens centers as an aerobic elective.
7:49 – Don’t give hot chicken to Carrie Underwood. She’ll have a baby.
7:47 – Ya’ll know I love Chris Stapleton. But giving Chris Stapleton both “Single of the Year” and “Song of the Year” feels like such a default by the voting community. Good song, but doesn’t deserve a ton of hardware. So many impactful songs out there.
Now Stapleton is all but assured a big night. The CMA cannot NOT vote for that guy if they see his name on a ballot.
7:44 – Lauren Alaina gives a shout out to Dottie West, who was just inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. At least that’s one moment so far for true country.
7:44 – Why does Lauren Alaina always look like she just broke something important and is trying to apologize for it?
7:43 – Dave Cobb once again on the CMA Awards stage. Stapleton dedicates the award to everyone lost in the wildfires in California. Cobb fawns over Lionel Richie and thanks Jesus.
7:42 – WINNER – The Single of the Year goes to Chris Stapleton for “Broken Halos.”
7:40 – “Hey, let’s have the top of the piano get set on fire!”
“Okay cool, but why?”
“It’ll be awesome.”
“Sounds pretty random to me, but whatever. It’s your production budget.”
“It’s fire!”
7:39 – Soft rock adult contemporary forgettable generic American bullshit. The yacht rock of country.
7:37 – Dan+Shay are two haircuts with microphones.
7:31 – The best part of Thomas Rhett is his wife. She more interesting doing nothing than he is performing. That’s why he can’t make a public appearance without her. Thomas Rhett’s got a big bag of nothing.
7:30 – If those horns in this Thomas Rhett performance are live, I’ll eat my hat.
7:28 – Luke Combs ain’t the greatest. But he’s an honest, real guy, and the firewall against Kane Brown, Walker Hayes, et al. “God I love country music man,” he says during his acceptance speech.
7:27 – WINNER – The CMA for New Artist of the Year goes to Luke Combs.
7:26 – New Artist has to go to Luke Combs.
7:25 – Man this whole presentation just feels deflated so far. No energy.
“Drowns The Whiskey” was fine. Miranda said earlier this week, the only way she can get to radio these days is via a penis.
7:22 – Man. Ol’ Aldean is about as flat as a 2-day Michelob left on the kitchen counter.
7:19 – Chris Stapleton winning Song of the Year is a better alternative than Sam Hunt and Dan+ Shay, but it feels like a flat, easy, default, and obvious pick. Really feel like Chris Janson’s “Drunk Girl” was the song that had relevance and impact. Even the “Drowns The Whiskey” collaboration with Jason Aldean and Miranda Lambert would have a little more oomph behind it.
This also means Stapleton could be set up for another HUGE night. NOt a lot of prognosticators had him winning that one. Entertainer of the Year now comes sharper in focus.
7:16 – I’m usually a pretty big fan of Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood open, but it felt pretty flat this year. Possibly trying to avoid all of the political land mines. Comedy is dying as quickly as country music.
7:15 – WINNER: The 2018 CMA for Song of the Year goes to “Broken Halos” by Chris Stapleton and Mike Henderson.
7:13 – Garth Brooks saying “dumbass” on live TV has been the only highlight so far.
7:11 – Is the Nashville Chamber of Commerce paying for this run through of all the sellout celebrity bars on Lower Broadway? I hope so, because otherwise, it is serving no purpose.
7:09 – Yes, Yodel Kid, save this segment. This opening segment is about as enjoyable as shopping at Wal-Mart.
7:07 – This skit with Carrie Underwood dressed up like Colt Ford in a pink smock is hilarious!
7:06 – Opening Carrie Underwood / Brad Paisley bit “A Star Is Bored” is bombing.
7:04 – Seriously though:
7:03 – Well at least some actual country music talent shows up to help Luke Bryan. Ashley McBryde, Jon Pardi, Luke Combs, Lindsey Ell on guitar. They should be the ones with their own performance slots. Cole Swindell bringing up the caboose.
7:02 – Luke Bryan is such a Gomer Pyle-looking goober. Glad Jim Nabors is dead so he doesn’t have to see this.
7:01 – Sorry Luke, but being a middle-aged country pop star with a dad bod scrunched into a pair of skinny jeans is not “What Makes You Country.”
7:01 – Sounds washed out. Not complaining. Luke Bryan is performing.
7:00 – Garth Brooks starts off with a cold open remembering the people killed in the mass shooting in Thousand Oaks, CA at a country dance bar. The names of the victims are displayed.
6:57 – First performance is supposed to be Luke Bryan with “special guests.” At least we get it out of the way early.
6:50 – Early winners announced this morning include “Marry Me” by Thomas Rhett that won for Video of the Year, and “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” by David Lee Murphy and Kenny Chesney has won for Musical Event of the Year. Chris Janson’s “Drunk Girl” deserved Video of the Year more than Thomas Rhett, but this could bode well for Janson’s “Drunk Girl” getting serious consideration for Song of the Year.
Also JUST announced, Mac McAnally is Musician of the Year, again.
6:45 – So this year, the Saving Country Music server has been extra provisioned to help ensure there is no outage, but due to the level of traffic the site receives during this event, there’s no guarantees. So if the connection is lost, be patient, and we’ll get it back online as quickly as possible.
Rachel
November 14, 2018 @ 7:42 pm
I wasn’t as crazy about Golden Hour as most, but this was absolutely the right choice!!
Garrett
November 14, 2018 @ 7:45 pm
Luke Combs is about the only fighting chance we have left in this day and age
Billy Wayne Ruddick
November 14, 2018 @ 10:44 pm
That is a sad statement if true. Thankfully it is far from true.
Cindy S
November 14, 2018 @ 7:47 pm
I was hoping our new soundbar would pipe in some great music but somehow what’s coming through is subpar. Game of Thrones’ theme song on a DVD comes through better than this broadcast. Disappointing.
Old country
November 14, 2018 @ 11:19 pm
Thank God for fast forward
NPC
November 14, 2018 @ 7:47 pm
Glad to see Toby Keith, Jr. getting started early with the red Solo cup… he’ll be selling out drunken stadium shows in no time!
Trigger
November 14, 2018 @ 11:22 pm
Luke Combs didn’t endear himself to folks like he needed to. Put the beverage down and sing.
albert
November 15, 2018 @ 12:15 am
weak song lyrically …and yeah ….luke could at least ACT like he’s into it
Charlie
November 14, 2018 @ 7:48 pm
So wait . . there used to be more of Luke Combs? This is just what’s left??
#NotBodyShaming
TxMusic
November 14, 2018 @ 7:49 pm
So happy for Kacey. A well deserved win for an album that I can listen the whole way through without skipping songs.
albert
November 15, 2018 @ 12:19 am
EVERY song is a mini gem from production to arrangements and melody …God those melodies are stunningly fresh and I never tire of them ….this thing gets better every listen .
she NAILED the vocal on this but I ‘m wondering if there were tracks involved …..some very album-like colours happening in my speakers but not on the screen…hmmmm?
TxMusic
November 15, 2018 @ 6:04 am
If she did use some she made a good choice after watching others struggle without them. Jason Aldean . Oof.
albert
November 15, 2018 @ 9:10 am
I can’t recall EVER hearing Aldean pitch on key in any live performance . How that guy ever got a deal is a complete mystery to me . Its an ‘ emperor ‘s new clothes ‘ scenario…….no one wants to tell him , I guess . And if your a fan you don’t care ( or even hear it ??) I sense that he knows though ….he never looks like he’s enjoying performing live …..he always seems to be struggling like a man looking for the bathroom …..
Troy
November 15, 2018 @ 2:11 pm
He always looks like he’s miserable & wants to be someplace else other than a stage.
Jim L.
November 14, 2018 @ 7:50 pm
The problem with this show is that there just aren’t enough lights moving around.
Richard Spencer
November 14, 2018 @ 7:52 pm
So, Thomas Rhett, FGL, Kelsey & Keith, exactly where is real country music on this show?
Bill Weiler
November 14, 2018 @ 7:58 pm
Ricky and Marty. That’s it.
Big Red
November 14, 2018 @ 8:06 pm
I’d include Midland’s performance, too.
Kevin Davis
November 14, 2018 @ 7:55 pm
I was disappointed by Luke Combs’ performance. The audio mixing was off, as it has been all night, so that’s not Luke’s fault. But, nonetheless, it was a lackluster performance, and the whole “holding a red solo cup in hand” was just cheesy.
He tries too hard to present himself as the all-American blue collar guy, but he doesn’t need these gimmicks. He actually is — at least by Nashville’s low standards today — a genuinely working class sort of guy. We don’t need “proof” like a red solo cup. He’s better than this.
mike
November 14, 2018 @ 8:56 pm
seems like maybe the dude actually wanted a drink after hearing so much shitty much
JB-Chicago
November 14, 2018 @ 9:19 pm
I’ve been saying it for 2 years. Luke, put the fuckin cup down and be a front man. OWN the stage!
The Cup is a crutch!! He does better with the guitar in hand.
albert
November 15, 2018 @ 9:14 am
better management and proper PR would have figured this out in the past . now no one seems to give a damn how you sing , what you wear ,how out-of-touch you come across ( FGL )
Warthog
November 14, 2018 @ 7:57 pm
…was that Waylon’s guitar?
Keith Urban needs to read a Spider-Man comic.
#withgreatpowercomesgreatresponsibility
kiwicountry
November 14, 2018 @ 7:57 pm
Correction Trigger – please and thank you “8:46 -I’d be a strong proponent of passing whatever draconious Trump-era immigration laws one wants to propose if it meant shipping Keith Urban back to Kiwi Land” He was born in NZ but was raised in Australia and considers Australia his home not NZ. So that would be ship him back to the land of OZ – THANK YOU!!!
Trigger
November 14, 2018 @ 8:27 pm
Yeah but if I’d said Australia, Australians would have complained that New Zealand owns him. Can’t win for losing on that one. Nobody wants him around these parts.
Blackh4t
November 15, 2018 @ 12:14 pm
Exactly, as an Australian, i want him sent to NZ.
kiwicountry
November 15, 2018 @ 5:19 pm
And as a Kiwi I’d like your country to stop sending all the criminals your society created back to NZ because they happened to be born and spent like 5mins here, but we can’t have everything we want.
Blackh4t
November 15, 2018 @ 6:29 pm
England sent us their criminals, and we send them to you. Its your turn.
kiwicountry
November 16, 2018 @ 12:41 am
Its alright mate cause at least we dont cheat at cricket. We have a stable government & the ABs actually know how to win rugby games.
Anthony
November 14, 2018 @ 7:58 pm
Garth clearly wanting to redeem himself for lip-syncing.
NPC
November 14, 2018 @ 8:00 pm
Bobby Bones looks like a Sam’s Choice Joel McHale.
Me
November 14, 2018 @ 8:00 pm
Garth sang like someone who had something to prove after the debacle last year.
He really killed it there but the whole thing would’ve landed more had he not had the whole moment pushing it last month.
albert
November 15, 2018 @ 12:24 am
song sucked , IMO, and my God ,,,how much bigger can this guy’s ego get . he’s becoming a parody of himself …he looks like a guy doing a Garth Brooks imitation …..fake emotion , the big ‘G” in the soundhole of is guitar ///WTF ..??
Rachel
November 14, 2018 @ 8:05 pm
This isn’t my favorite off the cd, but it plays super well live!
Kevin wortman
November 14, 2018 @ 8:14 pm
I think Dierks Bentley is looking like Rick Grimes
KellyMJ
November 14, 2018 @ 8:16 pm
I was thinking the same exact thing
Jim L.
November 14, 2018 @ 8:15 pm
Yet another reminder of the Califonia wildfires.
Jim L.
November 14, 2018 @ 8:16 pm
Think they’d rather receive the whiskey.
Anne D.
November 14, 2018 @ 8:17 pm
Do Ashley and Angaleena not sing any of the verses on that song? Or did I just miss them singing?
Trigger
November 14, 2018 @ 8:24 pm
It’s a Miranda-led song for sure.
NPC
November 14, 2018 @ 8:29 pm
They got to participate in all the awkward dance breaks they could ever want!
albert
November 15, 2018 @ 12:27 am
it looked very ‘amateur hour ‘ ….high school musical kinda thing ….stupid song too
Black Boots
November 15, 2018 @ 10:42 am
Nah
White Cleats
November 15, 2018 @ 11:46 pm
Thank goodness they don’t. Angeleena and Ashley are ridiculously out of tune and under the note whenever I hear them live. Especially Angaleena. How Pistol Annies receives so much praise when 2/3rd of them can’t sing is beyond me.
albert
November 22, 2018 @ 11:13 pm
well ….exactly …the vocals are always suspect ….but yeah …Miranda comes closest to nailing her parts …..
So WHY are we getting THIS and not folks like the flawless-pitched Sara Evans ?
KellyMJ
November 14, 2018 @ 8:18 pm
Wondering why they don’t mention anything about the devastation in Florida following Hurricane Michael.
Trigger
November 14, 2018 @ 8:24 pm
Good point. It may be coming up. Luke’s mom had a house destroyed in the hurricane.
The Dot
November 14, 2018 @ 8:18 pm
Am I going to hell if I wanted other people inside that wall of flames? Trapped forever so they couldn’t come out? I’d toss all bro country in there along with crossovers. Maren and Kelsey, join them. Come back when you become country again.
TxMusic
November 14, 2018 @ 8:24 pm
Yes
Me
November 14, 2018 @ 8:23 pm
Mavis Staples is 79 years old and has tons of energy when she sings.
Jason Aldean is roughly half her age and has less energy than Bernie while Jonathan Silverman is carrying him around the beach house.
Crsync
November 14, 2018 @ 8:27 pm
Man am I tired of cutaways to way too groovy dancing celebrities. They look like extras on a Beach Blanket Bingo set.
Troy
November 14, 2018 @ 9:05 pm
I fuckin laughed a lot more than i should after reading this comment. Ahaha
TxMusic
November 14, 2018 @ 8:28 pm
That was incredible.
Elizabeth Flax
November 14, 2018 @ 8:30 pm
Why wasn’t Darius Rucker performing? (or did I miss it?) I missed him.
Big Red
November 14, 2018 @ 8:30 pm
Decent song by Brad Paisley. Sounds like country, so I’m sure it won’t go anywhere on radio.
Hey Arnold
November 14, 2018 @ 8:32 pm
I’ve always thought Luke Bryan looked like Mayberrys Gomer Pyle!! Goooollllyyy. Shazam, what makes me country!!!
hoptowntiger94
November 14, 2018 @ 8:32 pm
Brad’s recycling ideas … did this song with Alabama a few years ago.
Big Red
November 14, 2018 @ 8:54 pm
Really? You mean “Old Alabama” – the song Brad did with Alabama? The song that was about picking up his girlfriend and driving around listening to Alabama? And parking in a holler, making out, while listening to – wait for it – Alabama?
That song is the same as “Bucked Off” which – from what I heard – sounded like a break up song? Same idea, huh?
hoptowntiger94
November 14, 2018 @ 9:48 pm
Absolutely, Yes.
Old Alabama: He used Alabama song titles and worked them into a song and sampled Mountain Music at the end.
Bucked Off: Dropped George Strait tiles throughout the song and sampled Amarillo by Morning at the end.
DARN NEAR THE SAME AND NOT VERY ORIGINAL
hoptowntiger94
November 14, 2018 @ 9:59 pm
Now I’m fired up.
Old Alabama drops:
Dixie Land Delight
Feels So Right
Why Lady Why
Love in the First Degree
and samples Mountain Music
Buck Off drops:
Cowboy Rides Away
I Can Still Make Cheyenne
Marina Del Rey
and samples the fiddle part of Cowboy Rides Away
Do you see the formula now?
Big Red
November 14, 2018 @ 10:08 pm
Guess he couldn’t get King George to sing with him like he did Alabama?
Big Red
November 14, 2018 @ 10:17 pm
In the single version (which I’m accessing on YouTube), I’m not catching any direct reference in the final fiddle part. In fact, someone in the comments there said it was from “Amarillo By Morning”.
To be fair, I think what was performed tonight had a longer fiddle outro than the single. But I surely don’t recall what it was.
hoptowntiger94
November 14, 2018 @ 10:35 pm
The outro tonight on the award show was the fiddle part to Amarillo by Morning (not Cowboy Rides Away). I mistyped.
gabman1234567
November 17, 2018 @ 6:30 pm
Also, when performed on Wednesday night, the last note played on the song was the opening note from “The Chair.”
Big Red
November 14, 2018 @ 10:27 pm
Last post:
I can see what you’re saying. But I’ll stand by my first comment, too. The songs are completely different. “Old Alabama” is an upbeat, fun love song. “Bucked Off” is an upbeat break up song.
So, I guess we’re both right. Or wrong.
When I first heard it earlier, I actually was thinking how it was a “country” topic Brad hasn’t sung about before (cowboys, rodeos) and how it was cool to hear something different from him. (And that it wasn’t some of the usual Brad Paisley topics like fishing, drinking, life on the water, being/living in the country.)
Fesgrow Wubudah
November 14, 2018 @ 8:34 pm
Kacey Musgraves, sit on MA face!
liza
November 14, 2018 @ 8:35 pm
Chesney cancelled due to a death in his family.
Trigger
November 14, 2018 @ 8:43 pm
Ah! Thanks for the update. Wonder if Eric Church was the last minute replacement, or if it will be someone else.
liza
November 15, 2018 @ 9:16 am
Chesney’s grandmother passed away on Monday and Eric was announced the next day.
hoptowntiger94
November 14, 2018 @ 8:35 pm
Slow Burn is right off Sheryl Crow’s Global Sessions.
Eileen Ellis
November 14, 2018 @ 8:36 pm
VERY bad to sing a song about burn with shoots of flames up in the air and a constant ring of Fire all around around Derek’s Bentley and the Osbourne Family. Singing the word burn so much could not count. All through the CMAs tonight fire in so many graphics. All the ticket money should go to Calf Fire victoms. Plus give 1 million each the big $$stars.
Liz
November 14, 2018 @ 8:39 pm
What makes you think we would want Keith back in Aotearoa?
Big Red
November 14, 2018 @ 8:39 pm
“Slow Burn” sounds like something Jason Isbell would do.
Tex Hex
November 15, 2018 @ 1:43 pm
Was even thinking Beck. “Sea Change” or “Morning Phase” eras.
TxMusic
November 14, 2018 @ 8:43 pm
Kacey proving herself tonight.
Eileen Ellis
November 14, 2018 @ 8:46 pm
Too many songs and stage graphics about fires. All the ticket $$ should go to the families who fled their homes having nothing to come back to. Plus all the hurricane victims still suffering. Please do a music festival of country stars to benefit the victims.
Steve
November 14, 2018 @ 8:46 pm
Not one Blake Shelton mention or sighting.
S
November 14, 2018 @ 9:05 pm
He’s in Kansas. And he wasn’t nominated so why would he go. Tim and Faith aren’t there either. Looks like those nominated or have music to push. I think Eric was last minute. Or he probably wouldn’t have been there either. Kenny was to be there. Oh great job Trig! I
S
November 14, 2018 @ 9:10 pm
He’s in Kansas. And why would he go if he wasn’t nominated or performing. No reason to go.
Kat
November 15, 2018 @ 2:21 pm
That’s why the ratings were at an all time low.
For The Birds
November 15, 2018 @ 3:05 pm
Got My Name Changed Back says hi!
2Barefeet
November 14, 2018 @ 8:49 pm
Joanna Cotton dining with Eric Church
2Barefeet
November 14, 2018 @ 8:52 pm
*singing
Brian
November 14, 2018 @ 8:50 pm
That is Joanna Cotten, she is part of his band and he features her a lot live.
Gerald
November 14, 2018 @ 8:50 pm
Joanna Cotton with EC
FlyingVee
November 14, 2018 @ 8:51 pm
Joanna Cotten with Eric. She’s in his band.
Jessica
November 14, 2018 @ 8:51 pm
Joanna Cotten- she is usually at most or all of his shows on tour.
Katie
November 14, 2018 @ 8:52 pm
Joanna Cotten is a member of Eric Church’s band at this point.
The Dot
November 14, 2018 @ 8:52 pm
Hooray for Carrie. She might over sing, but that’s such a well deserved win. Her voice is gorgeous.
TxMusic
November 14, 2018 @ 8:53 pm
Really wanted a Kacey or Maren win tonight. Tired of the switch off between Miranda and Carrie. Hopefully this was the last year.
Lisa Jones
November 14, 2018 @ 8:55 pm
Joanna Cotton w/ Eric Church. She’s his usual back up singer. Jeff Hyde was also playing with him tonight, he’s been part of the band and has a good solo release right now too.
Jacob
November 14, 2018 @ 8:55 pm
It’s Johanna cotton with Eric church. She regularly tours with him and sings backup on lots of his songs. Most notably, in my opinion, over when it’s over amen chatanooga Lucy. She’s got pipes.
Lisa
November 15, 2018 @ 3:57 am
Over when it’s over is always amazing live with her! She’s so great- and they have a great chemistry together that’s fun to watch!
DDB0570
November 14, 2018 @ 8:55 pm
That’s Joanna Cotton with Eric Church, a regular member of his band.
Anne D.
November 14, 2018 @ 9:00 pm
Holy cow, Keith Urban won an award. And not just a reward, Entertainer of the Year!
Anne D.
November 14, 2018 @ 9:02 pm
Thanks autocorrect.
ManBearPig
November 14, 2018 @ 9:00 pm
The more I listen to Golden Hour the more I realize how good those songs are.
albert
November 15, 2018 @ 12:35 am
the more I listen to everyone else’s music , the more I realize how much I’ve missed GREAT songs and melodies . Kacey gets it ……SHE’s writing what music is missing
LG
November 15, 2018 @ 3:49 am
I’ve kind of come around to this. I was a bit disappointed at just how “pop” Golden Hour was when it was released. I loved Pageant Material so much, and was really hoping for rootsier sounds. But I called this “pop” without really listening to what “pop” is these days. And checking out a little bit of of pop radio, most of it is absolutely appalling. It’s vulgar, materialistic, and just plain stupid. Golden Hour is a win for songwriting. It’s a win for smart musical choices. It’s a win for trying to create art that will last beyond the life of one’s latest instagram post.
TxMusic
November 15, 2018 @ 8:07 am
I compare Golden Hour to Ashley Monroe’s Sparrow. I really wanted to like Sparrow. Loved a lot of the production but Im not sure how to describe it, it feels like work to find the enjoyable parts in her songs. Golden Hour I just put on and it all comes together so effortlessly. It’s such a feel good album to listen to and every song is 100% Kacey.
For the Birds
November 15, 2018 @ 2:59 pm
I’ve barely listened to anything other than Golden Hour since it came out until Interstate Gospel.
Doug
November 14, 2018 @ 9:02 pm
Is a desperate man really sympathy for the devil?
LG
November 15, 2018 @ 3:38 am
I think it’s an intentional musical reference. He’s done this sort of thing before, like how “Mr. Misunderstood” echos Wilco’s “Misunderstood,” even mentioning Tweedy in the lyrics.
CaseyK
November 14, 2018 @ 9:02 pm
WOW!!!! Shocker!!! Did not see that coming. Hoping Stapleton would have swept.
Troy
November 14, 2018 @ 9:03 pm
Holy shit! They got it right with Kacey Musgraves winning Album of the Year & Carrie winning Female Vocalist. But Keith Urban??!!! For EOTY???!! WTF??? That’s total bullshit. His album is fucking dumpster juice at best and he WINS??!! For a 3rd rate pop album???!!! That’s a kick in the teeth to country music. He ain’t country!!!!
albert
November 15, 2018 @ 12:38 am
I am not a fan of Urban’s music whatsoever …BUT I get that LIVE he probably delivers a high energy show of stuff HIS fans love . If entertainer of the year is based on ACTUAL live shows and ACTUAL entertaining , the award probably went to the right person . Again …NOT because of his music ….
Hey Arnold
November 14, 2018 @ 9:05 pm
I’ve gone to Keith concerts beforw and he seriously puts on great shows. A true entertainer. You can criticize his songs being “pop” … But he lives, breathes musicality beats, rhymths, etccc.
Glad Aldean or luke didn’t
liza
November 14, 2018 @ 9:05 pm
Trigger…have you ever seen Urban in concert???
Trigger
November 14, 2018 @ 11:30 pm
God no.
Again, not saying he’s terrible overall, but he’s terrible right now. His last two records were godawful. I don’t care how good he is in concert. He’s a great guitar player and can sing, I get it. But his musical direction cannot be rewarded with an Entertainer of the Year trophy. It’s wrong even for country pop.
The GHost of Grandpa Jones
November 14, 2018 @ 9:10 pm
Double turds!
Kevin Davis
November 14, 2018 @ 9:12 pm
Wow! I’m genuinely surprised with Keith Urban winning EOTY. I’m disappointed, of course.
I’m curious about the voting dynamics. How does Stapleton win song, single, and male vocal but not EOTY?! It seems to me like a corporate “thank you” to Keith Urban for being such a nice guy and ambassador of “country” music…especially to the yankees and the west cost.
This sucks. Keith Urban is a traitor to country music. His midlife crisis is boring.
Big Red
November 14, 2018 @ 9:13 pm
Trig, thanks for doing this. It’s way more fun watching the awards shows with this community. Also, kudos on not having any outages this year!
Trigger
November 14, 2018 @ 11:31 pm
Thanks for reading Big Red.
Corey
November 14, 2018 @ 9:14 pm
Aw, come on, Katy Perry is good people. She has bad taste in men, but that’s a cheap shot.
Maierrose
November 14, 2018 @ 9:14 pm
Okay, I know this is not going to be a popular opinion on this site but-have you ever heard Keith Urban in concert? He is phenomenal. I hate his newest album but love a lot of his earlier stuff. I have seen all five of this year’s ETOY nominees in concert-and I think this was a really weak field-but he puts on by far the best concert of the five.
Derek Sullivan
November 15, 2018 @ 7:51 am
Just like when Garth won, ETOY is not a nostalgia award. I saw Paul McCartney in concert last year and he was amazing, but he’s not winning American Music Awards because his current albums suck and he’s an act you see in concert to hear older material. ETOY needs to be an in the moment award or just give every country award to Garth Brooks and every Grammy/AMA to the Rolling Stones or U2. Keith Urban is good in concert because he has a catalog of hits that his fans know all the words to. Not because he’s had an amazing 2017-18.
Melvis
November 14, 2018 @ 9:17 pm
Thanks for the play-by-play, It meant I didn’t have to suffer through the show. Meanwhile, sat back, read the comments and listened to some Chris Knight.
alice brattin
November 14, 2018 @ 9:25 pm
A true disappointement. Where’s Country Music. I hate revivals and this,is what it was. So sad, so terribly sad.
Troy
November 14, 2018 @ 9:31 pm
Keith Urban for EOTY??!! For what? Putting together a horribly overproduced EDM album during his midlife crisis??!! He’s a reason WHY we need people like Trigger and SCM. I just can’t wrap my brain around the fact that people genuinely consider this man’s music country. I wipe my ass with his shittily produced ear cancer he calls music.
Phil Oxford
November 14, 2018 @ 9:32 pm
This has become a bit of a cliche to say, but Urban’s trajectory hurts even worse given his talent, good-guy persona, and seeming knowledge (even appreciation?) of tradition and real stuff. He can’t be let off the hook on grounds of ignorance or lack of ability, nor does he need the sellout money in order to put a roof over his wife’s head. He knows exactly what he’s doing to country music, and he’s laughing all the way to CMT’s EOTY. Fuck that.
He does have entertainment chops. Absolutely. But he only qualifies for the Derivative Dreck Music Television awards. I’d happily him a DDMT EOTY, but stay the HELL away from our country music.
On second thought, let the 50-yr-old do what the hell he wants. If he wants to squander his talent on some pop shit, fine by me.
The CMT VOTERS are the ones who just validated this guy with this country music award. Seriously? SERIOUSLY??? Fuck THEM.
Troy
November 14, 2018 @ 9:37 pm
He’s in the middle of a midlife crisis. Men tend to do shit that is completely out of character, but this is an abomination as Trig stated. I can’t believe I’m gonna say this, but I’d rather have Luke Bryan win that Keith Urban. At least Luke’s music is closer to country than that imposter Urban.
PSU Mike
November 14, 2018 @ 10:13 pm
Agreed…I had a long, drawn out post that I was going to type that basically said the same thing that you just said. But, ANY of the other nominees would’ve been better choices. Stapleton made the best music and is arguably the strongest representative country music has going for it. Bryan and Chesney both have tremendous touring stats, and have cut/released singles in the last year that sound country. Even Aldean, who isn’t a very good live singer (which he showed tonight)…at least had a nice story about perseverance, by going back on stage after what he experienced in Las Vegas. When I first saw the nominees, Urban was the only one who I gave no shot, given the lack of critical/commercial success he had for that trainwreck of an album. But…somehow the CMA’s awarded him…and I feel like they missed a giant opportunity to go elsewhere.
Nicole K
November 14, 2018 @ 9:37 pm
Basically Keith urban won entertainer of the year because all 8400 producers on that album voted for him
Trigger
November 14, 2018 @ 9:44 pm
Good point. Ballot box stuffing.
Troy
November 14, 2018 @ 9:49 pm
Trig, it still doesn’t check out for me. How can someone win for an album that belongs on pop radio and a Top 40 format? I’d rather have Luke Bryan win instead. At least his music is closer to the genre, as much as it pains me to say that.
Hey Arnold
November 14, 2018 @ 9:43 pm
Best moment/quote of the whole show was this “Hey y’all, I’m Brett Young. Mercy was my 4th consecutive #1 hit on radio”
Full of himself much? Always stay Humble & Young.
Also, he only has three #1s.. Not four…Awk..
Gabe
November 15, 2018 @ 6:32 am
He has 4 mediabase #1s (Sleep without you was a mediabase only #1) so he’s technically correct
Desperado Destry
November 14, 2018 @ 10:01 pm
Well I’m came back like I said I would be at the beginning of the show and blog. First thing I see is Keith Urban as Entertainer of the Year. I realized I didn’t miss anything. Then I see a picture of Gomer Pyle with a guitar and start reading through the timeline. I realize I do miss something… real country music. The songs that tell about much faith, hope, inspiration, love, heartbreak, the stories of life that slap you in the face and make you cry like a little girl while making you into a tough as nails man all at the same time, and most of all, the heart and soul of the music and entertainer. That’s what I miss. That’s what you miss. And that’s what Nashville is missing.
Tequila Arnold
November 14, 2018 @ 10:06 pm
My CMA after partyyyy is right here in the comment section. Whiooo. Thank U Trigger Kyle, I’ve never been invited to a party before.
I might have drank 2 much Tequila. But I can turn down any party…
Call me Tequila Arnold from now on.
I love U all 💘 snap crackle pop rice crispies.
Please tell my organic chem professor I might be late to my 3pm class.
Desperado Destry
November 14, 2018 @ 10:10 pm
Hahaha… the Charlie Rich moment. Nice one Trigger… drop the mic bud. I almost forgot about that. The funny thing was John Denver was on satellite so he couldn’t even see Charlie. Haha. If only we had more guys like him today.
Gina
November 14, 2018 @ 10:12 pm
Well, I missed the live broadcast because I was at Ty Childers tonight, but yay for Kacey, Chris, and Brothers Osborne. Overall a decent list of winners all things considered.
PSU Mike
November 14, 2018 @ 10:22 pm
I sat through all of this, and despite a rough first hour…the last two hours of that show really picked up, in terms of performances and winners. It was a good night, but that Urban EOTY is just stunning to me…I couldn’t have been more shocked than if the “Bellamy Brothers” were announced as vocal duo of the year, despite not even being nominated.
And, as an FYI, I actually supported the guy when he won the same category back in 2005. But, back then he was cutting songs by Rodney Crowell and Radney Foster…those guys are practically Hank Cochran and Bobby Braddock, compared to whatever the hell is on Graffiti U.
David stevenson
November 14, 2018 @ 10:38 pm
What’s up with the sound on the performs it goes down on the presenters it goes up to normal! Sound engineer what????????
RWS
November 14, 2018 @ 11:27 pm
“I’d be a strong proponent of passing whatever draconious Trump-era immigration laws one wants to propose if it meant shipping Keith Urban back to Kiwi Land.”
Trigger, that was f-in hilarious. I’m still laughing. Thank you.
Matt M.
November 14, 2018 @ 11:46 pm
I’m a little disappointed that Chris Janson didn’t get to perform, but I guess it was more important for the show to spend that time naming all 17 of the producers on Graffiti U.
Bamstrait
November 15, 2018 @ 3:31 am
I long for the days when country music was geared towards adults.
How did Travis Tritt never get the respect that Stapleton does, seeing as there is not much difference in their vocals?
the realist
November 15, 2018 @ 6:19 am
I didn’t watch this clown show. Instead, I turned the TV off and put on a Charley Pride CD while I cleaned my hunting rifle.
Dirt Road Derek
November 15, 2018 @ 6:41 am
Pistol Annie’s and Ricky Skaggs were the highlights for me. Everything else was pretty painful to sit through. Thankfully I had my phone and a bottle of whiskey to keep me entertained. I found some interesting articles on BoredPanda.
Is it awful that I was hoping for some boos from the audience during Meant To Be?
Dirt Road Derek
November 15, 2018 @ 7:05 am
Correction: Luke Bryan opening the show was another highlight for me, although I would’ve preferred it to be a solo performance rather than dragging out the obligatory guest vocalists. Still, I love that song, even though that’s going to a very unpopular opinion here.
Also, I LOVE Brad Paisley but his performance was pretty underwhelming for me. “Bucked Off” sounds like a filler track or a b-side, not a proper Paisley single.
And yeah, Stapleton’s performance, with Morris and Mavis, was better than many of the other performances, but it just didn’t wow me as much as Skaggs or the Pistols.
Derek Sullivan
November 15, 2018 @ 7:53 am
The production isn’t great on Bucked Off, but once I’ve heard it a few times and I can listen to the lyrics, it isn’t bad.
Dirt Road Derek
November 15, 2018 @ 8:22 am
I haven’t heard the studio version, but I don’t think it’s a bad song. It just doesn’t sound like a single to me, or as strong as the songs off of Love and War.
gabman1234567
November 15, 2018 @ 9:54 pm
I would have to agree Derek. Bucked off was a fun song to listen to, but it was overproduced for my ears.
Dirt Road Derek
November 15, 2018 @ 3:11 pm
Another correction: Eric Church’s performance was another highlight for me. He sounded fantastic and looked like he was having a blast onstage.
Jack Williams
November 15, 2018 @ 7:58 am
Definitely want to see a video of the full Ricky Skaggs performance. So far, I’ve only found a 30 second tease of a clip on Billboard. Apparently, Keith Urban was a late replacement for an ill Vince Gill.
gabman1234567
November 17, 2018 @ 6:35 pm
Here’s a link to the Ricky Skaggs performance: https://abc.go.com/shows/cma-awards/video/most-recent/VDKA6419751?fbclid=IwAR0fp7-V_-ykrmJplJB7i9eLFlt0qG6PnmStDIShGrfOr5xFPGXFwlZulVs
Carla
November 15, 2018 @ 8:12 am
Someone please help me understand the presenter who wore a thong bathing suit with a fishnet over it as a dress. It was absolutely unacceptable for an awards show.
Kristen
November 15, 2018 @ 8:15 am
Only highlights fir me were definitely Pistol Annie’s and the Ricky Skaggs tribute, everything else boring and sounded terrible. Did they even have Miranda’s mic on during drowns the whiskey. She makes the song and couldn’t hear her. Jason sounded terrible..Didn’t agree with some of the winners but oh well. Sorry didn’t agree with Carrie winning or Keith urban and Kasey just comes across wrong to me.
Greg
November 15, 2018 @ 8:32 am
Sounds like I missed very little,if any,of the awards.Glad I did not watch.
The thing I’m curious about is: Did they (the CMA) say anything about Freddie Hart’s recent passing? Or About the passing of Dave Rowland of the group Dave & Sugar?
Trigger
November 15, 2018 @ 1:28 pm
There was no In Memoriam segment. The only person who received a tribute aside from the Hall of Fame inductees was Burt Reynolds.
Greg
November 15, 2018 @ 3:20 pm
Why am I not surprised?
It’s almost safe to say,had Roy Clark passed before the awards were held,they would not have paid tribute to him either.
Thanks for the info on Freddie & Dave,Kyle.And keep up the great work on Saving Country music website.I really enjoy reading your columns.
JB-Chicago
November 15, 2018 @ 8:45 am
Random thoughts……I enjoyed seeing the smile on Ashley McBryde’s face as she sang her line. Although I’m happy Stapleton takes awards away from artists we on here can’t stand he’s still over rated and I don’t listen to his albums. I’ll take Jinks over him any day. I love the Musgraves album but it’s not even close to being Country music. I’ll take Sarah Shooks’ “Years” as my album of the year. I hope now that Luke Combs is “in” he doesn’t go full Pop bullshit on us. How about instead of “Can I Get An Outlaw” you try actually BEING a little more Outlaw…lol The site of Keith Urban makes me vomit. Brett Young is an emotionless chode aimed (like most everything in Country) at mom/daughter combo’s. Still enjoy Midland but the stoic look/costume thing is wearing thin on me. Hope the new album is good. And oh yeah……….Trigger/SCM should get a CMA for best Country website because this site has changed my musical life. I came right here to the comments after I watched the show on TiVo delay. Comments = priceless.
Stringbuzz
November 15, 2018 @ 10:02 am
Would be priceless to see Sarah Shook at the CMAs.. My AOTY as well. Substance
Greg
November 15, 2018 @ 9:42 am
Kyle does a great job with the Saving country music site.He’s a great guy.
Tyrone
November 15, 2018 @ 10:02 am
I’m just relieved that “Meant To Be” didn’t win anything.
JB-Chicago
November 15, 2018 @ 12:24 pm
Not exactly on the awards topic but close. Our Country Lake Shake headliners + ticket sales were announced and at least Miranda with The Annies are headlining the night in between Bryan and Urban. Good for Miranda! I think she headlined 2 years ago. As we’ve discussed before not a lot of females can headline the 30,000 + people festivals and Underwood probably wouldn’t do it anyway.
ScottG
November 15, 2018 @ 12:38 pm
I know the horse has left the gate awhile ago, but it still hits me everything I try to watch these things. Everyone PRETENDING that 75% or more of this is actually country, is surreal. Most of it is watered down wanna be r&b / pop / something. Nothing wrong with that I guess if its your thing – but still calling this The Country Music Association Awards? And actual country, and whatever we want to call this other pop music, seems to be clashing by contrast, more with each passing year. It’s so awkward. Something has to give…
TxMusic
November 15, 2018 @ 12:50 pm
Last nights show scored the lowest ratings ever. People have grown tired of the same old thing every year.
ScottG
November 15, 2018 @ 1:16 pm
I have no idea about those things…how does it compare to other awards shows and tv viewing in general? Isn’t everything in decline?
TxMusic
November 15, 2018 @ 3:37 pm
Ratings are in slow decline but the CMAs were down 34% in the key demographic and a 4 million viewers down from last year. That’s a big dip.
Trigger
November 15, 2018 @ 1:22 pm
It was also a VERY slow start. All the meat came after the first hour. If it wasn’t my job to cover it, I would have tuned out, which means I would have also missed some important moments.
TxMusic
November 15, 2018 @ 3:40 pm
I would love to see a breakdown of the audience and what they tuned in for.
Did you see Kacey jumped to the top of the iTunes chart?
K Cameron
November 15, 2018 @ 1:07 pm
It felt like I was watching the Disney Channel….Dear Lord, What has happened to Country Music!
Kyle
November 15, 2018 @ 6:40 pm
What the hell is a Dan & Shay? Mom’s sweater and sisters jeans….
Nan
November 16, 2018 @ 2:51 pm
I thought the CMA Awards were more fun to watch this year, with a sort of “insiders view” from being on this Site!
The Pistol Annies—A fun song to hear, they were so cute in their performance of it, neat back-drop of video for the song, too.
Garth Brooks—The guy delivers. The guy can sing a ballad.(I know there’s another article on this).
I thought Maren Morris held her own on that stage, and a very enjoyable collaboration.
Carrie Underwood—A “show stopper” with that song, can’t help but be moved by it. A treat for the eyes, the colors behind her during the performance.
Kelsea Ballerini—I think she has a nice voice. Out of all the performances, though, I thought it was the least “Country”, and seemed like it belonged at a ‘Pop Awards’ show. Also her move with the chair seemed taken right from Beyonce’s at the Grammy Awards.
I think I became a fan of Brothers Osborne. I thought they gave the best acceptance speech, hilarious mention of “Fl. recount”, and the shout out to Dan & Shay was classy. I really like their sound. Never knew much about them, was made aware of them recently from a RS short article (in their main pub.).
Eric Church—He is so enjoyable to watch, always gives his all. He seems to have a lot of fun performing, which adds to it. The guy just gets cooler each time I see him.
Lionel Richie—It was a thrill to see him in the audience at the start of the show, and him as presenter at the end. (Still hoping for a “Tuskegee 2”, after that wonderful Album and Concert).
Wendy
November 16, 2018 @ 6:34 pm
In general, the show got off to a slow start. Brad and Carrie should be over. They cannot keep it fresh any more. It’s a turnoff.
Shame on Garth Brooks and his potty mouth response to Brad. Thankfully, Luke saved the moment by not being too famous to show us the floss.
Kasey Musgraves music is not country. Carrie was just mehl Probably Miranda was a better choice.
And all the NON country music people presenting? What’s up with that???? I don’t need Lionel Ritchie, or Mavis Staples, or Rita Wilson, and so many more on my COUNTRY awards show.
And there should be a dress code. Some of the women were ridiculous including that one from Sugarland. Give me a break Show a little class ladies!
The performance I enjoyed the most was Thomas Rhett’s. It had some energy.
It’s too bad the Country Greats don’t come anymore: didn’t see the Jacksons, the McGraws, or the Straits.
Solo cup guy wants to be Toby Keith, is that what he was doing. I cannot believe he won the awrd he won. More deserving people on that nomination list.
And what is the baggage with Midland? They look like a trio of criminals, espcially that one. YUCK!
Just my two cents
Woogeroo
November 18, 2018 @ 3:28 pm
I haven’t seen/heard any of it, but the BJ comment about Garth has been cracking me up for days now, thanks Trig.