The 2020 CMA Awards LIVE Blog
Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the 2020 installment of the always-explosive Saving Country Music CMA Awards LIVE blog. As the presentation transpires, thoughts, prayers, pointed remarks, keen observations, and probably a few swear words and errant typos will be presented in real time. Yes, there will be some fun at other people’s expense, so bring a think skin, but we’ll also give credit where credit is due.
For a run down on what you can expect, including presenters, performers, what songs will be performed, nominees, and everything else, please check out the 2020 CMA Awards Complete Preview.
And of course, YOUR feedback and observations are always welcome, so please feel free to pipe up in the comments section.
WARNING: Language
All Times Central Time.
WINNERS:
– Entertainer of the Year – Eric Church
– Album of the Year – Luke Combs – What You See Is What You Get
– Male Vocalist of the Year – Luke Combs
– Female Vocalist of the Year – Maren Morris
– Duo of the Year – Dan + Shay
– Group of the Year- Old Dominion
– Song of the Year – “The Bones” – Maren Morris
– Single of the Year – “The Bones” – Maren Morris
– New Artist of the Year – Morgan Wallen
– Music Video of the Year – Miranda Lambert – “Bluebird”
– Musical Event of the Year – Carly Pearce and Lee Brice – “I Hope You’re Happy Now,”
10:10 – It had its moments. Chris Stapleton and Ingrid Andress performances, Charley Pride making a surprise appearance, performance, and speech. But overall, the 2020 CMA Awards seemed like an exercise in trying to put on a brave face among political rancor and rising COVID-19 cases, and generally failing. Unlike the ACMs just last month, which got much more creative with venues and performances, and brought energy despite the lack of a crowd, the CMAs just felt flat for the most part.
Maren Morris had a big night with two song awards and Female Vocalist of the Year. And Eric Church fans can finally freak out over the Entertainer of the Year award they’ve been lobbying for, and he deseved based off of strong touring numbers, and overall impact. Luke Combs will have other opportunities. Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert may not.
The CMAs did not rise to meet the moment, but they also didn’t collosally fail. They just “were” in 2020. During the first hours, I truly felt embarrased to be hosting a live blog for them. It felt like an exercise in futility. They got slight better over the presentation.
10:02 – Thanks everybody for following along! This was a tough one, and I don’t blame folks for bailing out. I’m going to leave some final thoughts here, recap the winners, and call it a night.
THANK YOU!
10:00 – Look, some are going to complain that one of the two women didn’t win Entertainer, but it is very hard to argue Eric Church didn’t deserve it, not just for this year, but over many years as an “entertainer.” If anyone else deserved it, it was Luke Combs, but he will have other opportunities.
No offense to Carrie Underwood or Miranda Lambert at all. But making a case for Entertainer is difficult. And Carrie just got hers from the ACMS.
9:55 – WINNER – The 2020 CMA for Entertainer of the Year goes to Eric Church.
“If there was ever a year not win this award.”
9:53 – I understand how some may have found Maren Morris’s Female Vocalist speech off putting. But I just think too much of Yola and Rhianna Giddens to poo poo anyone shouting them out on prime time television.
9:48 – Kelsea Ballerini’s “Hole in the Bottle” is the biggest bait and switch for a “country” song. Could be great, but she turns it into a party song, and the production on the studio track is terrible.
9:46 – WINNER – The CMA for Male Vocalist of the Year goes to Luke Combs.
9:43 – Remember, earlier this week, journalist Marissa R. Moss, Margo Price, and others lashed out at the CMAs under the false claim the CMAs would try and suppress speech. Clearly Maren Morris wasn’t reading off a script. I have little use for much of her music. But Maren enacted a very cool moment there, and deserves credit for speaking out the right way by building up.
9:40 – Maren Morris is now one of the big winners of the night.
She shouts out black women country performers in her acceptance speech, including Linda Martell, Yola, Mickey Guyton, Rhiannon Giddens, and others. All artists worth shout out’s. A cool gesture from Maren. And yes, it’s pandering to the moment. But all of those women happen to deserve the shout outs. A good use of the platform, and in no way divisive.
9:38 – WINNER – The CMA Female Vocalist of the Year goes to Maren Morris.
9:36 – You might be having trouble reading what Keith Urban has written on his guitar. It says, “I’m a 53-year-old washout wasting my guitar chops singing frappish, indolent songs appropriate for a 23-year-old, and need to start acting my age.”
9:33 – Keith Urban is quarantining in Australia? Good, let’s 86 his work Visa while we can and keep him there.
9:32 – This performance of Maren Morris’s “The Bones” is leaving me quite flaccid.
9:30 – Maren Morris is really putting all of herself into this performance of “The Bones.” You can tell by the cleavage sweat.
9:28 – Do these guys look like a country band? Or some West Coast techies soliciting you for investment capital for their enterprising startup dealing with “micropayments”?
9:23 – Would love to have seen the camera pan to Johnny Lee, and him giving the Bronx Salute to these douchewads.
9:20 – So wait, you have Johnny Lee and Mickey Gilley in the house, and you turn it over to OLD DOMINION to perform “Looking For Love” ?!? Why don’t you just tell us all to go fuck ourselves?
9:18 – It’s just culture shock to see Jon Pardi standing there looking like an actual cowboy in the audience of metro sexuals.
9:15 – Brothers Osborne surprised us all with that string of years winning those Duo of the Year CMAs, but haven’t done much with it. Their new record disappeared right after it was released. Pivoting to arena rock during a pandemic apparently is a poor move.
9:14 – If you’re playing a drinking game where you take a swig each time you see a cowboy hat or steel guitar, you’re still able at this point to operate heavy machinery.
9:13 – Garth Brooks will win Entertainer of the Year tonight. I can just feel it. And he’s not even nominated.
9:09 – They did a fine job with it, but “Sweet Music Man” is a bit of a strange pick to tribute Kenny Rogers to. At least launch into “The Gambler” or “Love Will Turn You Around” at the end or something.
9:06 – Little Big Town comes out to tribute Kenny Rogers. The one with the poofy hair is wearing an outfit you’d see on a figurine on top of your seven-year-old daughter’s birthday cake.
9:03 – WINNER The CMA for Album of the Year goes to Luke Combs for “What You See Is What You Get.”
Predictable. Hard to say it’s not deserved for the commercial performance of it. But Jon Pardi, Ashley McBryde, or Miranda would have been much more interesting. Thank goodness it wasn’t Old Dominion.
9:02 – This “Be A Light” is one part Stuart Smalley, one part John Tesh, two parts strong sedative.
9:00 – Put Thomas Rhett’s wife Lauren back up there. Rhett should be back at home watching the kiddos.
8:59 – One more hour until they announce that Entertainer of the Year goes to nobody because there was a 5-way tie and it’s going to a runoff in January!
8:55 – Ingrid Andress turns in another stellar performance. That’s two in a row. Those tears at the end felt real folks! Good for her.
8:52 – Ingrid Andress can be hit and miss, but unlike a lot of mainstream artists, her singles are mostly her best songs. “More Hearts Than Mine” is a great example.
8:50 – WINNER – The CMA for Vocal Group of the Year goes to Old Dominion.
In a mainstream country world of pallid, ordinary talent, Old Dominion takes the gold for the most generic.
8:49 – Patrick Schwarzenegger would be interning at Saving Country Music if his pops wasn’t The Terminator.
8:47 – Understand the folks who are just over the whole Stapleton thing. But you just can’t deny the power of this guy’s voice and songs. This performances backs off all the bullshit and exposes that. Maybe the best all night so far.
8:46 – Chris Stapleton performing “Starting Over” picking acoustically with Morgane adding some harmonies.
Wish the sound was a bit cleaner.
8:44 – Second hour has been a slight improvement from the first. They’re enacting the slow build to disappoint us all by giving Keith Urban Entertainer of the Year at the bitter end.
8:41 – Charley Pride, humble as ever. Really had no idea if they would even let him take the stage, let alone get a performance and speech.
8:38 – Dear America, the man on the CMA stage at the moment is named Charley Pride. He’s an actual country music performer, unlike many of the artists showcased on the CMAs so far. He had TWENTY NINE #1 songs. And yes, African Americans can perform country music too.
8:35 – Oh nice! and Charley Pride is here! Didn’t know if we’d see him, and he’s performing “Kiss An Angel Good Morning.”
8:34 – Jimmie Allen sings a few bars of his song “Best Shot,” then introduces a video segment paying tribute to Charley Pride.
8:32 – Reba McEntire coughing was one of the most entertaining things all night.
She couldn’t remember Jimmie Allen’s name, and neither can most of America. Just another generic dude with a generic song.
8:30 – Miranda Lambert with a stripped-down, two-piece accompaniment feels a bit more appropriate for the room than many of the other performances.
8:28 – Miranda Lambert’s next single should be “Dark Bars.” “Settle Down” is fine, but a little sleepy.
8:27 – These bastards better audible in a mention of John Prine and Veteran’s Day before the end of this thing, or they’re gonna hear it.
8:22 – Reba McEntire and Darius Rucker paying tribute to Mac Davis performing “In The Ghetto.”
Fine rendition, but it just feels like a weird song pick. Trying to speak to the moment, but it just feels more mawkish and performative. A stretch, and too obvious. Another song would have been better.
8:21 – Dan + Shay are the first female duo to win the CMA Duo of the Year since they won Duo of the Year last year.
8:20 –
8:19 – WINNER – The CMA for Vocal Duo of the Year goes to Dan + Shay.
8:17 – Dierks Bentley looking like a divorcee back on the prowl these days.
8:15 – I like Carly Pearce, and I like “I Hope You’re Happy Now.” Came up playing bluegrass 3 shifts a day at Dollywood, and is finally getting to record music inferred by those roots. Charles Kelley doing a good job filling in for Lee Brice on short notice.
8:13 – Oh great. Justin Bieber Stans found me on Twitter.
8:07 – Jon Pardi doing Joe Diffie justice performing “Pickup Man.”
Just appreciate, Jason Aldean once performed an entire tribute song to Diffie called “1994” and Aldean’s in the house, and they still called on Pardi. That tells you how bad Alean and “1994” sucked.
8:06 – Holy shit! It’s a cowboy hat and a printed shirt! Who let this redneck bastard in the house ?!?
8:05 – Yes, first responders are awesome. But you can say that without embedding that sentiment in an obvious Chevy commercial. Kind of shameless.
8:03 – Man, when you get elated to see Luke Combs in his vented fishing shirt and a Brooks & Dunn cap, you know how low the bar has been set. Solid, energetic performance of “Cold As You.” Let’s try to keep it going.
8:01 – I wish Luke Combs would just eat Dan + Shay.
7:59 – Yeah it’s fun to hoot on these awards shows and poke fun at the performers. But usually there is something, or someone to suck you in, and as bad as you generally expect them to be, they tend to surprise you and surpass expectations in the end. Right now and hour in, the CMA Awards are digging themselves into a ditch they may not be able to get out of. The whole thing just feels like everyone is going through the motions and just want to get it over with, and there’s very little chatter on social media for them. Deflated.
7:55 – Justin Bieber performing with Dan + Shay on the CMA Awards feels like a good time to recall this legendary quote…
“They should drop the formulaic cannon fodder they’ve been pumping down rural America’s throats for the last 30 years along with the high school pageantry, meat parade bullshit and start dedicating their programs to more actual country music.”
–Sturgill Simpson
7:52 – Backstage Ashley McBryde had to help Dan + Shay open their jar of ball cream to get ready for this performance.
7:51 – WINNER – The CMA for New Artist of the Year goes to Morgan Wallen.
One of the most obvious picks of the night.
7:50 – For YEARS I’ve been saying Lauren Akins was the most interesting thing about Thomas Rhett. Now the industry is finally noticing. She’ll be winning awards for him in a couple of years.
7:48 – Ashley McBryde and “One Night Standards” offering the only real twang since the opening Charlie Daniels tribute.
7:46 – 90% of mainstream country music is garbage. Ashley McBryde is a big portion of the other 10%.
7:43 – So far ACMs > CMAs. The ACMs recognized the challenges and got creative with it. The CMAs are trying to act like everything is normal and we just all need to put on a brave face.
7:40 – Generic performers playing generic songs in front of a mild crowd. They should have booked The Band Perry to play. They’re used to playing in front of virtually nobody these days.
7:38 – Gotta love how Lady A was originally paired up with Darius Rucker in this performance slot like he’s a racism repellent.
7:36 – The Eric Church performance of “Hell of a View” is fine. This song is just a little generic for my taste. Many of his best songs are album cuts.
7:34 – That’s Joanna Cotten with Eric Church.
7:33 – Welp, it can’t get much worse from here. Low energy, flat jokes, and washed out sound so far.
7:28 – Gabby Barrett rockin’ the Michael Jackson bedazzled epaulets.
7:26 – “The Bones” was a massive hit, in pop. It was propped up due to pop spins and listens, and Billboard’s misguided chart rules that boosted it in country. Does anyone really think of it as an impacting or influential song? And why not spread the love to two songs in your song awards instead of just one?
7:25 – WINNER – The CMA for Song of the Year goes to Maren Morris for “The Bones.”
7:24 – Why are we giving some random actress face time presenting an award when it could go to someone like Mickey Guyton, Mo Pitney, or Tenille Arts?
7:22 – Morgan Wallen’s bass player is like that thespian teacher they put in charge of Jr. High pep rallies that’s way to enthusiastic at the wrong times.
7:21 – Morgan Wallen got revved up for this performance by snorting COVID spores off the bare midriffs of coeds in the name of high volume pimping.
7:19 – The ACM Awards did a great job using multiple venues and no crowd to put on an engaging presentation. Having everyone sitting around semi-clapping just feels awkward and sucks the life force out of the room.
7:15 – Maren, you’re a mother. Not sure we need to see all that.
SLUT SHAMING! SLUT SHAMING!
7:14 – The CMA for Single of the Year goes to Maren Morris for “The Bones.”
7:13 – The visage of Bobby Bones is a great for inducing vomiting if you ingest something evil.
7:12 – Gee I can’t wait to see how another country awards show figures out how to screw up Entertainer of the Year!
7:10 – Man, these monologue jokes are flat. Bring back Brad and Carrie!
7:08 – Wow, straight up flub by either Aldean or his drummer at the end of “Devil Went Down to Georgia.” How hard would it be to get some actual musicians to play on the CMA Awards.
7:07 – Of course they have to give Jason Aldean “Devil Went Down to Georgia.” Would have been much cooler with Jenee Fleenor.
p.s. last joke an adaptation for a Fuzzy Twoshirts comment.
7:06 – Jason Aldean thought “Charlie Daniels” was a Tennessee whiskey brand until 15 minutes before the CMA rehearsal.
7:05 – Jason Aldean’s involvement in this Charlie Daniels tribute is like finding a Band-Aid in your birthday cake.
7:04 – Really digging this version of Daniels’ “Texas” they’re not playing just obvious cuts.
7:03 – Ashley McBryde strikes me as one who would help you hide a body. In a good way.
7:02 – Dierks Bentley opens with “Long Haired Country Boy” solo, then joins Brothers Osborne for a rockin’ version of “Trudy.”
7:00 – Here we go!
6:58 – Late breaking: It appears fiddle Jenee Fleenor who was supposed to be part of the opening tribute to Charlie Daniels is out with COVID-19 too, as is Lady A. That sucks, because Jenee is great, and was looking forward to hooting on Lady A.
6:53 – The COVID has already affected festivities. Tyler Hubbard tested negative for country music earlier this week, but positive for the ‘rona, resulting in Florida Georgia Line having to cancel their performance. Lee Brice also got the cooties. Charles Kelley of Lady A will fill in with Carly Pearce.
6:50 – A few awards have already been handed out. Miranda Lambert won for Video of the Year for “Bluebird.” Carly Pierce and Lee Brice won Musical Event of the Year for “I Hope You’re Happy Now.”
Sandy
November 11, 2020 @ 5:59 pm
How are they going to determine who wins Entertainer of the year, if there wasnt any tours this year?
Colin B
November 11, 2020 @ 6:59 pm
The eligibility period is July 1 to June 30 – Eric’s Double Down Tour was in full swing in the fall.
He is the easy pick here, but he won’t win.
Jimmy
November 12, 2020 @ 1:44 am
Well Colin’s comment aged well. Lol.
The Dot
November 11, 2020 @ 6:04 pm
I’m so desperate for live music I’ll watch anything, but a live show with a pile of stars in the audience scares the hell out of me. And no masks in the audience? Shocked.
Oh hey, Ashley McBryde, you’re awesome.
Lisa
November 12, 2020 @ 6:47 am
I was a little surprised about the masks, too. I did see on Miranda Lambert’s Instagram that she mentioned being tested a day or two before the show – and I know thats a good precaution for all in attendance to have taken, but its not foolproof.
Derek Sullivan
November 11, 2020 @ 6:07 pm
Damn YouTube TV is down. I guess I’ll just follow along on the blog tonight
DS
November 11, 2020 @ 6:24 pm
FYI you can use your YouTube TV login to stream it through the ABC app
Elizabeth
November 11, 2020 @ 8:57 pm
I want to know what is up with the women showing so much flesh. What happened to showing descretion
NPC
November 11, 2020 @ 6:09 pm
The greats shouldn’t have to die for actual country music to be played at awards shows, but at least they are giving them more than 30 seconds.
seak
November 11, 2020 @ 6:11 pm
Seriously, they’re all sitting indoors for several hours with no masks on? WTF is actually wrong with country music.
Trigger
November 11, 2020 @ 6:18 pm
Why have a crowd? The ACMs were just fine using separate venues, and playing it safe.
seak
November 11, 2020 @ 6:26 pm
The state of Tenn is now down under 10% available ICU beds due to the covid surge, but sure lets have an event and send a message that hanging out without masks is totally cool.
Saving Bro Country Music
November 11, 2020 @ 10:24 pm
The ACMs flopped from a ratings standpoint (granted, that’s not necessarily the fault of the crowd format – people wouldn’t have known the feel going in), which likely put pressure on the CMAs to give this more of an “event” vibe. And though I personally agree with you, my sense is that the masses didn’t receive the show as well as we did.
On top of that, the Billboard Music Awards were recently torched for how awkward they were without a live crowd.
So those are two of the factors. I think country wanting to say it’s “first” to open the doors back up is also part of it.
CountryKnight
November 12, 2020 @ 6:19 am
All no! All those people are going to DIE!
(Actually, they won’t but let me virtue signal!)
Elmer Fudd sings
November 11, 2020 @ 6:13 pm
Dwums keep pounding a wyhthm to the bwain
CeeCeeBee
November 11, 2020 @ 6:17 pm
Guess Combs and Lambert split the “good song” vote so Morris snuck in there with a stinker for the win.
Kevin C.
November 11, 2020 @ 8:48 pm
I was so excited about the Song of the Year category. Four great songs got nominated. Maren Morris got nominated, too.
The Dot
November 11, 2020 @ 6:18 pm
I know she’s not popular around here, but I love Maren Morris. Saw her in TN last October and it was an amazing show, all female tour. I’m looking forward to seeing what she does with her career.
Ugh to Bones and Beiber.
NPC
November 11, 2020 @ 6:20 pm
Why does it feel like they have this room rented for exactly three hours and then have to clean up and get out before the 10:30 p.m. standup set starts?
Trigger
November 11, 2020 @ 9:41 pm
Ha! Yes, did feel quite lounge-like.
Tracy
November 11, 2020 @ 6:20 pm
John Osborne = guitar god
KathyP
November 11, 2020 @ 6:23 pm
What’s up with the sound? Can’t hardly understand the lyrics
Jacob
November 11, 2020 @ 6:24 pm
Tyler Childers cover of Trudy is the only version I will accept, besides of course the original
Mike Basile
November 12, 2020 @ 7:26 am
Hey Jacob, check out Gary Stewart’s cover from the 1976 album “Steppin’ Out.”
LB
November 11, 2020 @ 6:26 pm
Why have I felt second-hand embarrassment through this entire show so far?
DS
November 11, 2020 @ 6:27 pm
That bitch won song and single of the year with that shitty pop song?
Di Harris
November 11, 2020 @ 6:43 pm
Didn’t someone once say it’s not who you know, but who you b…?
Ever since Music Row went Hollywood
NPC
November 11, 2020 @ 6:28 pm
Maren besting Miranda is ridiculous… Maren is one bad macOS update away from no career.
Trigger
November 11, 2020 @ 6:31 pm
lol.
SendHelpSoon
November 11, 2020 @ 6:30 pm
Why the fuck is the guy from the subway commercial on the CMAs singing a shitty pop song with a generic blond pop reject?
Luke Bryan
November 11, 2020 @ 6:31 pm
Don’t think I can watch much more of this…
seak
November 11, 2020 @ 6:31 pm
Rascal Flatts just announced, they’re also out with covid
KathyP
November 11, 2020 @ 6:36 pm
I wouldn’t blame them even if they were telling the truth.
CeeCeeBee
November 11, 2020 @ 6:31 pm
This is worse than the ACMs.
WAY worse.
Will Niram
November 11, 2020 @ 6:32 pm
What’s unfortunate is that “I Hope” could’ve been a great song if it was better produced.
What’s unfortunate is that Miranda Lambert should’ve won Song of the Year.
What’s fortunate is that so many legends are being honored so there will be more actual country music in this show than would normally be present.
seak
November 11, 2020 @ 6:33 pm
“Bones” was a two week #1 at country radio, and received massive recurrent country airplay as well. The pop spins propped it up on the billboard “hot” lists, but it was a big hit at country radio. Still surprised she won both categories..
Trigger
November 11, 2020 @ 6:46 pm
No argument about Single of the Year. Song of the Year should be reserved with something with a deeper message and impact.
Gabe
November 11, 2020 @ 6:34 pm
I’ll never understand why these singers are never allowed to perform their current singles
NPC
November 11, 2020 @ 6:35 pm
Reba: “Please clap.”
TheKillerRocksOn
November 11, 2020 @ 6:40 pm
Tuned in for a sec.,. this shit show is an unwatchable joke., paint by numbers pop songs and production with corney commentary.,if you really mean to ‘save country music’, quit givin this crap coverage….’Killer out
SendHelpSoon
November 11, 2020 @ 6:40 pm
Apparently Hootie is shitty Jimmy Buffet now. Someone should tell him how that worked out for Zac Brown.
Gabe
November 11, 2020 @ 6:41 pm
Almost 40 minutes in and NONE of tonight’s performances have moved me. Hopefully this show ends by 10…
SendHelpSoon
November 11, 2020 @ 6:46 pm
Ashley McBryde has been the only part worth watching so far.
White Cleats
November 11, 2020 @ 6:45 pm
That Carrie Underwood isn’t showing up to the CMA’s for the first time since her debut (in what? 13 years?) is just delicious. That’s a pretty big “Fuck You!” from arguably the format’s most recognizable star.
I’m petty and I love it. 🤣
LB
November 11, 2020 @ 6:49 pm
She is there in the audience…no announced performance though.
White Cleats
November 11, 2020 @ 7:14 pm
Well shit. Then my post is lame. Shame. My black heart loves shade.
Delete me, Trigger. 🤪
Will
November 11, 2020 @ 10:17 pm
I didn’t see Brad there though…
Andy
November 11, 2020 @ 6:47 pm
That was a mean The Band Perry joke 🙁
Jared
November 11, 2020 @ 7:03 pm
It made me laugh hard, and then I got a little sad. A great talent that unfortunately had a short shelf life. As big as they were I doubt anyone who started listening to country radio within the last 5 years knows who they are.
TheKillerRocksOn
November 11, 2020 @ 6:47 pm
Reba became a plastic parody of herself yeeeeeears ago, anyone still playing along is just.,. well,.,playing along..’Killer out
Hey Arnold
November 11, 2020 @ 6:48 pm
Let’s go JON PARDI
Rooting for ALBUM OF THE YEAR – Heartache Medication!!!
White Cleats
November 11, 2020 @ 6:49 pm
Trigger:
“They should have booked The Band Perry to play. They’re used to playing in front of virtually nobody these days.”
Fucking brutal. 💀💀🤣🤣🤣
Will Niram
November 11, 2020 @ 6:49 pm
It was nice of Maren to lone Ashley her robe for that performance.
SendHelpSoon
November 11, 2020 @ 6:50 pm
I would pay good money to watch Ashley McBryde kick Jason Aldean’s ass.
KathyP
November 11, 2020 @ 6:54 pm
Comment of the night so far.
Hey Arnold
November 11, 2020 @ 6:50 pm
So “The Bones” wins 2 awards…
I get Single but Song of the Year should of been Bluebird or More Hearts Than Mine.
Single = Success of the song /sales/Radio
Song = Best written sonh
Dave in SD
November 11, 2020 @ 6:51 pm
As a fifties something year old guy who grew up on rock and roll, switched over to country in my forties, and now listen to nothing but Texas/Red Dirt music now via streaming, I can say this has been a lot of shitty music so far, with the exception of the opening Charlie Daniels tribute and Miss McBryde.
NPC
November 11, 2020 @ 6:52 pm
Winner of CMA New Artist of the Year: Dark horse nominee Garthena Brookside!
CeeCeeBee
November 11, 2020 @ 6:52 pm
Thank God for Ashley McBryde.
K.M.
November 11, 2020 @ 6:52 pm
Three women and one black man in that category… and it goes to the white man.
NPC
November 11, 2020 @ 6:54 pm
Actual representation of the crowd at any Dan+Shay show.
Gabe
November 11, 2020 @ 6:54 pm
How are Dan + Shay considered country???
The Dot
November 11, 2020 @ 6:56 pm
“Hot Tools congratulates Morgan Wallen”. It’s appropriate. He’s a tool and a hot mess.
Strait country 81
November 11, 2020 @ 6:57 pm
So predictable Jimmie Allen presenting Pride with his award
CeeCeeBee
November 11, 2020 @ 7:05 pm
Yeah. Not a good look.
Blair
November 11, 2020 @ 6:57 pm
This Dan+Shay part seems so pre recorded
Trigger
November 11, 2020 @ 7:12 pm
For sure. Bieber can’t rearrange his sched for no redneck show.
Mwalk
November 11, 2020 @ 8:16 pm
All these tributes and not a mention of our servicemen, John Prine, Billy Joe Shaver, Jerry Jeff Walker or Johnny Bush.
Lisa
November 11, 2020 @ 6:59 pm
Ashley McBryde had to help Dan and Shay open their can of ball cream 😂😂😂 dead
Daniel Cooper
November 11, 2020 @ 6:59 pm
Why do Dan + Shay always put me to sleep?… Oh, that’s why, because their songs are more boring than watching paint dry
Bill from Wisconsin
November 11, 2020 @ 7:00 pm
Usually I can make it thru these award shows following the blog and comments here but this show is a snoozer. Switching to Animals Unscripted, it’s more entertaining than the 2020 CMA’s.
Trigger
November 11, 2020 @ 7:01 pm
Don’t blame you. I actually feel embarrassed.
Andy
November 11, 2020 @ 7:04 pm
It’s amazing that Luke does not need to sing his current single Better Together that is quickly approaching top 10, his most recent #1 Lovin’ On You, or his huge sales hit Forever After All. He can just choose a random bonus track from his album and kill it. Astonishing.
Hey Arnold
November 11, 2020 @ 7:04 pm
Let’s hear it for Luke Combs – coming in clutch with a pretty generic song that nobody knows
Derek Sullivan
November 11, 2020 @ 7:05 pm
I’m a big fan of Hell of a View. It’s simple, but Eric can write a love song now and then. It reminds me of ‘Round Here Buzz, which Trigger didn’t care much for, but ended up being a massive hit for Church.
Levi Genes
November 11, 2020 @ 7:05 pm
Ashley! You’re a bad ass! Eric Church is the Chief! Digging Luke Combs in a B&D cap basically singing southern rock.
Literally everything else except for the Charlie tribute is the worst shit. The kind of stuff you’d turn off if it was the only channel available in your hospital room.
Will Niram
November 11, 2020 @ 7:06 pm
I’d rather watch Carrie’s ACM tribute performance for three hours straight than any of these. As much as I enjoy Eric, Ashley, and Luke the audience is killing any life created on the stage. It all feels half baked.
Will Niram
November 11, 2020 @ 7:08 pm
Final comment then I’ll stop – has there been any acknowledgment that they’re having this circus on Veteran’s Day?! If not, I find that rather shameful.
Trigger
November 11, 2020 @ 7:11 pm
No, but there’s still time. During the Charlie Daniels tribute is when I was expecting it.
Hey Arnold
November 11, 2020 @ 7:09 pm
JON PARDI best performance so far!!!
Trigger
November 11, 2020 @ 7:11 pm
One of the better ones for sure. Wish he could have performed an original song. “Ain’t Always The Cowboy.”
Hey Arnold
November 11, 2020 @ 7:13 pm
Yes!! The alternative version of Ain’t Always the Cowboy would of been perfect.
CeeCeeBee
November 11, 2020 @ 7:10 pm
“I wish Luke Combs would just eat Dan +Shay.”
Trigger, you will NEVER top that comment.
John Pardi did Joe Diffie proud I though.
Rusty W (the other Rusty)
November 12, 2020 @ 10:52 am
Nah, Trigger’s best comment was:
“If you’re playing a drinking game where you take a swig each time you see a cowboy hat or steel guitar, you’re still able at this point to operate heavy machinery.”
I didn’t watch that because I can’t watch something that purports to be country music, when it ISN’T country music! That, and I didn’t want to take an even accidental chance of seeing Bobby Bones there.
Tracy
November 11, 2020 @ 7:10 pm
Jon Pardi is saving country music… and this crappy show!
Gabe
November 11, 2020 @ 7:13 pm
So I guess they are handing out 3 awards every hour even though most of the performance feels short a la Jon Pardi’s
Bandit Darville
November 11, 2020 @ 7:15 pm
The “Meow Mix” commercial was more country than 90% of this show.
Hey Arnold
November 11, 2020 @ 7:16 pm
That was an Old Dominion commercial. Their Meow Mix album promotion.
Ben Wilder
November 11, 2020 @ 7:54 pm
was this the ad? I missed it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tvL9rVwsXw
Hey Arnold
November 11, 2020 @ 7:15 pm
Carly Pearce is the shining rising star in the genre. She’s solid
Jared
November 11, 2020 @ 7:17 pm
I’ll have to catch Jon Pardi later this week on YouTube. I really wanted to see his performance.
SendHelpSoon
November 11, 2020 @ 7:18 pm
Charles Kelly looks like he came straight from his audition for the role of hairdresser #2 in the next Adam Sandler movie.
Daniel Cooper
November 11, 2020 @ 7:18 pm
Charles Kelley definitely isn’t Lee Brice. Shame he came down with Covid.
KathyP
November 11, 2020 @ 7:19 pm
Was the Ryman booked for something else tonight?
Tracy
November 11, 2020 @ 7:23 pm
Brothers Osborne has done a number of on line concerts for their fans and participated in charity events during the pandemic so I thought they maybe had a chance… but Dan+Shay+Scooter was too much to overcome. Ugh.
seak
November 11, 2020 @ 7:27 pm
In the Ghetto is just a poor choice, and forcing Darius to sing it…just not a good look (again)
seak
November 11, 2020 @ 7:34 pm
The only winners tonight are the people who aren’t involved. Carrie has never looked so good in her life (and she always looks good)
CeeCeeBee
November 11, 2020 @ 7:36 pm
That vocal performance from Miranda Lambert was off. I have seen her do that drunk before, but she doesn’t look drunk. Honestly, she looked and sounded tired.
Still better than most of the rest of what we’ve heard tonight.
Jared
November 11, 2020 @ 7:38 pm
Finally a stripped down version. Hope they become the norm for award shows. They were the highlight of this year’s ACM awards.
Trigger
November 11, 2020 @ 7:57 pm
The more stripped down, the better, generally speaking. Didn’t help Dan + Shay and the Biebs though.
Jared
November 11, 2020 @ 9:04 pm
Thankfully, I missed them. Kelsea Ballerini’s stripped down version at the AMC’s was 1000 times better than tonight’s performance.
Daniel Cooper
November 11, 2020 @ 7:40 pm
From what I’ve heard, Charley Pride is on Garth’s new album. Be interesting to hear that
hey you kids, get off my lawn and take that autotune thing with you
November 11, 2020 @ 7:57 pm
I believe Garth recorded Charley’s hit “I Know One” on his debut album in 1989.
Daniel Cooper
November 11, 2020 @ 8:54 pm
He did, though I’ll admit I wasn’t aware that was a Charley Pride song
Blackh4t
November 12, 2020 @ 1:39 am
The story is that Garth didn’t either until right before he did the vocals. Gave him a lot of last minute pressure to know what he’d compete with.
Hey Arnold
November 11, 2020 @ 8:12 pm
Sure would be….FUN
Massatucky
November 11, 2020 @ 7:48 pm
And just like that the academy of country music is one of the most woke organizations known to man. This whole show is just too awkward this year. Good for Charlie Pride, he does deserve to be recognized.
ADJ
November 11, 2020 @ 7:51 pm
Charley Pride looking good for a guy pushing 90! 🙂
Tracy
November 11, 2020 @ 7:56 pm
Old Dominion is as bland as a piece of dry toast. And they’re doing the tribute to Urban Cowboy? Midland would have been a better fit for that.
NPC
November 11, 2020 @ 7:58 pm
Fun fact: CMAs just gave an award to a group whose most recent album is nothing but meows. Seriously.
63Guild
November 11, 2020 @ 8:01 pm
Ingrid had a heck of a performance, it felt genuine
Hey Arnold
November 11, 2020 @ 8:02 pm
Ingrid – Best performance of the night!!
Hey Arnold
November 11, 2020 @ 8:05 pm
Jon Pardi was robbed.
Stop the Count – This award show is being stolen from us.
Let’s bring this to the Supreme Court, We need a recount.
Fraudulent voting!! Jon Pardi won this!
Bill from Wisconsin
November 11, 2020 @ 8:06 pm
Johnny Carson is on now.
Hey Arnold
November 11, 2020 @ 8:15 pm
This award show is so bad…
(HOW BAD IS IT??)
It’s so bad that, we’re referencing Johnny Carson during the actual telecast.
(*insert golf swing)
PJ
November 11, 2020 @ 8:08 pm
Did the lead singer in Little Big Town forget the skirt that goes with her blazer…?
NPC
November 11, 2020 @ 8:08 pm
Little Big Town left their pants and masks at home… this is the best choice for Kenny? Seriously?
King Honky Of Crackershire
November 11, 2020 @ 8:10 pm
The only good thing about this show, is that they are openly blaspheming the Church Of The Holy Covid.
I ❤️ Pop-“Country”(but only until this show ends).
Maierrose
November 11, 2020 @ 8:15 pm
I don’t hate Little Big Town but why the hell didn’t they have Dolly do the tribute to Kenny Rogers? Or even Reba, considering she covered that very song on one of her albums. It’s not as if she wasn’t available since she’s hosting
wayne
November 11, 2020 @ 8:16 pm
ETOY will go to a woman this year to appease all there bitchin’ and cryin’ about it. Gotta be woke you know.
RustyTooNow
March 3, 2022 @ 6:40 am
Six upvotes for something you were wrong about. Gotta love conservatives breaking an arm jerking themselves off about how bad men have it.
sbach66
November 11, 2020 @ 8:16 pm
You weren’t lyin about Twitter. Holee sheeit.
Kj
November 11, 2020 @ 8:19 pm
Yeah boy!!! Old Dominion. Fuck the haters.
JW
November 11, 2020 @ 8:22 pm
Damnit…get Micky and Johnny up there instead of OD!! What a memorable moment that could have been!
Penny
November 11, 2020 @ 8:24 pm
I hope Johnny Lee is wearing earplugs and not listening to this massacre
Linda Harper
November 11, 2020 @ 8:24 pm
Carrie underwood is there…someone said she didnt show…but all the pre recording is a real downer….why ??????
hey you kids, get off my lawn and take that autotune thing with you
November 11, 2020 @ 8:25 pm
Can’t help but wonder how Mickey Gilley and Johnny Lee feel having to sit through all of this show.
Mike
November 11, 2020 @ 8:26 pm
Trigger, you are on fire tonight. Please do not ever stop doing what you’re doing.
Trigger
November 11, 2020 @ 9:46 pm
Thanks Mike.
Maierrose
November 11, 2020 @ 8:28 pm
So my husband and I were having this debate-of all the horrific, generic dreck on commercial country radio, who is the absolute blandest? Old Dominion or Dan & Shay? And should Thomas Rhett just be crowned the all-time champion and then withdraw from further competition like Garth Brooks?
PJ
November 11, 2020 @ 8:31 pm
Would like to have seen Johnny Lee’s face and not just the back of his cowboy hat! Better yet…why not have him and Mickey on stage (to honor them for a few moments…even if they don’t sing?).
Hey Arnold
November 11, 2020 @ 8:33 pm
Maren singing about Bobby Bones??
Derek Sullivan
November 11, 2020 @ 8:42 pm
I don’t get Maren Morris or even the song Bones. It’s over my head I guess.
ADJ
November 11, 2020 @ 8:45 pm
I *want* to like Maren, but, there’s always been something so off-putting about her. 🤷🏽♀️
RWP
November 11, 2020 @ 9:21 pm
She think’s she’s important and her shit don’t stink is what I think you’re trying to say
Popisnotcountry
November 11, 2020 @ 8:45 pm
G’night all! Urban was tough to take, but that ridiculous MM acceptance speech has done me in.
Samuel
November 11, 2020 @ 8:46 pm
And that’s it folks from the Covid Music Awards!! And as I said earlier. Ashley was only one worth watching. Miranda WAS tipsy. And Rascal Flatts, Lady A-Choo, Lee, Georgia boyo, Jenee. Who knows who else. But the brilliant award in coverage goes to Trig. Now he’s the ETOT-show.
Kevin Davis
November 11, 2020 @ 8:49 pm
“A good use of the platform, and in no way divisive.”
True, perhaps, but it only cements — in the mindset of most country fans — Maren Morris as a social justice warrior, basically the equivalent of a B.A. in gender studies from Vanderbilt. It doesn’t help that Morris’ “The Bones” and that entire album have absolutely nothing to do with country music, even from a pop country standard.
ADJ
November 11, 2020 @ 9:22 pm
I was not bothered by Karen’s speech…they were lovely shoutouts/mentions, and as a biracial woman (half black/half white), it was nice to hear. I just have never really warmed up to Maren in general. There just seems to be this attitude that has always there. It doesn’t help that she sings pop songs either. 🤷🏽♀️
Trigger
November 11, 2020 @ 9:48 pm
Good message, wrong messenger maybe. But give credit to Maren Morris for stepping up and doing it.
Charlie
November 11, 2020 @ 8:55 pm
There’s no way they put on a show this shitty without it being on purpose.
CeeCeeBee
November 11, 2020 @ 8:57 pm
It was an abysmal show.
Worst I can remember in a while. And that’s saying a lot.
NPC
November 11, 2020 @ 8:58 pm
Well, that was a shock. Congratulations, Eric!
Krissy
November 11, 2020 @ 9:02 pm
I did not find Maren morris’s speech off putting. I find her and her singing off putting. Her and her lip fillers did not deserve to win that (or the other) award over any of the other woman nominated.
Hey Arnold
November 12, 2020 @ 5:54 am
Remember what she did to Mickey Guyton last year? Basically invited her to be in a girl empowerment video & then last minute she uninvited her…..
This was her way of saying sorry once again.
Trigger
November 12, 2020 @ 8:06 am
We don’t know who invited Mickey Guyton specifically, or who disinvited her. But the whole reason we know the incident happened is Maren Morris was the only one from The Highwomen who fessed up to it. I give her credit for that too. So far it’s been radio silence from the three others.