The 2019 CMT Awards show was filled with top performances, appearances, and intense competition for the coveted awards.
Hosted by Little Big Town, the night started off with a party as Thomas Rhett jumped out of the crowd onto the stage with LBT, and Trombone Shorty for a rendition of his hit, “Don’t threaten me with a good time.”
The party continued beyond the venue, outside, on the streets in downtown Nashville. Kane Brown, Toby Keith and Cole Swindell were a few of the outdoor performers. Carrie Underwood brought the show to Nashville’s Parthenon for a rocking light show of “Southbound.” Another favorite attraction at the CMT Awards are the new shining faces of Country Music on the Ram truck stage. Jordan Davis kicked things off with his chart record “Take It From Me,” Tenille Townes played “Somebody’s Daughter,” Jimmie Allen took the stage for “Best Shot,” and Runaway June played their hit, “I can Buy My Own Drinks.”
Like every good award show, the hosts cracked a few jokes at the star audience members. Luke Combs was called out for his line of Crocks. Game of Thrones for its coffee cup mistake had a chair occupied by said cup.
Strong independent women were highlighted, as Trisha Yearwood presented video of nominees for Female Video of the Year. That honor went to Carrie Underwood for “Love Wins” and set the stage to highlight females in Country music as the issue for their lack of representation at awards has been publicly recognized.
The night was full of new and old collaborations for a variety of artists and genres. An always popular award is just that, Collaborative video of the year. Nominees included Brett Young partnered with Boys II Men, Brantly Gilbert with Lindsey Ell, Darrius Rucker with Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan with Charles Kelly, Dierks Bentley and Brothers Osborne. Jason Aldean, featuring Miranda Lambert. And of course even though she has officially switched from country to pop, the talented Taylor Swift worked in a nominee with “Babe,” the song she wrote for Sugarland. Keith Urban and Julia Michales performed their nominated hit “Coming Home” which ultimately took the win.
The CMT Awards give something special to the fans: voting power! The winners are chosen by YOU, the fans!! The biggest of the night is video of the year. “Cry Pretty” Carrie Underwood, Kane Brown, Good as You, “Coming Home” Keith Urban featuring Julia Michaels, Kelsea Ballerini with “Miss Me More” and Luke Combs “She Got The Best of Me” were all competing throughout the show for continued fan voting. The big honor went to a stunned and emotional Carrie Underwood for “Cry Pretty. ” Carrie received the announcement live while still onstage outside at the Parthenon.
Zach Brown Band was center stage as they performed their hit “Someone I used to Know.” The band was also up for three video awards. Luke Bryan played “Knockin’ Boots,” joined by a group of country dancers. Kelsea Ballerini turned Bridgestone Arena red and lit up with cellphone lights as she intertwined an acoustic version into her smoking performance of the empowering hit “Miss Me More.”
With a record breaking performances, it was a show that truly would be magical to see live during the CMA Fest week. Host Little Big Town made a heartfelt somber performance with “The Daughters,” Maren Morris and Sheryl Crow shared the stage for “Shade” and “Prove You Wrong.” Keith Urban was brought back onstage for his newest single, “We Were,” Dan + Shay played “All to Myself,” and Luke Combs had the crowd pumped with “Beer Never Broke My Heart.” The largest performance of the night was Brandi Carlile and Tanya Tucker, with her hit “Delta Dawn.” The stage was full of powerful females, with backing vocals from Trisha Yearwood, Lauren Alaina and Martina McBride.
The 2019 CMT Awards was a non-stop concert packed with both well known and new faces of Nashville. Country Music is looking and sounding promising, especially as it embraces the importance of female artists and new faces.
The Complete List of Winners
Video of the Year: Carrie Underwood, “Cry Pretty”
Male Video of the Year: Kane Brown, “Lose It”
Collaborative Video of the Year: Keith Urban feat. Julia Michaels, “Coming Home”
Female Video of the Year: Carrie Underwood, “Love Wins”
Group Video of the Year: Zac Brown Band, “Someone I Used To Know”
Duo Video of the Year: Dan + Shay, “Speechless”
Breakthrough Video of the Year: Ashley McBryde, “Girl Goin’ Nowhere (At Marathon Music Works)”
CMT Performance of the Year: Luke Combs and Leon Bridges, “Beautiful Crazy (From CMT Crossroads)”