Over the years, Vince Gill has shown what a talented artist, songwriter, and guitar player he is. CMT GIANTS honors industry veterans who have a lot to celebrate in their careers. The two-hour special initially aired on September 16, with encores Sunday, September 18th at 11a/10c on CMT and additional airings Friday, September 23rd at 7:30p/6:30c and Saturday, September 24th at 10a/9c on CMT Music.
Launched in 2006, the CMT GIANTS franchise is CMT’s elite honor celebrating the careers of country music’s most legendary artists: Reba McEntire (2006), Hank Williams, Jr. (2007), Alan Jackson (2008), Kenny Rogers (2020) and Charley Pride (2021).
CMT Giants Show Highlights:
- Brad Paisley kicked the night into high gear, opening the show with an energetic performance of 1991 hit “Liza Jane.”
- Before his performance, Luke Combs gave a heartfelt thanks to Vince for “lighting a fire in me and helping me discover my love of music,” acknowledging the role he’s played in his career – from first concert to Opry induction – stating “Everybody in here and around the whole world owe you a whole lot. We love you!”
- Carrie Underwood, accompanied by Belmont University’s choir, soared with “Go Rest High On That Mountain,” one of Vince’s most recognized and celebrated songs.
- Before putting his soulful take on “Whenever You Come Around,” Chris Stapleton noted the profound impact Vince had on his career, saying: “The greatest impact that you’ve had on me besides the obvious thing of your music — I moved here wanting to be you — is you had the courage to encourage me.”
- Featured band vocalist and The Voice finalist Wendy Moten received the first standing ovation of the evening with her rendition of “I Still Believe In You,” remarking Vince has been “my guide down the right streets and roads to achieve dreams I never even knew were possible.”
- Sting reflected working with Vince on CMT Crossroads in 2011. remarking it’s impossible not to be moved by “Vince’s truth and his genuine humility,” before treating the room to a touching performance of “These Days.”
- Maren Morris spotlighted Vince’s extraordinary songwriting and talent of creating “cherished, timeless songs that touch the heart” before going on to perform one of her favorites, “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away.”
- New acquaintance and longtime fan Cody Johnson thanked Vince for “dedicating his life to country music and giving me the courage to do the same” before singing his first #1 “When I Call Your Name.”
- Longtime friend Ricky Skaggs applauded Vince for never compromising who he was and always putting family first before he and his band Kentucky Thunder put bluegrass spin on #1 song “One More Last Chance,” exclaiming: “We’re honoring you tonight, so sit back and take it!”
- Daughter Jenny Gill brought the crowd to tears, saying “I’m so proud to be your kid!” sharing a heartfelt story of her dad passing on his first chance to play the Orpy because he promised to play “You Are My Sunshine” as part of her elementary school talent show. Vince later finished the story, telling the audience they chose it as their father-daughter dance at her wedding.
- Wife Amy Grant voiced a special message to Vince over a photo collage of the two over the years, sharing how proud she is of Vince, sharing “You make music the same way you’ve lived your life: you’re intentional, understated, kind and true – and funny! You’re so easy to celebrate.”
- Sheryl Crow, Emmylou Harris + Rodney Crowell and Keb’Mo’ also appeared to share personal stories that epitomize Vince, his forever impact on music and influence on his fellow musicians. Reba and Keith Urban also appeared virtually to share some of his greatest career accomplishments, give kudos to his philanthropy and dedication to their decades-long friendship. As Urban pointed out, “He is a ‘giant,’ in music and in heart. And a reminder to us that nice guys really can finish first.”
- Ending the night on a high, newly minted ‘CMT Giant’ Vince Gill brought the crowd to its feet with a show-stopping final performance of new song “I Gave You Everything I Had,” reflecting on the night by acknowledging the people who have helped shape his career and all of his fellow artists being there to celebrate him, saying “Thank you for the gift of tonight.”
Carrie Underwood Performs “Go Rest High on That Mountain”
“CMT GIANTS: Vince Gill” is executive produced by CMT’s Margaret Comeaux and Taillight’s Tom Forrest. The Executives in Charge of Production are Jackie Barba and Heather D. Graffagnino. Leslie Fram is Executive in Charge of Talent; Shanna Strassberg is Talent Producer.
For more information, visit CMT.com, follow @CMT on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and TikTok and use the hashtag #CMTGiants.
