Beyonce, Dixie Chicks shine at CMA Awards
The 50th Annual Country Music Association Awards proved to be both a celebration of the past twelve months in country music, but also a fond look back at the history of the genre, with a diverse mix of today's stars, all-time legends, and Beyonce in a guest role.
The evening ended with a return to the top by entertainer of the year Garth Brooks -- who won the prize four times in the 1990s. His win in the category extended his record in the category to five wins -- 1991, 1992, 1997, 1998 and now 2016.
It was also a big night for Carrie Underwood, who walked away the female vocalist of the year award, breaking a six-year winning streak by Miranda Lambert. Underwood won her first female vocalist in eight years -- and fourth overall.
The show started with a montage of some of the most historic moments in CMA Awards past, ranging from Minnie Pearl to Garth Brooks to Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift, before segueing into a salute to many of the artistes who made country history.
Charley Pride, the big winner from the 1971 show, took viewers back in time with “Kiss An Angel Good Morning”, and Alabama -- the first three-time entertainer of the year winners from 1982-84, delivered a rousing take on “Mountain Music.” Reba McEntire -- one of only a handful of female vocalists to be named as entertainer of the year (1986) -- brought the crowd to life with a portion of her hit “Fancy”.
Other performers in the opening sequence included Dwight Yoakam, Clint Black, Alan Jackson, and Ricky Skaggs.
The first winner was Thomas Rhett, who claimed the single of the year award for “Die A Happy Man”. Little Big Town won vocal group of the year, winning their fifth straight such award. The incredible career streak of Chris Stapleton continued into 2016, with his second straight win as male vocalist of the year. The night was also one to remember for Maren Morris – who walked off with the new artiste of the year prize.
Kenny Chesney was handed the Pinnacle Award, presented for only the third time in history. Dolly Parton added to her impressive resume with the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the night was Brothers Osborne's win for vocal duo of the year, dethroning Florida Georgia Line after a three-year run.
Performance-wise, the highlights of the show included Morris' out-of-the-ballpark version of her hit “My Church”, Kelsea Ballerini's shimmering version of her No. 1 hit “Peter Pan”, Carrie Underwood's “Dirty Laundry.” Little Big Town's “Better Man”, and Keith Urban's “Blue Ain't Your Color”.
And, there was Beyonce. All of Nashville was abuzz with news that the pop icon would be performing on the show, and indeed she did – collaborating with the Dixie Chicks on a bopping performance of her “Daddy Lessons”, garnering was to be one of many standing ovations during the night.
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