Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, and Reba McEntire’s performance at the awards show left a lasting impression, stirring profound emotions throughout the audience. Their heartfelt rendition was so moving that even industry greats like Brooks & Dunn and Keith Urban couldn’t help but show their appreciation and delight. The moment became even more poignant when Randy Travis offered a quiet “amen,” adding a genuine, down-home country feel that made it truly unforgettable. Every time this performance is revisited, it brings tears to viewers’ eyes, reminding everyone of the authentic spirit of country music—something increasingly hard to find on today’s mainstream airwaves.
The 50th Annual Country Music Association Awards offered not only a reflection on the past twelve months in country music but also a warm look back at the genre’s rich heritage. It showcased a remarkable blend of today’s chart-toppers, legendary veterans, and even a surprise appearance by Beyoncé. The roster of talent was so vast that the show ran 20 minutes long—an unusual move for an ABC broadcast.
As the night drew to a close, Garth Brooks reclaimed the spotlight by winning Entertainer of the Year. Having earned the title four times in the 1990s, Brooks graciously acknowledged the industry and his peers. “We are so damned lucky to be part of this thing called country music,” he said, tipping his hat to the crowd. His win extended his record in the category to five times (1991, 1992, 1997, 1998, and now 2016).
Carrie Underwood also had a standout night, claiming the Female Vocalist of the Year award—her first in eight years and her fourth overall—ending Miranda Lambert’s six-year winning streak.
The show opened with a tribute to iconic CMA Awards moments, ranging from Minnie Pearl to Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift. It then flowed into performances honoring many artists who have shaped the genre’s history. One especially touching segment featured Vince Gill and Ben Haggard (Merle Haggard’s son) performing the late legend’s classic “Mama Tried,” a No. 1 Billboard hit from 1968. Together, these moments created a rich tapestry of past and present, celebrating both where country music has been and where it’s headed.
Brad Paisley, joined by 1973 Entertainer of the Year winner Roy Clark, paid tribute to Clark’s former “Hee Haw” co-star Buck Owens. Meanwhile, Paisley’s co-host Carrie Underwood honored Tammy Wynette with a stunning version of “Stand By Your Man.”
Charley Pride, who took top honors at the 1971 show, brought the audience back in time with “Kiss an Angel Good Morning.” Then Alabama—the only three-time consecutive Entertainers of the Year from 1982 to 1984—fired up the crowd with a spirited performance of “Mountain Music.” Both Pride and Alabama, members of the Country Music Hall of Fame, shared the stage with the newly inducted Charlie Daniels, adding even more star power to the celebration.
Reba McEntire—one of the few women ever named Entertainer of the Year (in 1986)—electrified the crowd with a portion of her signature hit, “Fancy,” capping off a series of memorable performances that celebrated country music’s rich history.
Other performers in the opening sequence included Dwight Yoakam, Clint Black, Alan Jackson, and Ricky Skaggs, who showed his guitar prowess to be much the same that it was in 1985, when he was named entertainer of the year. The opening slot ended with Underwood and Paisley leading the crowd with Randy Travis’ “Forever and Ever, Amen.” Travis was on stage, and delivered the final note of the 1987 single of the year.
