Big Night for Carrie Underwood at CMT Awards

Carrie Underwood, now 36, first captured the attention and the hearts of Americans back in 2005 when she won the fourth season of American Idol. Suddenly, even those who had no interest in country music were enthralled by the young girl in her early twenties. While some singers on these shows fall out of the limelight, Underwood has remained ever-present and she showed this last night by winning big at the CMT awards. 

Success for Carrie Underwood (Once Again!)

Taking place at the Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, it was a night that made the music industry stand up and take note. In recent years, country music has become more accessible and there has also been an interesting trend as country combines with other genres to produce great music. Examples of this were clear to see when nominations included artists like Taylor Swift, Julia Michaels, Leon Bridges, Boyz II Men, Meghan Trainor, and more. 

However, as has been the case many times in the past, it was the ‘Cry Pretty’singer that took the headlines. First and foremost, she took what most consider to be the biggest award; Video of the Year. The video for ‘Cry Pretty’ has amassed nearly 16 million views on YouTube and was directed by Randee St. Nicholas. 

As well as the major award, Underwood also took the crown for Female Video of the Year thanks to her efforts with ‘Love Wins’. Released months after ‘Cry Pretty’, this one still has nearly 10 million views on YouTube and used the same talented director.

With these two victories, Underwood continued her winning streak and further strengthened her position as the most decorated act in the CMT Music Awards’ history. In fact, her second award of the night was her 20th overall. Given these awards are voted for by the fans, it’s obvious that she is as popular today as she was when capturing the votes of the American public back in 2005. 

Other Winners in Tennessee 

Away from Carrie Underwood (she also stole the show with a fantastic performance of ‘Southbound’), it was a big night for Kane Brown. He took the award for Male Video of the Year with his hit song ‘Lose It’. 

Elsewhere, there were awards for Keith Urban (with Julia Michaels), Dan + Shay, Luke Combs (with Leon Bridges), Zac Brown Band, and Ashley McBryde. 

It wasn’t just the awards that made the night special, however, and there was a magical performance by Tanya Tucker, Martina McBride, Deana Carter, Trisha Yearwood, Carly Pearce, and Brandi Carlisle. These key female figures from the industry chose Tucker’s ‘Delta Dawn’ and got a brilliant reception from the crowd. 

Finally, the firework risk seemed to pay off for Dan + Shay after they both stated their nerves at not being able to rehearse with the display. They won their first industry award and impressed those watching with their ‘All to Myself’ performance. 

Well done to Carrie and well done to all; here’s to another year of great country music!