Beech Tree News Network

From the openers: Kenny Chesney performing “American Kids” and Miranda and Meghan Trainer performed “All About That Bass” to Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood’s comedic monologue, including “Quarantine” to the tune of “Jolene”,  quips on Renee Zelwegger and Taylor Swift went over pretty big.  Steven Tyler presented Single of the Year to Miranda Lambert’s “Automatic”.  This was her first win for Single of the Year.  Lady A performed their hit “Bartender”.  My least favorite “country” act Florida Georgia Line trudged through their song “Dirt”.  Keith Urban performed his song “In My Car”, garnering him a standing ovation when he was finished.  Darius Rucker and Tim Tebow presented Song of the Year to “Follow Your Arrow”, Kacey Musgraves, Brandy Clark and Shane McANally.  I love this song.  The Band Perry honored Glen Campbell by singing “Gentle On My Mind, which happens to be their new single.  I’ve always loved this song.  They do it well.
Mac Wiseman, the late Hank Cochran and Ronnie Milsap were honored as the newest Hall of Famers.  Kacey Musgraves (my country crush) performed Loretta Lynn’s “You’re Looking At Country” with Loretta herself! New Artist of the Year went to another favorite of mine, Brett Eldrege. 
Jason Aldean made his mockery of country music performing his latest song.  Little Big Town performed“Day Drinkin’”, complete with light-up uniforms and a drum line.  They then did a duet with Arianna Grande on her song “Bang Bang”.  That was different.  Vocal Duo of the Year went to Florida Georgia Line: geez…
Martina McBride and Nashville’s Connie Britton presented Album of the Year to Miranda Lambert’s Platinum.  This is her second win for Album of the Year.  Well deserved, as it’s an excellent album! Carrie Underwood gave a fantastic performance of her gospel-tinged “Something in the Water”, complete with a gospel choir.  Vocal Group of the Year went to Little Big Town.  Miranda Lambert and LBT performed “Smokin’ and Drinkin’”.  Brad and Carrie honored Vince Gill with the Irving Vaugh Award of Excellence, an award won only once previously by the late Johnny Cash.  Vaugh was the reason the CMA’s wound up on television.  Vaugh once said “Vince Gill is a fine specimen of a man”.  Gill said “Straight up, that made me feel a little weird”.  Gill hosted the CMA’s for 12 years, first hosting in ’92.  Gill received the BMI Icon Award the previous night. George Strait and Eric Church performed George’s hit “Cowboys Like Us”.  Trisha Yearwood presented the Male Vocalist Award to Blake Shelton, his fifth win for Male Vocalist.  He dedicated the win to his hero Earl Thomas Conley, who never won the award.  The Doobie Brothers performed their classic “Listen to the Music” with Hillary Scott, Hunter Hayes and Jennifer Nettles.  Female Vocalist of the Year went to Miranda Lambert, her fifth time winning the award.  Garth Brooks presented Entertainer of the Year to Luke Bryan.