Award season kicked off Thursday, November 1 with the Country Music Awards, held in Nashville, Tennessee at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. “The 46th Annual CMA Awards,” aired at 8/7 C on ABC and was hosted by five-time hosts and country superstars Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley.
While award results were the focus of the night, performances, such as tributes to Wille Nelson and Andy Griffith, showcased the true meaning of country music. The night started off with a performance from Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, and Eric Church singing “The Only Way I Know,” followed by Tim McGraw singing, “One of Those Nights.” Additional performances included songs sung by artists Miranda Lambert, The Zac Brown Band, Dierks Bently, The Band Perry, Eric Church, Eli Young Band, Taylor Swift, Little Big Town, Hunter Hayes, Faith Hill, Brantley Gilbert, Brad Paisley, and Carrie Underwood.
Chemistry between hosts Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley was apparent. After five years of hosting the CMA Awards, both Carrie and Brad seamlessly deliver monologues that leave the audience in laughter, but in some instances, they poke fun at stars such as Taylor Swift and her recently-ended relationship with Connor Kennedy, using her song “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.” Jokes circulated around a pregnant Jennifer Nettles, who is expecting in less than three weeks, as well as host Carrie Underwood, who gave a 12 year old boy his first kiss at her concert earlier this month.
Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton ultimately swept the awards, making them the most powerful couple in country music. With Taylor Swift going home empty-handed in all three of her nominated categories, viewers were left to question her role in country music and whether the star has crossed over too far into the pop category.
A list of the winners is below. Winners are bolded and are included among the entire list of nominees.
2012 CMA Awards Winners:
Entertainer of the Year
Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton
Taylor Swift
Female Vocalist of the Year
Kelly Clarkson
Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Male Vocalist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Eric Church
Blake Shelton
Keith Urban
Vocal Group of the Year
The Band Perry
Eli Young Band
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Zac Brown Band
Vocal Duo of the Year
Big & Rich
Love and Theft
Sugarland
The Civil Wars
Thompson Square
New Artist of the Year
Lee Brice
Brantley Gilbert
Hunter Hayes
Love and Theft
Thompson Square
Album of the Year
Luke Bryan, ‘Tailgates and Tanlines’
Eric Church, ‘Chief’
Miranda Lambert, ‘Four the Record’
Dierks Bentley, ‘Home’
Lady Antebellum, ‘Own the Night’
Song of the Year (Awarded to songwriters)
“Even if It Breaks Your Heart,” Will Hoge and Eric Paslay
“God Gave Me You,” Dave Barnes
“Home,” Dierks Bentley and Jon Randall Stewart
“Over You,” Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton
“Springsteen,” Eric Church, Jeff Hyde and Ryan Tyndell
Single of the Year
Jason Aldean, “Dirt Road Anthem”
Blake Shelton, “God Gave Me You”
Dierks Bentley, “Home”
Little Big Town, “Pontoon”
Eric Church, “Springsteen”
Musical Event of the Year
“Dixie Highway,” Alan Jackson and Zac Brown Band
“Feel Like a Rock Star,” Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw
“Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die,” Willie Nelson featuring Snoop Dogg, Kris Kristofferson and Jamey Johnson
“Safe and Sound,” Taylor Swift featuring the Civil Wars
“Stuck on You,” Lionel Richie and Darius Rucker
Music Video of the Year
Eric Church, “Springsteen”
Kenny Chesney, “Come Over”
Miranda Lambert, “Over You”
Little Big Town, “Pontoon”
Toby Keith, “Red Solo Cup”
