Whereas co-host Anthony Mackie took the stage on the CMT Music Awards, Kelsea Ballerini was in “full glam” internet hosting from house.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Carrie Underwood and Jason Aldean have been the large winners, the Judds reunited, and Kelsea Ballerini turned a troublesome break right into a one-woman home get together at Monday night time’s CMT music awards.
Underwood and Aldean received video of the 12 months and collaborative video of the 12 months for his or her duet “If I Did not Love You” on the present that makes use of fan votes to honor one of the best in nation music movies.
“This one’s all in regards to the followers man,” Underwood mentioned as she accepted the belt-buckle CMT trophy for video of the 12 months, a document twenty fifth win for her.
“I’m fairly certain I picked the right accomplice for this track,” Aldean mentioned.
The Judds made their first main awards present efficiency in over 20 years, with 76-year-old Naomi and her 57-year-old daughter Wynonna singing their signature 1990 traditional “Love Can Construct a Bridge.”
They have been joined by a gospel choir within the efficiency that was pre-recorded exterior the Nation Music Corridor of Fame.
The present from the Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee made one of the best of the last-minute absence of co-host Kelsea Ballerini, who examined optimistic for COVID-19 a couple of days earlier.
Her co-host, “Avengers” actor Anthony Mackie, took the stage alone at the beginning of the stay CBS telecast and launched a “backup KB,” Kane Brown, to assist with internet hosting duties. Brown was additionally the night time’s most nominated artist however got here up empty.
However Ballerini would not be disregarded. She appeared on a giant display from house, decked out in a full awards-show gown in her front room.
“That is my regular Monday night time, in full glam, with lighting I arrange myself, and a distant truck exterior,” Ballerini mentioned. “I’d a lot slightly be there with you, however I will probably be popping in all night time lengthy.”
Later within the present, Ballerini carried out from her yard, singing her new single “Heartfirst” alone with a white guitar whereas standing on the grass with photos of her band projected on to a curtain hung behind her.
She made fixed costume adjustments, showing in a brand new gown for every look and ending the night time in her pajamas.
Miranda Lambert received her eighth CMT award, for feminine video of the 12 months, for “If I Was a Cowboy,” which she additionally carried out.
“I’m so blissful to be part of the ladies of nation music right this moment,” Lambert mentioned.
Cody Johnson received male video of the 12 months for ”′Til You Can’t.”
Maddie & Tae received finest group or duo video for “Girl You Received.” Tae Kerr, who not too long ago went by way of a troublesome being pregnant and untimely delivery, appeared on a display from house throughout their acceptance, holding her new child.
“I’ve missed you, I’ve missed you a lot, and I’ve been consuming as a result of I’m so nervous,” Maddie Font mentioned to her musical accomplice throughout an acceptance speech the place she went from laughs to tears and again once more. “Inform that child lady I like her.”
At age 69, George Strait received his first ever CMT award, taking CMT efficiency of the 12 months for “Is Anyone Goin’ to San Antone?” from “CMT Giants: Charley Pleasure’.”
Performances got here quick and livid through the three hour present.
Keith City opened the telecast together with his single “Wild Hearts,” adopted instantly by the duet “By no means Say By no means” from Cole Swindell and Lainey Wilson, who stepped out to the entrance of an out of doors stage to let the Nashville rain hit them as they sang.
Underwood sang her track “Ghost Story” in a pre-taped efficiency from her Las Vegas residency, withdrawing mid-song Cirque du Soleil-style on a fabric swing hung from the ceiling.
Jimmie Allen, Monica and Little Massive City gave the primary stay efficiency of their collaboration “Pray.” All wore all white and stood on a smoke coated stage as inspirational photos from the pandemic and the struggle in Ukraine have been proven behind them.
The internet hosting change-up wasn’t the one hiccup the present confronted: lightning compelled the closure of the CMT’s pink carpet earlier than most stars arrived to have their photographs taken and be interviewed.
This story has been corrected to point out that Underwood has received 25 CMT awards.
Dalton reported from Los Angeles.
