Rocio Mateos
The 2017 CMT Music Awards took place on Wednesday (June 7) night, at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee. The ceremony, hosted by ‘Nashville’ star Charles Esten, recognized and honored the best of country music. Keith Urban turned out to be the lead winner of the night, taking home four awards.
Throughout the night, Urban could barely go off stage. The Australian was awarded twice for his breathtaking music video for “Blue Ain’t Your Color.” Earning ‘Male Video of the Year’ and the top honor Video of the Year – marking the third time he wins this award. He also was recognized as the CMT Social Superstar of the Year Presented by Pepsi.
“I love making music, I love making videos … who knows how long you get to do it.” Said Urban during his speech, before paying homage to his wife, Nicole Kidman. “I want to say a massive thank you to my wife Nicole,” the singer told the audience. “You have no idea how much of what I do … she’s involved in every little piece of it.” How sweet!
As for his fourth award, the singer shared the Collaborative Video of the Year with Carrie Underwood, for their hit collab “The Fighter.”
Carrie Underwood broke her own personal record
The night was also a big time for Underwood, as she won Female Video of the Year for “Church Bells.” Which makes her the most awarded performer in the history of the CMT Music Awards with 17 honors. In her remarks, she thanked the fans and her husband Mike Fisher, whom she saluted with a “Go Preds!” shout.
Other award winners included Little Big Town’s “Better Man” for Group Video of the Year, Florida Georgia Line’s “H.O.L.Y.” for Duo Video. And Luke Bryan’s collaboration with Jason Derulo for CMT Performance of the Year “Want To Want Me” from ‘CMT Crossroads.’
Lauren Alaina was presented the Breakthrough Video Award by Country Music Hall of Fame member Reba McEntire. The 22-year-old singer could barely hold back her tears as she accepted the award. And even thanked God – she actually asked for forgiveness, but it’s kind of the same thing.
SHE SO DESERVED THIS!
Congrats @Lauren_Alaina! #BreakthroughVideoOfTheYear #CMTAwards #RoadLessTraveled pic.twitter.com/i1SXFXKYSr
— Brooke Taylor (@BrookeRadio) June 8, 2017
The Music City Center saw some outstanding musical performances
From the minute the night began, the stage was filled with star-studded performances. From the biggest names in the country music world to some special guests from outside the genre.
Charles Kelley, Jason Aldean, and Darius Rucker inaugurated the ceremony with a tribute to the late Gregg Allman. They played “Midnight Rider” and Derek Trucks joined to play an amazing guitar solo.
Miranda Lambert also did her thing onstage, with a performance of her hit, “Pink Sunglasses.” Later, Thomas Rhett did a highly choreographed performance of his latest single “Craving You.” And the audience couldn’t help but stand on their feet and follow the rhythm. But the greatest moment of the night was definitely when Urban, and Underwood, did a glorious performance of “The Fighter.”
Apart from Derulo’s collabo with Bryan, other memorable artists joined the stage of the CMT Music Awards. Florida Georgia Line teamed up with ‘The Chainsmokers’ while Brothers Osborne were joined by Peter Frampton. Earth, Wind & Fire also showed up to perform alongside Lady Antebellum. The improbable collabo closed the night with Lady A’s latest single “You Look Good,” followed by the iconic disco hit “September.”
