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Country's night to shine or flop, and with all honesty the 49th Annual CMA Awards brought it's usual predictability Wednesday night with the exception of the night's most memorable moment of all time in country music history. Chris Stapleton, musician and artist out of Kentucky reminded country music listeners the origin of country music with his collaborative musical performance with Justin Timberlake. The quality and vocals behind the performance of "Tennessee Whiskey" and "I Can't Drink You Away" from the critically acclaimed album of the year Traveller reminiscent the days of legends before his time Buck Owens, Porter Wagoner , Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams to name with the infusion of pure old southern gospel and blues. And as far as memorable performance of the night Stapleton took home top honors for New Artist of The Year, Male Vocalist of The Year and Album of The Year. The quality of music and songwriting at it's finest shown bright for Stapleton to Little Big Town who's most controversial single song of the year "Girl Crush" winning them both awards including Vocal Group of The Year. True authenticity is drawn from the lyrics of a song and Girl Crush is one of the exceptions as well the quality of good music. Karen Fairchild's lead vocals radiate conviction leaving the audience and listeners with goose bumps. The quartet's harmonies don't waiver, the fluidity is down right pure. Obviously the snags and bumps of the night's 3 hour telecast were far less impressive. The collaborative efforts of Thomas Rhett and Fall Out Boy fell flat, I couldn't make head's or tails of it. Mr. Rhett wasn't comfortable in the element he was put in. It didn't work. Florida Georgia Line has a way with their target audience and songwriting format. The performance of their new single "Confession" was less than desirable to say the least.Much do respect for their business smarts, it was this performance that would remind me of previous live performances. Dry and predictable fellas. The night's hosts had their performance moments, Paisley took it old school with his performance of "Country Nation" bringing football to the stage with team mascots and cheerleaders. It's a country thing! Underwood just barely made a memorable moment with her performance of "Smoke Break" oh Carrie! Her raw strong vocals seem to always grab my attention, this didn't do it. When your in your strongest element make a movement without standing still. Bringing her guitar playing skills to the performance helped, haven't seen much of it for quite some time. All the way from their Vegas stint Reba with Brooks and Dunn did no wrong. Ladies and gentlemen this pairing brings the best out in each other. Performing "Why Haven't I Heard From You" and "Play Something Country". It's the swag, owning the stage as they have done for decades. What a night of hits and misses, granted country music hasn't lost it's appeal quite yet. The most concerning moments didn't leave much time for performances from Cam and Maddie and Tae, these young ladies have the conviction, the "IT" factor. I get the feeling each passing year the CMA's throw in more performances than award categories. I'd like to see some changes in the coming years to shrink down the time of the program from 3 hours to a 2 hour show, showcasing more up and coming artists. Country Music City is a flood gate of talent, it should be recognized. 8 years of hosting duties have only made the pairing of Paisley and Underwood incredibly entertaining. Dishing on the cra cra of 2015 to the highly anticipated Stars Wars The Force Awakens script in the opening monologue and William Shatner. Tackling marriages that turned sour. Divorce of course. Nothing was left out from a Paisley/Underwood moment. There you have it folks country music at it's finest and worst of 2015. Get the full winners list here and follow CMAWorld.com online.
WINNERS
New Artist of The Year Chris Stapleton
Song of The Year Girl Crush, performed by Little Big Town
writers: Liz Rose, Lori McKenna and Hillary Lindsey
Single of The Year Girl Crush - Little Big Town
Produced by: Jay Joyce
Capitol Records Nashville
Vocal Group of The Year Little Big Town
Musical Event of The Year "Raise Em Up" Keith Urban feat. Eric Church
Hit Red Records/Capitol Records Nashville
Male Vocalist of The Year Chris Stapleton
Vocal Duo of The Year Florida Georgia Line
Female Vocalist of The Year Miranda Lambert
Album of The Year Chris Stapleton Traveller
producers: Dave Cobb and Chris Stapleton
Entertainer of The Year Luke Bryan
Music Video of The Year Girl In A Country Song Maddie and Tae
Directed by: TK McKamy
Musician of The Year
Mac McAnally
