The 51st Annual Country Music Awards aired on November 8th 2017.
It was hosted by Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley for the 10th year in a row and Chris Stapleton, Garth Brooks and Little Big Town were amongst the winners.
But in the wake of the Las Vegas tragedy, the Sutherland Church shooting and devastating hurricanes in Texas, Peurto Rico and Florida, this year’s awards had a more somber tone than in previously.
Carrie Underwood and Bill Paisley opened the awards with an homage to the victims of the many recent tragedies. “This has been a year marked by tragedy, impacting countless lives, including so many in our country family,” Carrie began.
“The way we see it, the best way to honor our fans is to play our music loud and proud,” Paisley added. “This year’s show is dedicated all those we’ve lost and all those still healing.”
Coming together as a family
“Tonight we’re gonna do what famiy’s do. Come together, cry together and sing together too,” Carrie said in her opening dialogue, and when she took to the stage for the annual “In Memorium tribute, it was definitely hard to hold back the tears.
Carrie sung the traditional hymn “Softly and Tenderly” to pay tribute to members of the country music community who passed away in 2017, including Troy Gentry and Glen Campbell.
As the song came to an end, the names and photos of the 58 victims of the Las Vegas massacre appeared on the screen. It was clear to see that Carrie was deeply affected by the tribute, as she brought her perfomance to an emotional close.
It’s impossible to not be moved by this powerful performance. Carrie, Brad and everyone involved in this year’s Country Music Awards deserve props for turning the show into such a sincere tribute to all those who have been affected by this year’s tragedies.
I’m so moved and touched by this heartfelt performance.
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