The country music awards (CMA) saw a huge response on social media from people who expressed their praise over the fact that the ceremony avoided politics.
Most award shows these days, especially those centered around the work Hollywood does, (Academy Awards, Golden Globes, Emmy Awards, et al.), seem to be rife with politically-charged opening monologues, scripted jokes and acceptance speeches promoting a political agenda or opinion.
But at the CMA awards which were held at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, politics were nowhere to be found. The Country Music Industry focused on what it does best – making music.
The co-hosts of the CMA awards this year were Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, who vowed the ceremony wouldn’t be filled with political rhetoric and satire. They kept their promise by avoiding any political banter. The duo kept the audience laughing without resorting to taking political potshots.
Country music fans engaged in an outpouring of gratitude on social media, praising the show for steering clear of politics.
A highlight of the night was a remembrance and tribute to the twelve victims who lost their lives during a mass shooting that occurred during a college-themed country music dance night at the Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks, California.
It began with a somber note given by country music legend Garth Brooks, who led a moment of silence for the twelve victims.
“Tonight let’s celebrate their lives. Let the music unite us with love,” Brooke said, as the names of the victims were flashed across the large screen.
Following the tribute to the victims, Luke Bryan kicked off the night’s events, saying to the cheering crowd: “Let’s be proud of what makes us country tonight!” Bryan launched into the song “What Makes You Country,” as he was joined by several other fellow country singers.
