While most award shows are full of politically charged opening monologues and acceptance speeches, the CMA Awards made a conscious effort to avoid political banter during country music’s biggest night in which Keith Urban won top honor as Entertainer of the Year.
Unlike other star-studded events, CMA co-hosts Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood vowed the show wouldn’t be filled with political satire — and the country superstars kept their word. As the biggest names in the genre took the stage during Wednesday night’s show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, politics was not a topic of discussion.
Instead, the CMAs began on a somber note with Garth Brooks leading a moment of silence for the 12 people who were killed at a Southern California country bar last week.
Fans took notice of Underwood and Paisley’s efforts to keep the show clear of politics — unlike the Oscars, Golden Globes, Emmy Awards and several other Hollywood award shows where political overtones have become par for the course.
https://twitter.com/melly_boo94/status/1062892666487275522
So great to watch an award show WITHOUT all the politics. Real music and genuine people who actually support each other. My ❤️is happy. #CMAawards
— Tracy (@mrshicksnj) November 15, 2018
Loveee #CMAawards
Just people Comin together celebrating good music.
No word of politics, no agendas being pushed, just strictly entertainment
— Greg Wiley (@Gwilez) November 15, 2018
#CMAawards thank you, thank you, thank you, @BradPaisley and @carrieunderwood for leaving politics OUT of your monologue, BRAVO
— Brian Gregory (@blownvette79) November 15, 2018
Underwood kept the positive and uplifting theme going when she gave a rousing performance of her song “Love Wins.” It features the lyrics, “I believe you and me are sisters and brothers/And I believe we’re made to be here for each other.” – READ MORE