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But dont mistake that for a full return to awards-show normalcy.
Needless to say, the ceremony had its highs, lows, and ohs.
LOW: All that drama ahead of the show.First it was planning an in-person, indoor ceremony.
Talk about starting off on the wrong foot.
… OH: The opening tribute to Charlie Daniels.
Sure, Daniels, who died earlier this year, made an impact on country and southern rock.
HIGH: Ashley McBryde owning Texas in the Daniels tribute.That said, lets hear it for Ashley freakin McBryde!
The reigning New Artist of the Year performed twice last night, including Danielss lesser-known Texas during the tribute.
(Later, she did her own song, One Night Standards.)
She brought an infectious attitude to the song, got everyone dancing, and straight-up owned the room.
… OH: Charlie Puth is here?
(An additional … oh: Gabby Barrett was onAmerican Idol?)
That quarantine hair is sure a look!
But whats the point when youre just going to give it to the one white guy anyway?
… OH: Justin Bieber performing a prerecorded 10,000 Hours with Dan + Shay.
At least the man had the senseto skip that superspreader event.
HIGH: Luke Combs killing Cold as You.
HIGH: Paying tribute to Joe Diffie.
Joe Diffie was one of the genres many losses to the COVID-19 pandemic this year.
… OH: Did Charles Kelley perform live after COVID exposure?Poor Carly Pearce.
So it was surprising and confusing to see Pearce duetting with Kelley in the middle of the show.
Were the performers not quarantining ahead of time?
Should Pearce have stayed home too?
… OH: Darius Rucker performing In the Ghetto.
A Little Less Conversation wouldve been more fun, anyway.
HIGH: Miranda Lambert singing a stripped-down Settling Down.
No, Miranda Lambert didnt walk away withthe award she most deserved, Entertainer of the Year.
… OH: Reba coughed!During a pandemic!
At this superspreader event in the making!
HIGH: Jimmie Allen duetting with Charley Pride.
HIGH: Chris Stapleton performing Starting Over.
His back-to-basics performance title track proved once over that he deserves all the hype and more.
HIGH: Maren Morris reminding us why The Bones took home the hardware.
HIGH: Keith Urban recognizing medical workers.
Country music was both the inspiration and foundation for his songwriting and performing.
… OH: Eric Church winning Entertainer of the Year.Was he the worst choice?
