Was That Country Music 2021?

There was never any doubt a generational change had occurred in Country music over the last several years. There was never any doubt the 55th CMA Awards show had a mission of social justice. From the first visual with the three women, to the Gospel jamboree with Jennifer Hudson, this version of the CMA Awards was going to go in a different direction.

The question many asked the next day is, “Was that a snapshot of how Country music is, or what some want it to be?” It was young Country and, in some cases, rookie Country in the winner’s circle and on the stage and red carpet.

Explain the love affair with Chris Stapleton that allows him five nominations and no wins in the Entertainer of the Year category. Makes no sense. He wins the Single, Song, Album and Male Vocalist awards, then is shut down with the EOY. What mixed message is that coming from the voters?

The Jimmie Allen and Carly Pearce wins were shocking. Not undeserved, but shocking. Even Luke Combs was shocked with his EOY win, since that night was not building up to a Combs win. Carly has done everything right since she hit the ground a few years back. She’s a great PR person for the Grand Ole Opry and a bright light. Jimmie has worked tirelessly on the road opening for Brad Paisley and taking his own gigs on off days. A very hard worker and, yes, even a dancer.

You might have heard the crowd chanting “Morgan, Morgan” after Morgan Wallen’s name was read for Album of the Year. The CMA voters were not going with the crowd on that category, won by Stapleton.

Old Dominion winning Vocal Group might have been the night’s only predictable win.

The cowboy hat was, for the most part, missing on the show, with Stapleton and Alan Jackson the lone exceptions. Many men attending were wearing high water skinny pants and loafer shoes with no socks. All the colors in the rainbow for the women and some men. The wedding singer tux has left the building.

I’m writing this before the ratings for the show come out, so as not be influenced by them. My gut tells me the first hour had a hard time in the competition, which didn’t roll over.

The show rocked. It was woke, and did anyone expect the Stapleton sweep?

The show feels disconnected from its base, but ABC is trying to play to the big cities. You can’t go by social media. It was all over the place. Many people simply hate change.

Change is the code word. The social warrior award goes to the CMA. How did it do in the ratings? That’s when the tabloids get their next piece of red meat.