It’s the first Monday of a new year and a new decade, which means there are a lot of changes happening. People are kicking off their New Year’s resolutions by eating better, going to the gym and so much more. How do I know this? The yearly #NewYearNewMe posts that I scroll past on my Instagram. But, one thing that’s changing this new year in the world of country music: Carrie Underwood announced she’s stepping down as host of the CMA Awards.
In a social media post from New Years Eve, the 12-year host, country legend, supermom, fitness guru and overall badass announced that she will be “passing the hosting torch (at least for now!) to other that will cherish it and honor it” as much as she does. With that post, we can safely say it’s officially the end of an era. And what do I think about Carrie’s announcement? GOOD! Good. For. Her.
For 11 years, Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood were the dynamic duo of the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards. They were witty, fun and made the show what it is today. The ACMs couldn’t even come close to finding a host even half as good as Brad and Carrie. Assuming the “Remind Me” duet partners would be back hosting for another year in 2019, it came as quite a curveball when it was announced that women of country would be taking over the hosting duties and Paisley was out. And those women were none other than Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire and the queen herself, Carrie Underwood.
So as the CMA Awards approached on Wednesday, November 6th, women everywhere (myself included) were excited to see what this celebration of women at the CMA Awards would entail. Although it included some memorable performances, the show ended with the biggest let down in CMA Awards history: Entertainer of the Year.
Don’t get me wrong – Garth Brooks is GARTH BROOKS. A man who is known for what is arguably the most famous song in country music, “Friends in Low Places.” But, when you really sit down and compare all of the nominees; Carrie should’ve taken home the nights top prize, especially with her long list of accomplishments over the past 2 years. Even Miranda Lambert thought so. Instead, Underwood went home empty handed, after being nominated in 3 major categories; Female Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year & Entertainer of the Year.
So when she announced she’s stepping down, she sent the Association a message. A message that she’s worth more. And to be honest, I’ve never been more proud to call myself a Carrie Underwood fan.
Weeks later during the AMAs, Carrie won two awards (Country Album of the Year & Best Female Country Artist) where she now famously said in her acceptance speech, “Thank you to the fans, you guys support each and every one of us. I want to thank the AMAs for making this award show fan voted because they’re the ones that matter and the ones that count.” That’s right, we ARE the ones that count. And if we had the chance to vote for Entertainer of the Year, I can guarantee you that the outcome would’ve been a lot different.
So like I said, it’s the end of an era. After 11 years, no more Brad Paisley, And now after 12 years, no more Carrie Underwood. Leaving all of us curious on what host(s) are going to try and fill their shoes in 2020. Whoever you are, break a leg!
Carrie’s post: Click here
Miranda’s post: Click here
OPINION PIECE BY: Alexandria Leavenworth
