Some people say “the best things come in threes,” but that was certainly not the case for the CMT Music Awards Wednesday night. The trio of hosts included Sarah Hyland, best known for her role in Modern Family, and country music artists Kane Brown and Ashley McBryde. But to be honest, Ashley McBryde could’ve done the whole show herself… and we probably would’ve preferred it that way.
It wasn’t that the other hosts were bad, per say; it was just that Ashley was THAT GOOD. The overly energetic and excessively enthusiastic Sarah Hyland was almost too much for country music’s most casual awards show. And birthday boy Kane Brown? Not enough! If only Sarah could’ve given Kane some of her spunk, they would’ve balanced each other out.
McBryde on the other hand – a natural! I wouldn’t be surprised if this is the first of many hosting gigs to come for her. She was cool, calm, collected, and showed enthusiasm where enthusiasm was due. Nobody could forget her authentic reaction to Carrie Underwood winning the night’s most highly-coveted award, “Video of the Year.” McBryde, who presented the award, threw her fist proudly in the air when she opened the envelope to find that Queen Carrie had taken home the night’s top prize. We just love to see women supporting women in country music these days!
Once in a blue moon, CMT’s longtime ‘Hot 20’ hosts Cody Alan and Katie Cook would appear on screen to introduce segments, but even these veteran country music journalists didn’t live up to McBryde’s “One Night Standards” for hosting this gig.
Overall, it was a great night for fans who have been missing the country music scene in 2020. Check out our full recap of the CMT Music Awards right here on Stars and Guitars!
