Kane Brown and Katelyn Brown’s touching duet about discovering the one received over the hearts of the CMT Music Awards.
The married couple’s hit, “Thank God,” was named video of the 12 months on Sunday and broke Carrie Underwood’s four-year successful streak to gather the highest prize.
“That is all so new to me and after we recorded this tune a 12 months in the past, I by no means in my life would ever assume that this was going to occur,” Katelyn Brown stated onstage, kissing Kane Brown afterward.
“I wish to say thanks a lot to my wonderful husband. I like you. That is so particular that we get to share this collectively each night time.”
“Thank God,” which they carried out through the three-hour present, reached No. 1 on nation radio and has peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard Sizzling 100, Kane Brown’s highest placement on the all-genre chart. The tune has additionally launched the music world to his singer-wife.
Kane Brown additionally gave a shout-out to the video’s director, Alex Alvga, who’s from Barcelona.
“He’s making the American dream come true,” the singer stated.
Underwood, who attended the fan-voted present and carried out, is probably the most adorned act in CMT historical past with 25 wins. She’s received video of the 12 months 10 occasions, together with 2019-22.
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Kane Brown hosted the present for a 3rd time with Kelsea Ballerini, who kicked off the occasion with a tribute to the six victims who had been killed final week at The Covenant College in Nashville. The nation singer additionally instructed the viewers about her highschool classmate who “misplaced his life to a gun in our cafeteria.”
“Tonight’s broadcast is devoted to the ever-growing listing of households, associates, survivors, witnesses and responders whose lives proceed to perpetually be modified by gun violence. I pray deeply that the closeness and the neighborhood that we really feel by way of the subsequent few hours of music can quickly flip into actual motion that strikes us ahead collectively to create change for the protection of our youngsters and our family members,” she stated.
Ballerini additionally hit the stage to carry out “If You Go Down (I’m Going Down Too)” alongside a number of drag stars of the hit TV collection RuPaul’s Drag Race — as states throughout the nation take into account legally limiting drag present performances.
The night time was stuffed with extra touching and severe moments, in addition to enjoyable and upbeat performances from nation music’s high stars.
Shaina Twain earned the CMT Equal Play Award and was launched by Grammy-winning rapper and Texas native Megan Thee Stallion, who referred to as the icon “hot-girl Shania.”
“I consider in an all-inclusive nation music household. This can be a style of music with a wealthy historical past that raised and nurtured my very own songwriting and efficiency and recording profession from childhood. At present, the trade commonplace does an actual disservice to this. Now allow us to — the nation music trade — do our half to shut the hole and supply an equal workspace for all expertise,” she stated. “I’ll proceed to do my finest as a trailblazer, and collectively let’s be certain that all our fellow artists get equal play no matter gender, age or race.”
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Lainey Wilson, who was the top-nominated act with 4, received two awards together with feminine video of the 12 months for “Coronary heart Like a Truck” and collaborative video of the 12 months for “wait within the truck,” her tune with Hardy.
Wilson spoke about ladies empowerment and perseverance as she collected the previous award, offered to her by Twain, who embraced her onstage with a heat hug.
“This tune proper right here is about discovering freedom and power. It’s about not being afraid of the scratches and the dents and the bumps alongside the best way,” she stated. “I’m so pleased with this music video. It was filmed, produced, written and directed by all ladies.”
The awards present — airing from Austin for the primary time — featured a variety of collaborative performances and tributes, and Wynonna Judd shined onstage as she carried out Foreigner’s “I Wish to Know What Love Is” alongside Ashley McBryde.
“Mama, it’s essential to be right here tonight,” she stated trying up and honoring Naomi Judd. “I miss you and I like you.”
Catherine Powell/Getty Photographs for CMT
Alanis Morissette was accompanied by Wilson, Ingrid Andress, Madeline Edwards and Morgan Wade to have fun the tenth anniversary of CMT “Subsequent Ladies of Nation.” Billy Gibbons, Chuck Leavell, Cody Johnson, Paul Rodgers, Slash, Warren Haynes, LeAnn Rimes and Judd honored Lynyrd Skynyrd, together with late guitarist Gary Rossington, and celebrated 50 years of the rock band’s debut album.
Gwen Stefani and Carly Pearce joined forces to sing No Doubt’s “Only a Lady,” whereas Darius Rucker and The Black Crowes collaborated onstage. Different performers Sunday included Blake Shelton, Keith City, Tyler Hubbard and Gary Clark Jr., who carried out “The Home Is Rockin’” in tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Jelly Roll, who additionally carried out, was the night time’s massive winner with three awards, together with male video of the 12 months, breakthrough male video of the 12 months and the CMT digital-first efficiency of the 12 months.
“I hope y’all give me a second, I’m a little bit emotional. I began consuming. I didn’t assume I used to be going to win once more,” stated Jelly Roll, who had a Prime 10 nation hit with “Son of a Sinner” and has additionally had albums and songs discover success on the rock and rap charts.
“I don’t know what you’re going by way of and I don’t know what you’ve been by way of, however I do know you’ll be able to overcome it. I promise you, you’ll be able to,” he stated to cheers from the gang. “You will be no matter you wish to be, I promise you that. I instructed them I wished to be a rustic music singer and I’m standing right here on the CMT Awards!”
Different winners Sunday included Zac Brown Band (group/duo video of the 12 months); Cody Johnson (CMT efficiency of the 12 months); and Megan Moroney (breakthrough feminine video of the 12 months).
