The 2018 Academy of Country Music Awards were notable for a number of reasons. They were held in Las Vegas just months after a horrific shooting at another country event in that city. Reba McEntire returned to reclaim her longtime hosting duties. Chris Stapleton’s wife gave birth in the midst of it all.
But for many fans, there was just one moment to tune in for: The big, live reveal of Carrie Underwood’s face. For months, Underwood, who suffered a fall in November that necessitated 40 to 50 stitches in her face, had been lying low on social media, posting pictures of her face with strategically placed props like scarves.
She progressed to revealing herself in profile, then moved to full-on photos that were a bit zoomed out or cleverly lit. All of this understandably had fans wondering: What the heck was she hiding?
When Underwood did take the stage to perform her new single “Cry Pretty,” nobody knew quite what to expect. However, those who were betting on something dramatic — well, good thing they weren’t putting money on Vegas tables, because they lost that bet.
Underwood’s face looked smooth as glass, as perfect and flawless as ever. “Pretty” was the only word to describe her.
She received a standing ovation for her performance — also flawless — but fans on social media reacted with confusion and a little bit of irritation. After all, the mystery of Carrie’s face had gone on for a long time.
Looking at Carrie Underwood's face trying to find a scratch. #ACMawards pic.twitter.com/KQeM33APLC
— Brandi Elizabeth (@becaponi) April 16, 2018
Carrie Underwood for the last 6 months: y’all, my face looks so different!
Everyone at the #ACMAwards: pic.twitter.com/WwBw2f8jRw
— Kristen (@kristen_gilma) April 16, 2018
Carrie Underwood went into hiding for months because of her accident, but I genuinely don't see anything different about her face? I'm confused.
— jacks (@kriegdei) April 16, 2018
Anyone else staring hard at Carrie Underwood's face to see if you can even see a difference? #ACMawards
— Katie Strupp (@katiestrupp) April 16, 2018
Why was Carrie Underwood acting like half her face was missing? She looks the same!
— ⚜️WHO DAT for PREDS!!! (@whodatholly) April 16, 2018
Others were the voice of reason, however:
People are seriously mad because Carrie underwood face looks good?
— Rosemary Bottom (@BottomRosemary) April 16, 2018
Who cares about her face? That girl @carrieunderwood can SING. #acmawards2018
— Cara (@cmkerwin) April 16, 2018
Underwood told fans last week that she’s working on a new album. Her last new release was another grandiose anthem, “The Champion,” which came out in January for the Super Bowl and featured guest vocals from Ludacris.
The 2018 Academy of Country Music Awards aired live from Las Vegas on April 15.
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