Country Music Association Awards

  • Loretta Lynn, Jerry Lee Lewis honored at CMA Awards with fiery performances — in one case, literally

    Twitter was divided over Elle King's bonkers Jerry Lee Lewis tribute, with some fans accusing her of being disrespectful or even drunk, but the Killer himself probably would’ve appreciated it.

  • Country Stars Wonder If Charley Pride Got COVID-19 At CMAs Before Death

    But the awards show said the pioneering singer tested negative after returning home.

  • Maren Morris thanks Black female country artists in CMAs acceptance speech

    During the 54th annual Country Music Association Awards Wednesday night, Maren Morris used her acceptance speech after winning the award for Female Vocalist of the Year to champion Black female artists, starting with Linda Martell, who, in 1969, became the first Black woman to play the Grand Ole Opry. “I have a lot of people to thank, and they're the typical ones that lift me up and made this dream come true with me. But there are some names in my mind that I want to give recognition to, because I'm just a fan of their music and they are as country as it gets,” Morris began. “And I just want them all to know how much we love them back. And just check out their music after this. It's Linda Martell, Yola, Mickey Guyton, Rissi Palmer, Brittney Spencer, Rhiannon Giddens. There are so many amazing Black women that have pioneered and continue to pioneer this genre. I know they're going to come after me; they've come before me. You've made this genre so, so beautiful. I hope you know that we see you. Thank you for making me so inspired as a singer.” This year's CMA award show was historic for Black country singers in other notable ways as well. Darius Rucker became the second Black person ever to co-host the show, almost a half-century after country legend Charley Pride in 1975, who happened to be honored Wednesday night with the Willie Nelson LIfetime Achievement Award, presented by rising Black country star Jimmie Allen. However, Maren was the big winner of the night, and her moment acknowledging Black women in country music did not go unnoticed on Twitter. One viewer tweeted: "@MarenMorris using her female vocalist of the year award moment to shout out the amazing black women in country music. MORE OF THIS PLEASE."

  • Jennifer Nettles on 'extreme' gender imbalance in country music: 'I don't think this will be able to last much longer'

    “These artists, women artists don’t get the support on radio, then they don’t get the support on tour… it’s a cycle, a really vicious cycle,” Jennifer Nettles said Friday on "Today With Hoda and Jenna."

  • Carrie Underwood says she won't host the CMA Awards again

    Carrie Underwood has decided to “pass the hosting torch (at least for now!) to others,” at the CMA Awards after 12 years.

  • Shania Twain blasts 'very ageist' country music stations: 'I don't hear Reba on the radio anymore'

    The country star says female stars aren't given equal airplay, especially if they're older.