Carrie Underwood and Lauren Alaina led the stars holding protective face shields at the socially-distanced Country Music Association Awards (CMAs) in Nashville, Tennessee, on Wednesday night.
The two singers, aged 37 and 26, joined Maren Morris and Miranda Lambert in donning the visors at the star-studded event amid the coronavirus pandemic.
At one moment during the ceremony, Carrie and Lauren were seen talking to each other while holding the visors, which consisted of a plastic shield on a stick to cover people’s noses and mouths.
Safety first! Carrie Underwood and Lauren Alaina led the stars holding protective face shields at the socially-distanced Country Music Association Awards (CMAs) in Nashville, Tennessee , on Wednesday night
While a different part at the event saw Maren, 30, Morris and Miranda, 37, pose for pictures together while holding the visors.
Most award shows have not allowed audiences since the COVID-19 pandemic, but the CMA Awards made the bold move of having tables of attendees set around the stage at what they deemed as a proper distance.
There also seemed to be plenty of testing leading up to the event as Lady A, Rascal Flatts, Florida Georgia Line, Jenee Fleenor, and others pulled out of the appearing/performing at the event due to testing positive for COVID-19 or being around someone who had.
It also appears that masks were not required during the ceremony, though some stars were seen wearing clear plastic face coverings in between performances.
Cautious: The two singers, aged 37 and 26, joined Maren Morris and Miranda Lambert in donning the visors at the star-studded event amid the coronavirus pandemic
Protection: At one moment during the ceremony, Carrie and Lauren were seen talking to each other while holding the visors, which consisted of a plastic shield on a stick to cover people’s noses and mouths
A representative for the Country Music Association told TVLine that ‘every single person’ who entered the venue were tested for COVID-19, including all crew and staff, with some also tested in the week leading up to the ceremony.
They also pointed out the use of personal protective equipment and social distancing, with tables of guests separated to at least eight feet apart, with no more than four attendees on any table.
‘Of course, we are thrilled to be bringing the country music community together tonight, however, our Number 1 priority has been and will continue to be the safety of our artists, our crew and our staff,’ the rep added.
Measures: Most award shows have not allowed audiences since the COVID-19 pandemic, but the CMA Awards made the bold move of having tables of attendees set around the stage at what they deemed as a proper distance
Carrie looked absolutely sensational next to her husband Mike Fisher, as she arrived at the Country Music Association Awards in Nashville, Tennessee.
On Wednesday evening, the seven-time Grammy winner wore a hyper-embellished gown with two daring thigh-high slits, which showcased her incredibly toned legs.
As she paraded into the ceremony with her hunky man, the longtime lovebirds posed side-by-side with their arms comfortably wrapped around each other.
Lovebirds: Carrie looked absolutely sensational next to her husband Mike Fisher, as she arrived at the Country Music Association Awards in Nashville, Tennessee
The Before He Cheats crooner oozed confidence with one hand on her hip, a self-assured smile and her luscious blonde locks in gorgeous curls.
To complete her show-stopping ensemble, the American Idol alum carried a patent black clutch and showed off her fresh pedicure in a pair of strappy heels.
Standing by his wife of ten year’s side, the 39-year-old retired NHL player wore a classic suit and coordinating black and silver paisley tie.
This marks the duo’s first red carpet since attending the 2019 CMA Awards last year, just months before welcoming their son Jacob Bryan, ten months, in January.
Stunning: The seven-time Grammy winner wore a hyper-embellished gown with two daring thigh-high slits, which showcased her incredibly toned legs on Wednesday evening
The spouses, who are also parents to five-year-old Isaiah Michael, also stuck by each other’s side inside the ceremony, while mingling with other stars, like Gabby Barrett.
Underwood, who has taken home nine CMA Awards, was nominated for two of the prizes, including Entertainer of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year.
Unlike many other award shows of the past few months, the CMA Awards took place with an audience.
Nine-time CMA winner: Underwood, who has taken home CMA Awards over the years, was nominated for top of the prizes: Entertainer of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year
Puttin’ on the glitz: Carrie put her best foot forward in a breath-taking silver sequin-covered gown that featured a sexy A-line slit
Nashville and the CEO of the Country Music Association, Sarah Trahern, commented on fans being in attendance.
She said: ‘Although the show will feel a bit more intimate this year, we look forward to hosting our nominated artists and their guests as we celebrate the best of country music in a fully safe and physically distant environment.
‘It will be an honour to bring the biggest country stars in the world together – in one room – for the first time this year. You won’t want to miss it!’
The celebration of country music’s greatest was hosted by Darius Rucker and returning host Reba McEntire.
Two performers, Lee Brice and Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard, had to drop out after testing positive for COVID-19.
Interesting: Unlike many other award shows of the past few months, the CMA Awards took place with an audience
The hosting pair are still looking forward to the festivities, with Reba telling Us Weekly: ‘I’m thrilled to be back hosting the CMA Awards and even more thrilled that I get to share the stage with Darius Rucker. We’re looking forward to a night of celebrating great country music and hope you’ll tune in and watch!’
Rucker said: ‘I look forward to the CMA Awards every year because of the incredible performances and the opportunity to celebrate the year in country music.
‘To be invited to host this year’s awards alongside Reba — are you kidding me?! — it is an absolute honour. Even though this year will look a little different than normal, I know that we’re all eager for a night of musical celebration, and this year’s show definitely won’t disappoint!’
Chatting away: The spouses, who are also parents to five-year-old Isaiah Michael, also stuck by each other’s side inside the ceremony, while mingling with other stars, like Gabby Barrett
Making things even more exciting, the pair performed at the event.
Other performers include country heavyweights Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris and Keith Urban.
Dan + Shay appeared with their 10,000 Hours collaborator Justin Bieber to give the show some pop flair.
Hosting duties: The celebration of country music’s greatest was hosted by Darius Rucker and returning host Reba McEntire
Miranda Lambert has come out on top with awards nominations, earning seven nods.
Right behind her is Luke Combs and and Dan + Shay’s Dan Smyers, with six nominations each. In addition to earning five nominations for the duo, Smyers earned extra recognition as a producer.
Bieber was able to earn three nominations for his Dan + Shay collaboration.
Nomination domination: Miranda Lambert came out on top with award nominations, earning seven nods
Genre bending: Justin Bieber was able to earn three nominations for his Dan + Shay collab titled 10,000 Hours
This year’s Lifetime Achievement honour was bestowed upon classic Charley Pride, whose hits include Mountain of Love, Roll on Mississippi and Kiss and Angel Good Mornin’.
The late Charlie Daniels, famed for his song Devil Went Down to Georgia, was also honoured along with Joe Diffie and Kenny Rogers.
Presenters included Lauren Akins, Lauren Alaina, Dierks Bently, Bobby Bones, Charles Esten, Sara Evans, Taylor Hill, Jake Owen, Patrick Schwarzenegger, and CeCe Winans.
CMA Awards Winners 2020
Entertainer of the Year
Eric Church – WINNER
Miranda Lambert
Carrie Underwood
Keith Urban
Luke Combs
Top honor: Eric Church was the biggest winner of the night as he took home Entertainer of the Year
Female Vocalist of the Year
Miranda Lambert
Ashley McBryde
Maren Morris – WINNER
Kacey Musgraves
Carrie Underwood
Triple threat: Miranda Lambert won in three of five categories including Female Vocalist of the Year
Male Vocalist of the Year
Eric Church
Luke Combs – WINNER
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton
Keith Urban
King of the mountain: :Luke Combs took home Male Artist Of The Year
Vocal Group of the Year
Lady A
Little Big Town
Midland
Old Dominion – WINNER
Rascal Flatts
Squad goals: Old Dominion beat out Lady A, Little Big Town, Midland, and Rascal Flatts to earn Vocal Group of the Year
Vocal Duo of the Year
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay – WINNER
Florida Georgia Line
Maddie & Tae
Dynamic: Dan + Shay earned Vocal Duo of the Year as they accepted after their performance with Justin Bieber
New Artist of the Year
Jimmie Allen
Ingrid Andress
Gabby Barrett
Morgan Wallen – WINNER
Carly Pearce
Rookie of the year: Morgan Wallen earned the coveted New Artist of the Year
Album of the Year
Jon Pardi – Heartache Medication
Ashley McBryde – Never Will
Old Dominion – Old Dominion
Miranda Lambert – Wildcard
Luke Combs – What You See Is What You Get – WINNER
Song of the Year
Bluebird – Miranda Lambert
The Bones – Maren Morris – WINNER
Even Though I’m Leaving – Luke Combs
I Hope You’re Happy Now – Carly Pearce and Lee Brice
More Hearts Than Mine – Ingrid Andress
Single of the Year
I Hope – Gabby Barrett
Beer Never Broke My Heart – Luke Combs
10,000 Hours – Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber
Bluebird – Miranda Lambert
The Bones – Maren Morris – WINNER
Musical Event of the Year
10,000 Hours – Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber
Be a Light – Thomas Rhett with Reba McEntire, Lady A, Chris Tomlin and Keith Urban
The Bones – Maren Morris feat. Hozier
Fooled Around and Fell in Love – Miranda Lambert with Maren Morris, Ashley McBryde, Tenille Townes, Caylee Hammack and Elle King
I Hope You’re Happy Now – Carly Pearce and Lee Brice – WINNER
Carly Pearce and Lee Brice won Musical Event Of The Year for I Hope You’re Happy Now
Music Video of the Year
10,000 Hours – Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber
Bluebird – Miranda Lambert – WINNER
Homemade – Jake Owen
I Hope You’re Happy Now – Carly Pearce and Lee Brice
Second One to Know – Chris Stapleton
Lambert won Music Video of the Year for her song Bluebird
Musician of the Year
Jenee Fleenor (Fiddle) – WINNER
Paul Franklin (Steel Guitar)
Rob McNelley (Guitar)
Ilya Toshinsky (Guitar)
Derek Wells (Guitar)
Fiddleist Jenee Fleenor won for Musician of the Year but was unable to attend due to testing positive for COVID-19