The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Country artists bring tears, prayers to CMT awards show
Country music artists cried together and prayed together at an emotional CMT Artists of the Year awards show that reflected the tightknit community of artists who supported each other through success and loss.
Country singer Kane Brown, who was one of several artists of the year honored at Wednesday’s show in Nashville, Tenn., struggled through tears and dedicated his award to his longtime drummer 27yearold Kenny Dixon, who died in a car accident over the weekend.
“He started with me coming out of Chattanooga,” said Brown. “He was with me the whole time. He was so supportive of me. And I love you, man, I miss you. The band misses you.”
He ended his speech by asking the country artists in the room to “stay safe.”
Another honoree, Thomas Rhett, said he was moved by Brown’s appearance and asked the whole audience to stop and pray with him. “I don’t know if this is very conventional, but can I just pray?” he said and led the audience in a prayer for the families of Brown and Dixon.
Country icon and actress Reba McEntire was given the artist of the lifetime award and was introduced by her longtime friend Vince Gill, who noted they had supported each other through divorces and deaths in their families and through tours and duets. McEntire, who lost eight members of her band in an airplane crash in 1991, called the awards show an “inspirational, emotional night.”
She said it took “guts” for Rhett to pray during a live television event, and said, “That’s what we need in this world, a little more God.”
Dan + Shay, the Grammywinning duo that is known for their heartfelt love songs inspired by their wives such as “Speechless” and their latest hit, “10,000 Hours” with Justin Bieber, were also honored as artists of the year. Shay Mooney of the duo said their wives are the “real stars.”
“Country fans want to hear storytelling,” said Dan Smyers of the duo. “They connect with the lyrics. They connect with the emotion.”