Background
On September 30, CMA announced that Wilson will return as host for the ceremony, but for the first time as a solo host. [5] It is only the third time that the CMA Awards have had a solo female host, following Dolly Parton in 1988, and Reba McEntire in 1991.
On November 10, the association announced that eighteen-time CMA award winner and country legend, Vince Gill, would receive the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. A statement by the CMA chief executive officer Sarah Trahern read “Vince embodies the very best of what country music stands for,” Sarah Trahern, CMA chief executive officer, said in a statement. “He's a true trailblazer, one who gives back to the community, honors the roots of our genre, and even now continues to share his talent with fans across the globe. As a Country Music Hall of Fame member, 18-time CMA Award winner, and former 12-time CMA Awards host, he remains a vibrant force in our industry, and we’re honored to celebrate an artist whose influence is so deeply woven into the fabric of our format.” [6]
Reception
Overnight viewership was 6.037 million viewers, down 1% from the previous year, but ranked number one for the top prime-time telecasts. [10] The reception of the ceremony was generally favorable. Lainey Wilson was praised for her solo hosting debut, along with her opening medley of country hits. Many outlets also highlighted her pointed remarks, after winning Female Vocalist of the Year, on the online discourse surrounding women in country music, saying, "...And for the folks that are sitting at home in your mama’s basement eating your Cheetos, trying to pit women against each other: Y’all need to find something better to do". [11] [12] [13]
Several performances drew acclaim, including Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas”, Shaboozey and Stephen Wilson, Jr.’s collaboration “Took a Walk”, as well as Brandi Carlile’s tribute to Vince Gill alongside Patty Loveless. Some publications also noted the surprise victories by The Red Clay Strays and Cody Johnson. TheSeattle Times pointed out Zach Top’s standout win for New Artist of the Year as a neotraditional country performer, noting the humorous moment in which he accepted the award while holding a can of Coors Banquet. [14] [15] [16]
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