50th CMA Awards — Mandee’s Live Blog

Here we go! 50 years - this is going to be special. I've been looking forward to it for months, and it's finally here, the 50th Anniversary of the Country Music Awards.

UPDATE 10:22 pm: Running late, Brad Paisley takes a moment to reflect on the awesome moments that we've shared in the broadcast, before going into his latest single 'Today.' Showing highlights from CMA Awards past on the screen behind him added another touching element to an already special song. As Brad finished the song, singing of tomorrow, the videos on display shared some of tonight's winning moments.

Then Brad, introduced Taylor Swift as a two time Entertainer of the Year award winner, and most CMA awarded album ever, 'Fearless.' She had really kind words about the people who helped shape her in Nashville when she arrived 13 years earlier, before sharing how much it means to present the EOY award tonight. The she presented the award to Garth Brooks, who took off his hat, kissed his wife, hugged, Chris Stapleton, Luke Bryan, and Keith Urban, before hugging Taylor swift and tipping his hat to the room.

He thanked so many members of his team, his crew, his fans, his wife and Ben Farrell - I can tell you this man does work hard - I've taken so many of his calls on Garth's behalf! What a wonderful way to end the night, Garth Brooks winning EOY on the 50th anniversary, I can't stop smiling, and yes I have tears in my eyes.

UPDATE 10:10 pm: Returning for the final moments, and Lily Tomlin is on the stage introducing Dolly Parton to accept the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. Remarking that Dolly 'helped build Nashiville,' and that she is one of the greatest artists in the history of Country Music, before kicking off the celebration with Jennifer Nettles and Pentatonix performing Jolene, then Reba performed 9 to 5, while Dolly watched from the crowd with tears in her eyes. Then Kacey Musgraves walked out and performed, 'Here You Come Again.' Next up, the chills return as Carrie Underwood and Martina McBride perform 'I Will Always Love You.' Jennifer Nettles, Reba and Kacey Musgraves jumped in for the second verse, with Carrie belting out the chorus, and Dolly watching and singing along from the audience. The group joined again, and then Reba finished the song before speaking directly to Dolly and sharing her love.

When Dolly finally took the stage, escorted by Vince Gill, it was to a moving standing ovation. She was gracious, funny, and even cracked jokes about the 'high' honor of receiving a Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement award. Because the show is running behind, they asked her to keep it short, but she did manage to thank some instrumental people, including Porter Wagoner.

To follow Dolly, Sharon Stone to present the Male Vocalist of the Year Award to Chris Stapleton, who won the same award the year before, among album of the year, and New Artist of the Year. He kindly mentioned giving Dolly his time, if she was still around, then talked about what a fan he has been tonight enjoying all of the special moments tonight. He thanked everyone, family, crew, management band, his wife and his in-laws.

The show is running late, but these commercial breaks with Garth advertising his ultimate collection at Target on Nov. 11th have been a nice fit, especially this last one with 'Friends in Low Places.'

UPDATE 9:46 pm:The night has turned into a concert! As soon as we come back, Florida-Georgia Line are on stage with Tim McGraw performing 'May We All.' What happened to Brad and Carrie? It looks like we've run out of time for them.

Then Vince Gill steps up to present the Female Vocalist of the Year Award, and announced that the Chicago Cubs are up 6-3. We heard a clip of each artist's song, while taking a live look at them in their seats, and Carrie backstage. Vince then presented the award to Carrie Underwood. It is her fourth time to win this award, and she immediately gave 'glory to God,' and thanked her husband and son, before thanking her team and recognizing the legendary talent in the room.

Following Carrie's excited acceptance, Eric Church took the stage to perform 'Kill A Word.'

UPDATE 9:35 pm: Back from break, and Chris Stapleton is on the stage with his wife and Dwight Yoakum performing Ray Charles' and Willie Nelson's 'Seven Spanish Angels.' This performance like so many before it tonight was recognized with a standing ovation.

Then Luke Bryan took the stage to perform 'Move.'

Followed by the introduction of Lee Greenwood, and he and Carrie leading the crowd in 'God Bless the USA.'

UPDATE 9:18pm: Returning from the break, Beyonce was on stage with the Dixie Chicks. No introduction necessary. Queen B introduced herself and the chicks. This performance gave me more chills. Country music and Gospel have always been intertwined, at some times more than others, but this was a beautiful display, and the continuous display of powerful female performances continued.

The crowd was loving it, from Beyonce's grooves to the fiddle and horns, the whole musical experience was moving and fun. How do you follow Queen B?

Peyton Manning and Kenny Chesney.

Peyton stepped on stage to cat calls and cheers, before introducing his friend, Kenny Chesney, and recognizing him with the Pinnacle Award. It was created to recognize rare performers in Country Music who have taken the genre to a new level. It has only been presented  twice before, first to Garth Brooks in 2005 and then to Taylor Swift in 2013.

Kenny was visibly moved, and he had a lot of people to thank including his band, family, crew and road crew. He said it means connection to him. People who have invested time in him, and thanked his fans again, and of course Peyton Manning.

Thomas Rhett then quickly took the stage to perform his award winning song, 'Die A Happy Man,' with the crowd singing along.

UPDATE 8:59 pm: Keith Urban was the next artist to perform. Impressing us all with the live version of 'Blue Ain't Your Color.' followed by another standing ovation.

Then Prince Charming, also known as actor Josh Dallas, was joined by Cam and Cole Swindell to present the Vocal Group of the Year Award, to Little Big Town. The foursome accepted the award, and recognized Brothers Osborne before then sharing their memories of CMA Awards past, and thanking God, their fans and family.

UPDATE 8:50 pm: Alan Jackson and George Strait took the stage next, both 3-time winners of the CMA Entertainer of the Year. Thanks to Kirk Herbstreit and Samantha Ponder for the Game 7 Update, Cubbies up by 3 during the top of the 5th inning! They then presented the Vocal Duo of the Year Award to Brothers Osborne. They were very surprised to win, and didn't prepare a speech. They waved to their moms, thanked each other and cried. It was a cute live moment.

Then Brad and Carrie took a moment to thank veterans, and invite all us to add a green light in our homes, to thank a vet. They then asked everyone to stand, as they green-lit the CMA Awards.

UPDATE 8:33 pm: Coming back from break, we checked in on the designated survivor Billy Ray Cyrus, before being treated to a live performance from Miranda Lambert of 'Vice.' Another moment that gave me chills. I am anxiously awaiting her new double album, 'The Weight of These Wings,' which hits stores on November 18, one week after the singers 33rd birthday. This emotion-filled performance felt like a statement, and received a rousing standing ovation.

Matthew McConaughey took the stage next, and mentioned humility, kindness and gratitude that he of course said 'Alright, alright, alright,' to. He went on to encourage gratitude before introducing Tim McGraw's performance of 'Humble and Kind.' The song, which won the award for 'Song of the Year' earlier in the night. Another beautiful moment in a night filled with them.

Then to inject a bit of humor, Brad Paisley and the Oak Ridge Boys gave us a taste of 'Elvira,' before going to commercial break.

UPDATE 8:15 pm: Carrie Underwood took the stage with an all female band next to perform her latest single, 'Dirty Laundry.'

Faith Hill appeared next to present the Album of the Year Award. She honored previous winner 'Wanted: The Outlaws,' and suggested we all go get it if we didn't have it already, before announcing the winner, 'Mr. Misunderstood,' Eric Church. If you don't recall, he surprised the fans with this album on stage last year at the awards show, and thanked the fans, his wife and his boys at home.

Little Big Town took the stage next performing their newest single, 'Better Man,' written by Taylor Swift.

UPDATE 8:03 pm: Jennifer Garner was the next celebrity to take the stage. Before presenting the New Artist of the Year Award, she recognized the co-hosts, Brad and Carrie, who are both previous winners. Then she presented the award to, Maren Morris, who had just performed 'My Church.'

She cried, and emotionally sputtered her acceptance, mentioning that last year she was at a bar across the street watching the show, and then thank the Country Music Association for voting for her, and thanked her parents, management, and her love, and was so overwhelmed she had to hurry off stage.

Then Brad Paisley introduced Barbara Mandrell who joined him to introduce Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, who performed a medley which included, Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash's 'Jackson,' Roger Miller's 'Chug-a-Lug,' Crystal Gayle's 'Don't it Make My Brown Eyes Blue,' Conway and Lorretta's 'Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man,' and Lynn Anderson's 'Rose Garden,' Keith Whitley's 'Don't Close Your Eyes,'  and wrapped it up with George Jones and Tammy Wynette's 'Golden Ring.'

UPDATE 7:49 pm: Dierks Bentley and Elle King brought us back from commercials with their live performance of 'Different for Girls,' which had already been award the 'Musical Event of the year.'

Carrie then recognized previous winners of Female Vocalists of years past, before Maren Morris took the stage to fill everyone with the 'Spirit,' before belting out 'My Church.'

UPDATE 7:35 pm:The first performance of the night to follow an incredible star-studded opening, Kelsea Ballerini with 'Peter Pan.'

She performed with dancer's floating on wires in the background accompanying her, before Olivia Newton-John and ABC TV stars presented the award for 'Song of the Year' to Lori McKenna, song-writer of 'Humble and Kind' which received a standing ovation.

The 25th anniversary of Brooks and Dunn was recognized by a performance of 'Brand New Man' by the duo and Jason Aldean, which received a standing ovation.

UPDATE 7:25 pm: First award is presented by the Final Five, USA's Gold Medal Winning Women's Gymnastic team. They present 'Single of the Year' to Thomas Rhett, "Die A Happy Man." He thank God, his wife - the inspiration for the song, and the team of guys behind him.

Before that we saw Brad and Carrie open with fun political puns and a guest appearance from Peyton Manning, which I loved!

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From the retro beginning to Vince Gill opening up with Mama Tried, alongside Merle's youngest son, Ben. We're off to a stellar start.

Quickly followed by Brad Paisley and Roy Clark performing Buck Owens' Gotta Tiger By the Tail, then Carrie Underwood taking on Tammy Wynette's Stand By Your Man, then Charley Pride and Brad Kissing Angel Good Morning.

Alabama's opening bars of 'Mountain Music' actually gave me chills. All the audience stood for Charley Pride, and remained standing for the ensemble continuation. Then cheered loudly as Brad Paisley introduced Charlie Daniels as the newest member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, who went into a stirring version of 'The Devil Went Down to Georgia.'

If you're a country fan like me, you're already in heaven when fancy walks on stage... more chills as Reba struts out in a red dress and belts out 'Fancy.'

Then Dwight Yoakum shimmies on the stage to perform 'Guitars, Caddilacs and Hillbilly Music.' Next Clint Black, steps up to charm us with 'Killin' Time.'

The 'Country Boy,' Ricky Skaggs and Brad Paisley have a pick off, before Alan Jackson reminds us, 'Don't Rock the Jukebox.'

I actually teared up, when Randy Travis stepped out on stage between Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood performing 'Forever and Ever Amen,' and introduced him as a new member of the COH, before he finished singing the final bars of the song.

Of course the crowd was still standing.

What a way to start an evening.