CMA Awards 2019 was a beautiful and powerful acknowledgment of women in country music
Women in America are making it big across every segment of society and the arts. But somehow, the realm of country music had never offered similar opportunities. Except for some of the legendary names, American country has always remained a male-dominated world. But that has started changing from a couple of decades now and we have had the privilege to hear and see some unsurpassed female crooners winning the country’s heart with their musical talent and their on-stage presence.
As the Country Music Association celebrated its 53rd awards edition with a gala night on November 13, these women and their predecessors were brought together and gave fans a night like never before. Lifting up the female fraternity in country music, celebrating their legacy, and setting the precedent for the future generations of women in the industry, CMA Awards 2019 stood true their promise of bringing women to the forefront.
The event opened with legends like Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire, along with Carrie Underwood taking center stage. As they welcomed the audience as the evening’s hosts, it was a sight to savor and an evening to remember. The women warmed us up with their melodious voice and burned the stage with groovy moves, and honored the singers of today, men and women alike. Each of the ladies took their turn, delivering a show-stopping moment every time. From their costumes to their choice of songs, the trio remained the highlight of the night.
Dolly, as witty and charming as she is, didn’t leave any opportunity to shower fans with her generous dose of humor. We had hardly gotten over the tone set by the three incredible women, that more excitement followed with women from every decade of American country music taking the stage and taking us through some of the greatest songs of all times. Kelsea Ballerini was another highlight of the show. She led the all-women group where the women improvised on the classic version of "Girl Crush," punctuated by Little Big Town, along with Lindsay Ell, Runaway June, Maddie & Tae, Ashley McBryde, and Carly Pearce.
But that was not the sole female representation of the night. Country music star, Maren Morris, who was leading nominations in six categories, took home the award for ‘Album of the Year’, followed by Ashley McBryde taking the award for New Artist of the Year, and Jenee Fleenor with her fiddle was awarded the Musician of the Year. With such wins in prominent music categories, the night of CMA Awards 2019 became glorious and powerful, with every woman shining in their own light and right.
In the words of Reba McEntire, “We're doing it for all the girls watching tonight dreaming of ruling the world of country music," Reba explained from the stage. "Or maybe just ruling the world.” And the 53rd Annual CMA Awards gave just the platform, women of tomorrow need.