Kelsea Ballerini has no times for the haters.
07.04.2024 - 14:59 / variety.com
Chris Willman Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic Tonight’s CMT Music Awards show will endeavor to emphasize what’s currently flameworthy, to borrow a word that has long since been retired from the telecast’s original name. Prime performance slots have been given to country music figures who are still on the ascent, from still-fairly-freshly-minted superstars Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson to up-and-comers who really seem fresh out of the oven, like Megan Moroney and TikTok sensation Dasha (pictured above, in rehearsals).
To a less emphatic extent, “we also know that we have to pay homage to the artists that got us here,” says executive producer John Hamlin, which for the 2024 show means paying tribute to two icons of ’90s country. “So we’re thrilled to be honoring Trisha Yearwood this year, something that Margaret Comeaux and Leslie Fram [his fellow producer] spent a lot of time orchestrating to make happen for the show.
So having Trisha and then having Brooks and Dunn do the Toby Keith tribute makes us feel good too. We like a little bit of all of it.
It is a jigsaw puzzle, and we want to get all the right pieces so it fits perfectly together.” And 2000s country is neither too old nor too new to also get its due, in a not overly nostalgic way. Little Big Town, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and Sugarland, which broke out two decades ago, will be performing together on the show for the first time since 2008, back when the broadcast was still called the CMT Flameworthy Video Awards, albeit premiering a brand new joint single.
“Putting all those voices together, you can just imagine what’s gonna happen,” said Fram. She was speaking shortly before a rehearsal of the two groups’ collaboration that was a
.Kelsea Ballerini has no times for the haters.
For a second year in a row, Jelly Roll led the CMT Music Awards with three wins. This time, that included the top category, Video of the Year. Other winners included Lainey Wilson, who took the Female Video of the Year for a second straight year, Dan + Shay, Carly Pearce, Chris Stapleton, Ashley Cooke, Warren Zeiders and American Idol alum Scotty McCreery. Here is a full list.
who died in February at age 62, was honored during Sunday night’s broadcast as singers Brooks & Dunn, Sammy Hagar, and Lainey Wilson each paid their respects with renditions of his songs.The musicians performed hits like “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” “I Love This Bar” and “How Do You Like Me Now?!” at the ceremony, which took place at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas.Keith, who died following a battle with stomach cancer, was also honored with a series of poignant speeches made by his longtime friends and fellow singers.In the audience, the late performer’s three children Krystal Keith, Shelley Covel Rowland, and Stelen Keith Covel watched the loving tributes. The “Red Solo Cup” hitmaker’s wife, Tricia Lucus, was not in attendance.At one point during the broadcast, the cameras cut to the late singer’s three children who were visibly overcome with emotion and moved to tears.Following the performance, former MLB player Roger Clemens — who was a longtime friend of the late performer — read out a loving memorial in honor of Keith.“Thank you for sharing your dad with all of us.
Chris Willman Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic Helping cement his status as country music’s newest superstar, Jelly Roll swept all three categories in which he was nominated Sunday night at the CMT Music Awards, including music video of the year for his gospel-flavored “Need a Favor.” Likely having seen it coming, but also knowing Jelly Roll is a tough act to follow, the show’s producers saved his performance of his current country radio single “Halfway to Heaven” until the last five minutes of the telecast, coming right after his climactic win. Other winners in the all-fan-voted results included fellow frontrunner Lainey Wilson for female video of the year for “Watermelon Moonshine” and Dan + Shay for duo/group video for “Save Me the Trouble.” Warren Zeiders picked up breakthrough male video for “Pretty Little Poison,” while Ashley Cooke won equivalent honors for breakthrough female video for “Your Place.
Maren Morris was one of the country stars who did NOT attend the 2024 CMT Music Awards on Sunday night (April 7).
The 2024 CMT Music Awards are just wrapping up on Sunday night (April 7) at the Moody Center in Austin, Tex.
Beyoncé‘s new album Cowboy Carter was represented at the 2024 CMT Music Awards held at Moody Center on Sunday (April 7) in Austin, Tex.
Sugarland and Little Big Town pose for photos together at the 2024 CMT Music Awards held at Moody Center on Sunday (April 7) in Austin, Tex.
Max Thieriot hits the red carpet at the 2024 CMT Music Awards held at Moody Center on Sunday (April 7) in Austin, Tex.
Jelly Roll and wife Bunnie XO couple up on the red carpet as they arrived at the 2024 CMT Music Awards held at Moody Center on Sunday (April 7) in Austin, Tex.
Keith Urban is ready to hit the stage!
Kelsea Ballerini included her boyfriend Chase Stokes in her opening monologue at the 2024 CMT Music Awards, which were held Sunday night (April 7) at the Moody Center in Austin, Tex.
Emma Roberts showed off her gorgeous smile as she hit the red carpet at the 2024 CMT Music Awards held at Moody Center on Sunday (April 7) in Austin, Tex.
Kelsea Ballerini is bringing her boyfriend Chase Stokes to her big hosting gig!
Emily Osment and Montana Jordan meet up while arriving for the 2024 CMT Music Awards held at Moody Center on Sunday (April 7) in Austin, Tex.
Jason Aldean appeared at the 2024 CMT Music Awards after controversy with the cable music channel over the “Try That In a Small Town” video.
Amber Riley is looking fabulous on the red carpet!
Trisha Yearwood sparkles on the red carpet at the 2024 CMT Music Awards held at Moody Center on Sunday (April 7) in Austin, Tex.
Tonight, live from the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, singer Kelsea Ballerini hosts the CMT Music Awards for the fourth consecutive year.
The performers and presenters for tonight’s 2024 CMT Music Awards have been announced!