CMA Awards 2016: 8 Best Performances From Beyoncé To Carrie Underwood [VIDEO]
The 50th annual CMA Awards have come and gone, but viewers are far from through talking about the winners, losers and, of course, the many amazing performers who took the stage.
ABC pegged several exceptional performers to go on between awards. Carrie Underwood stepped away from the spotlight alongside co-host Brad Paisley to perform “I Will Always Love You” in tribute to Dolly Parton. She was joined in a duet by well known country singer Martina McBride. Country music fans couldn’t stop buzzing about Garth Brooks’ performance alongside wife Trisha Yearwood after the Oklahoma native took home entertainer of the year. Florida Georgia Line, Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton, Thomas Rhett and more also earned performance slots during the program.
Although each of the performances were exceptional in their own right, it was Beyoncé’s CMA Awards debut that fans could not stop buzzing about. The decision to add her to the performance to the roster was met with mixed reviews. Some, including controversial conservative political pundit Tomi Lahren, voiced concerns that the “Formation” singer’s values did not align with those of CMA Award viewers. Beyoncé fans were quick to shut down the backlash however, celebrating the 10-time Grammy award winner’s ability to transcend boundaries of genre and perform at a country music award show. She was joined on stage by the Dixie Chicks for one of the most highly anticipated performances of the night.
Here are the best performances of the night from the 2016 CMA Awards:
Beyoncé And The Dixie Chicks:
Beyoncé stepped out on stage in a gorgeous sheer bedazzled gown alongside the Dixie Chicks for a show-stopping performance of “Daddy Lessons” off her recent album “Lemonade.” The audience in Nashville, Tennessee’s Bridgestone Arena was brought to their feet and couldn’t help but sing, dance and clap along.
The 50th Annual CMA Awards Tribute To Dolly Parton:
During the 2016 CMA Awards, Dolly Parton was chosen as the recipient of the Willie Nelson lifetime achievement award. In addition to receiving a statuette, several country musicians gathered to pay tribute to her in song. Among those chosen to sing included Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Jennifer Nettles, Pentatonix and more.
Tim McGraw And Florida Georgia Line:
Between awkward political jokes from hosts Underwood and Brad Paisley and the awards portion of the show, Tim McGraw and Florida Georgia Line took to the stage for a power packed performance of their song “May We All.”
Garth Brooks And Trisha Yearwood:
Country music couple Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood stunned 2016 CMA Awards viewers with their heartwarming rendition of Johnny Cash and June Carter’s song “Jackson.” Their powerful voices along with the loving looks they kept giving one another during their moment on stage stole viewers hearts.
Thomas Rhett:
CMA Awards viewers couldn’t get enough of Thomas Rhett, who performed his romantic single “Die a Happy Man” during Wednesday's show.
Miranda Lambert:
Miranda Lambert was back and better than ever following a difficult personal year. She performed “Vice” during the 2016 CMAs, wowing fans with her strong vocals.
Luke Bryan:
Luke Bryan always brings a sexy, fun vibe to the stage when he performs. His 2016 CMA Awards performance of “Move” was no different. Bryan brought everyone in the Bridgestone Arena to their feet as he commanded the stage.
Maren Morris:
Award winning new artist Maren Morris wowed alongside the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and McCrary Sisters with a performance of her hit single “My Church.”
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