Carrie Underwood capped off the 2021 CMT Music Awards on Wednesday night be winning the evenings final and most-prestigious prize, the coveted Video of the Year award.
She was honored for her duet video Hallelujah, which features John Legend, who wasn’t able to make it to Nashville for the ceremony.
Hosting the long-running country music award show was Kane Brown, returning for the second year in a row, and Kelsea Ballerini who was making her hosting debut.
Carrie Underwood capped off the 2021 CMT Music Awards on Wednesday night be winning the evenings final and most-prestigious prize, the coveted Video of the Year award
Hello sunshine: The 38-year-old songstress proudly showed off her shiny new trophy backstage after the event
Avengers: Endgame star Anthony Mackie brought some Hollywood A-list star power to announce the award
‘I’m here to save the world again. It’s kind of what I do, that’s my spiel, you know what I mean?’ he joked, before letting out a wild scream to rile the crowd up.
Carrie looked lovely in a canary yellow mini dress with her delicate blond curls cascading down her shoulders as she accepted her award.
‘Congratulations on what I think is your first CMT award!’ she shouted out to Legend, before saying the ‘behind-the-scenes conditions’ leading up to the video had been ‘so awkward.’
Fits the part: Avengers: Endgame star Anthony Mackie brought some Hollywood A-list star power to announce the award ‘I’m here to save the world again. It’s kind of what I do, that’s my spiel, you know what I mean?’ he joked
Winner: ‘Congratulations on what I think is your first CMT award!’ she shouted out to Legend, before saying the ‘behind-the-scenes conditions’ leading up to the video had been ‘so awkward’
Wonder in white: Though she did not walk the red carpet, earlier in the night the star delivered a powerful performance
Quite the collab: She performed I Wanna Remember with country music group NEEDTOBREATHE
2021 CMT MUSIC AWARDS WINNERS
Video of the Year
Carrie Underwood with John Legend ‘Hallelujah’ — WINNER
Elle King and Miranda Lambert ‘Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)’
Kane Brown ‘Worldwide Beautiful’
Keith Urban and Pink ‘One Too Many’
Kelsea Ballerini ‘Hole in the Bottle’
Kenny Chesney ‘Knowing You’
Hello sunshine: Carrie Underwood took home top honor Video of the Year
Female Video of the Year
Carly Pearce ‘Next Girl’
Gabby Barrett ‘The Good Ones’ — WINNER
Kelsea Ballerini ‘Hole in the Bottle’
Maren Morris ‘To Hell & Back’
Mickey Guyton ‘Heaven Down Here’
Miranda Lambert ‘Settling Down’
Breakthrough Video of the Year
Dylan Scott ‘Nobody’ — WINNER
Hailey Whitters and Little Big Town ‘Fillin’ My Cup’
Hardy ‘Give Heaven Some Hell’
Lainey Wilson ‘Things a Man Oughta Know’
Mickey Guyton ‘Black Like Me’
Niko Moon ‘Good Time’
CMT Performance of the Year
Brooks & Dunn and Luke Combs ‘1, 2 Many’ (2020 CMT Music Awards)
Dan + Shay ‘I Should Probably Go to Bed’ (2020 CMT Music Awards)
Jimmie Allen and Noah Cyrus ‘This Is Us’ (2020 CMT Music Awards)
Kelsea Ballerini and Halsey ‘The Other Girl’ (2020 CMT Music Awards) — WINNER
Little Big Town ‘Wine, Beer, Whiskey’ (2020 CMT Music Awards)
Nathaniel Rateliff and Margo Price ‘Twinkle Twinkle’ (CMT Crossroads)
Pleased in pink: Host Kelsea Ballerini won her first CMT Award in the Performance of the Year category with Halsey
CMT Equal Play Award
Linda Martell — WINNER
Male Video of the Year
Chris Stapleton ‘Starting Over’
Darius Rucker ‘Beers and Sunshine’
Kane Brown ‘Worship You’ — WINNER
Luke Bryan ‘Down to One’
Luke Combs ‘Lovin’ on You’
Thomas Rhett ‘What’s Your Country Song’
Top dog: Co-host Kane Brown also won Male Video of the Year for Worship You
Duo/Group Video of the Year
Brothers Osborne ‘All Night’
Lady A ‘Like a Lady’
Little Big Town ‘Wine, Beer, Whiskey’ — WINNER
Old Dominion ‘Never Be Sorry’
Parmalee and Blanco Brown ‘Just the Way’
Runaway June ‘We Were Rich’
Fantastic four: Little Big Town won the first gong of the night in the Duo/Group Video of the Year category
Collaborative Video of the Year
Carrie Underwood with John Legend ‘Hallelujah’
Chris Young and Kane Brown ‘Famous Friends’ — WINNER
Elle King and Miranda Lambert ‘Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)’
Keith Urban and Pink ‘One Too Many’
Ryan Hurd with Maren Morris ‘Chasing After You’
Tim McGraw and Tyler Hubbard ‘Undivided’
Best Family Feature
Brooke Eden ‘Sunroof’
Kane Brown ‘Worship You’
Luke Combs ‘Forever After All’
Miranda Lambert ‘Settling Down’
Russell Dickerson ‘Home Sweet’
Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris ‘Chasing After You’
Taylor Swift ‘The Best Day (Taylor’s Version) — WINNER
Trace Adkins and football player Taylor Lewan presented the first award of the night for Group Duo Video of the Year to Little Big Town for the Wine, Beer, Whiskey video.
Lady A kicked off the show with a confetti-filled performance of their song Like A Lady, with Carly Pearce dropping by for a guest verse while Lindsey Ell shredded on the guitar.
Miranda Lambert and Brown led the nominees with four nods apiece, while Ballerini and Maren Morris were close behind with three nominations, though Morris was ultimately shut out.
The bearded country rocker Chris Stapleton joined the show remotely from an outdoor stage in nearby Manchester, Tennessee, where the Bonnaroo music festival is held annually.
First win: Little Big Town kicked off the show with a win for Group/Duo Video of the Year with their song Wine, Beer, Whiskey
Opener: Lady A kicked off the show with a confetti-filled performance of their song Like A Lady, with Carly Pearce dropping by for a guest verse
Rocking out: Lindsey Ell shredded on the guitar after filling in for Gabby Barrett
He was joined by his wife Morgane Stapleton on backing vocals and tambourine for a hard-charging version of his 2020 song Arkansas.
Brown rocked an all-black suit when he arrived on stage, while Ballerini glowed in a hot pink jumpsuit.
Next up, Hailey Whitters led a rollicking version of her song Fillin’ My Cup, though it was curtailed by a commercial break.
Morris shocked her fans on Tuesday evening when she announced that she was backing out of the ceremony at the last minute, citing a ‘scheduling conflict.’
She shared the news in her Instagram Stories but deleted the post shortly after posting it.
The day before, Gabby Barrett also announced that she would no longer be at the show due to ‘personal circumstances.’
Ingrid Andress will now perform with JP Saxe in Morris’ place, while Lindsey Ell will replace Barrett to sing with Lady A and Carly Pearce.
Short spot: Next up, Hailey Whitters led a rollicking version of her song Fillin’ My Cup, though it was curtailed by a commercial break
Back for more: Kane Brown is back hosting for the second year in a row, while Kelsea Ballerini is making her debut as co-host
Luke Combs was the next big performer of the evening with a growling rendition of Cold As You. He was surrounded by socially distanced band members standing on elevated platforms.
In a statement released after he was announced as one of the hosts, Brown recalled the ‘amazing feeling’ he felt after winning his first country music award at the CMTs.
‘The CMT Music Awards are special to me — it’s the first industry award I won and getting on that stage was an amazing feeling,’ he said. ‘I love that the fans get to have their voices heard as we celebrate the best in country music.’
The co-hosts will both be performing during the ceremony alongside performances from country superstars Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert.
Gruff: Luke Combs was the next big performer of the evening with a growling rendition of Cold As You. He was surrounded by socially distanced band members standing on elevated platforms
Honoring a legend: After the hosts checked back in, singer Mickey Guyton led a stirring tribute to the 80-year-old country artist Linda Martell, 80
History maker: Martell became the first Black woman to play the Grand Ole Opry
Hit maker: She remains the only Black woman to ‘make the top 20 country airplay charts; seen in a 2005 interview
After the hosts checked back in, singer Mickey Guyton led a stirring tribute to the 80-year-old country artist Linda Martell.
She became the first Black woman to play the Grand Ole Opry, and she remains the only Black woman to ‘make the top 20 country airplay charts.’
Girls5Eva actress Busy Philipps made a virtual appearance to introduce the next act, an acoustic trio featuring Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram and Jon Randall.
The trio performed earlier this year at the CMAs, but they were back with a different song, Tequila Does.
Low key: Girls5Eva actress Busy Philipps made a virtual appearance to introduce the next act, an acoustic trio featuring Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram and Jon Randall
Poised for gold: Miranda Lambert and Brown lead the nominees with four nods apiece
Kane was back afterward to introduce the band Restless Road, which he shared that he signed to his label.
They began to sing John Denver’s song Take Me Home, Country Roads, but Kane jokingly interrupted them to remind them they were just their to present an award, not to perform.
Kelsea Ballerini emerged triumphant for the CMT Performance of the Year award, which went to her performance of The Other Girl with Halsey at least year’s ceremony.
The host gushed over her first CMT award and gloated over people who complained that the song wasn’t country enough to win an award.
Dylan Scott followed her by singing his track Nobody, which was later honored with the award for Breakthrough Video of the Year, which he gushed was his first award.
Winner! Kelsea Ballerini emerged triumphant for the CMT Performance of the Year award, which went to her performance of The Other Girl with Halsey at least year’s ceremony
The last laugh: The host gushed over her first CMT award and gloated over people who complained that the song wasn’t country enough to win an award
Turning it up: Dylan Scott followed her by singing his track Nobody
The CMTs are known for their collaborations, and Dierks Bentley and Brothers Osborne showed the wisdom of that approach with a propulsive version of Lighten Up from the Bonnaroo farm.
Nominee Carly Pearce looked lovely in feathery white shorts and a matching jacket when she stepped out to introduce the next performer, Thomas Rhett.
She quoted him to express his pleasure at getting back to performing for crowds: ‘Man, it feels good to be country again.’
Afterward, Brown introduced his cohost Ballerini as she made her first performance of the evening from a Nashville rooftop with Paul Klein. The two made the world television performance premiere of I Quit Drinking.
Without a break, Tenille Arts then jumped into her poppier song Somebody Like That.
Back at it: Nominee Carly looked lovely in feathery white shorts and a matching jacket when she stepped out to introduce the next performer, Thomas Rhett.
On the mark: She quoted him to express his pleasure at getting back to performing for crowds: ‘Man, it feels good to be country again.’ Fittingly, he sang Country Again
Drying out: Afterward, Brown introduced his cohost Ballerini as she made her first performance of the evening from a Nashville rooftop with Paul Klein. The two made the world television performance premiere of I Quit Drinking
Keeping it short: Without a break, Tenille Arts then jumped into her poppier song Somebody Like That
LA-based Comedian Iliza Shlesinger might have been a surprising choice to present, but she shared that she grew up in Dallas, Texas, and was a big country music fan.
After joking about how much female country singers like to sing about ‘murder’ and vandalism, she suggested it could be fodder for a new CSI show.
She announced the award for Collaborative Video of the Year, which went to Chris Young and co-host Kane Brown for Famous Friends.
Young called Brown his ‘brother’ and a ‘friend,’ while Brown said he was honored to have presented Young’s first CMT award the year before and been part of his second win this year.
Unusual choice: LA-based Comedian Iliza Shlesinger might have been a surprising choice to present, but she shared that she grew up in Dallas, Texas, and was a big country music fan
Having a laugh: After joking about how much female country singers like to sing about ‘murder’ and vandalism, she suggested it could be fodder for a new CSI show
Pals: She announced the award for Collaborative Video of the Year, which went to Chris Young and co-host Kane Brown for Famous Friends
Next up performing was Ingrid Andress with a solo piano version of her song Lady Like. She was filling in for Maren Morris, who would have been performing one of her own tracks.
After she wrapped it up, JP Saxe joined her for a duet of his song Like That.
The next big performance belonged to the Nashville-based singer–songwriter Breland and Mickey Guyton with a version of his song Cross Country.
They led into a chugging rendition of Gladys Knight’s 1969 classic Friendship Train in which she showed off her legendary pipes with Guyton and Breland sticking around to accompany her.
Knight is known more for soul music than country, and she hued toward her comfort zone throughout the thrilling performance. She held the final note long after Guyton and Breland gave up to show she still had it.
Afterward, Blanco Brown proved his country bonafides with Nobody’s More Country.
Smooth: The next big performance belonged to the Nashville-based singer–songwriter Breland and Mickey Guyton with a version of his song Cross Country
Legend: They led into a chugging rendition of Gladys Knight’s 1969 classic Friendship Train in which she showed off her legendary pipes with Guyton and Breland sticking around to accompany her
Still got it: Knight is known more for soul music than country, and she hued toward her comfort zone throughout the thrilling performance. She held the final note long after Guyton and Breland gave up to show she still had it
Claiming his spot: Afterward, Blanco Brown proved his country bonafides with Nobody’s More Country
Jon Pardi and Lauren Alaina were next up to lean into country music’s penchant for breakup songs with the aptly titled track Getting Over Him.
Co-host Kane Brown scored another big win afterward when earlier winners Little Big Town returned to present him with the award for Male Video of the Year for his romantic song Worship You.
He thanked the video’s director and said it was the ‘most nervous’ he’d been all night.
Afterward, the ‘country newcomer’ Lainey Wilson gave a short performance of Things A Man Oughta Know.
Chemistry: Jon Pardi and Lauren Alaina were next up to lean into country music’s penchant for breakup songs with the aptly titled track Getting Over Him
Strong start: Dylan Scott gushed that it was his first award ever when he won Breakthrough Video of the Year for his song Nobody
Back for more: Co-host Kane Brown scored another big win afterward when earlier winners Little Big Town returned to present him with the award for Male Video of the Year for his romantic song Worship You
Rising star: Afterward, the ‘country newcomer’ Lainey Wilson gave a short performance of Things A Man Oughta Know
Oscar and Grammy winner H.E.R. brought some cross-genre star power to the CMTs when she joined Chris Stapleton for a version of her song Hold On with some impressive lead guitar playing from the singer (born Gabriella Wilson) that perfectly matched her vocal line.
Stapleton added a rawer complement to her sweet vocals when he took over on the second verse.
The two traded scorching lead guitar lines on an instrumental break that showed off their skills.
The mood changed toward more reverence when the Christian rock band Needtobreathe took over from the Bonnaroo farm in Manchester with Carrie Underwood joining them for the single I Wanna Remember.
Changing it up: Oscar and Grammy winner H.E.R. brought some cross-genre star power to the CMTs when she joined Chris Stapleton for a version of her song Hold On with some impressive lead guitar playing from the singer (born Gabriella Wilson) that perfectly matched her vocal line
His turn: Stapleton added a rawer complement to her sweet vocals when he took over on the second verse
Guitar whizzes: The two traded scorching lead guitar lines on an instrumental break that showed off their skills
Niko Moon followed them up with a quick version of his song Good Time.
Gladys Knight was back after the break to salute the women of country music and announce the winner of Female Video of the Year.
The award went to Gabby Barrett, who had dropped out of the ceremony and her performances on Monday in an Instagram post, though Knight ‘gladly’ accepted it on her behalf.
Dylan Scott returned to the stage to introduce his upcoming tour mate Luke Bryan, who sang his poppy ballad Down To One atop a Nashville rooftop.
Mixing it up: The mood changed toward more reverence when the Christian rock band Needtobreathe took over from the Bonnaroo farm in Manchester with Carrie Underwood joining them for the single I Wanna Remember
Letting loose: Niko Moon followed them up with a quick version of his song Good Time
High in the sky: Dylan Scott returned to the stage to introduce his upcoming tour mate Luke Bryan, who sang his poppy ballad Down To One atop a Nashville rooftop
Last year’s ceremony had to be moved back from its scheduled June date to October of 2020 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, though Wednesday night’s show will have more of sense of normalcy as Covid-19 cases continued to decrease and vaccination rates rise across the US.
In addition to the standard array of country stars, the CMT Music Awards will be stocked with artists not usually associated with country music.
John Legend scored a Video of the Year nomination for his duet Hallelujah with Carrie Underwood, while pop rocker Pink earned a nomination for Collaborative Video of the Year for One Too Many, a duet with Keith Urban.
Back for more: The 2021 CMT Music Awards will be held in its longtime home in Nashville, with Kane Brown returning to co-host along with newcomer Kelsea Ballerini; seen together on May 12
Hosts and nominees: Both artists are nominated for three awards each this year. Kane recalled winning his first industry award at the ceremony in a statement last month
In addition to the two co-hosts, Little Big Town is close behind with three nominations, while Mickey Guyton has two. It’s particularly impressive for Guyton, as this is the first year she has been nominated at the CMT Music Awards.
The ceremony will have plenty of star power on stage as the Avengers star Anthony Mackie drops by to present, while Freaks And Geeks actress Busy Philipps will also be on hand.
The show airs Wednesday, June 9 at 8 p.m. EST and will be available to viewers on CMT, MTV, MTV2, Logo, Paramount Network, TV Land and CMT Australia, though viewers looking for a free viewing option online are out of luck.
Barbie girl: Kelsea Ballerini, who is co-hosting the ceremony with Kane Brown, leaned on her Barbie instincts by gracing the night’s step-and-repeat in a vinyl hot pink two piece
Blonde bombshell: She wore her lengthy blonde hair in waves with two braids in the front to frame her face
Bringing the drama: Mickey Guyton, who is slated to perform with Gladys Knight, made jaws drop in a pale yellow gown with a dramatic side slit that exposed her shapely legs
All in the details: The Black Like Me hitmaker, 37, slipped her feet into a pair of pointed pumps of the same shade and carried her essentials in glistening gold clutch
Queens: Mickey stops to pose for a photo with legendary performer Gladys Knight (right)
Edgy: H.E.R. showcased her killer curves in an edgy all black ensemble complete with a sexy netted top that exposed her bra
Nice touch! The 23-year-old artist completed her ensemble with a sexy pleated mini skirt and a pair of rhinestone-covered boots with silver toes
Mixed mediums: Taking a note from Kelsea’s book, comedian Iliza Shlesinger slipped her toned physique into a hot pink satin gown with a sexy mesh bodice
Chic: The standup star, 38, styled her jaw-length hair in cohesive curls stemming from a side part
Amazing! Gladys Knight proved she is defying the aging process as she arrived to the night’s award ceremony in Nashville
Elegance: The 77-year-old star wowed in an elegant white dress that stopped at her knees and featured flattering lace sleeves
Furry friend: Carly Pearce had some furry support on Wednesday night as she arrived to the ceremony with her beloved pooch June
Coordinated: The 31-year-old singer-songwriter let her dog walked the red carpet on a light pink leash that coordinated with her own feminine getup
Making it work: Lindsay Ell did not her recent injury get her down by decking out her boot to match her showy silver dress
Nailed it: The Canadian singer, 32, wrapped her boot in chrome toned tape, which perfectly coordinated with the sequin detailing on her dress
All together: Philip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman, Jimi Westbrook and Karen Fairchild of musical group Little Big Town stayed true to their stylish selves as they graced the carpet in contrasting looks
Contrast: Schlapman looked effortlessly glam in a plunging colorblock dress, while Fairchild provided a bit of 80s nostalgia in a gaudy floral print mini dress and thigh-high satin boots
Legend: After getting their own photos, Little Big Town snagged a pic with legend Gladys Knight
Keep ’em coming! Another beloved country group, Lady A, arrived to the 2021 ceremony in style
Bold: The band’s leading lady Hillary Scott highlighting her curves in a colorful striped dress with a plunging neckline
Suave: Kane Brown, who is hosting the ceremony alongside Kelsea Ballerini, looked suave in a grey three-piece suit with a patterned silk shirt layered beneath it
Support system: The singer-songwriter, 27, was accompanied by his stunning wife Katelyn Jae, who he married in 2018
Risky: Lauren Alaina took a major fashion risk by rocking an avant-garde jumpsuit with one side featuring a beige tulle half-skirt
Sparkles: Lainey Wilson and Tenille Arts brought the glitz by incorporating a generous amount of glitter and rhinestones into their looks
Groovy: Wilson, 29, was clearly inspired by the 1970s with her flared trousers and snakeskin blouse
Plaid: Blanco Brown and Rickey Minor got all decked out in differing plaid patterns, which gave their ensembles an overall preppy look
Country crooner: Trace Adkins looked regal in a striking black cowboy hat as she posed up a storm with his wife Victoria Pratt
Date night? A few other fashion-forward couples in attendance were Taylor Lewan and his wife Taylin Gallacher, as well as Niko and Anna Moon
Three is NOT a crowd: Putting all three of their individual styles on display for their fans at home, Colton Pack, Garrett Nichols, and Zach Beeken of Restless Road happily walked the CMT Awards red carpet together
Simplicity: Proving that simplicity packs a punch, Breland and fellow musician Chris Young modeled muted ensembles with flattering cuts