You’ll be stunned when you watch Carrie Underwood deliver one of the most emotional moments in CMA Awards history during the 2017 ceremony. 💙 She offered a breathtaking performance of the Christian hymn “Softly and Tenderly” during the show’s In Memoriam segment. Her heartfelt rendition honored beloved artists who passed away that year, including Troy Gentry, Glen Campbell, and Don Williams. She also sang in remembrance of the victims of the Las Vegas shooting, which had occurred just one month earlier, on October 1, 2017. Everyone — including Carrie herself — was in tears by the end of the song. Relive that beautiful moment here, along with some other standout performances from past country music award shows.
These Performances Came From Country Music Awards Shows And Went Into The History Books
Country music artists get the chance to celebrate their peers during multiple awards shows each year. The three big ones are the CMA Awards, the ACM Awards, and the CMT Music Awards.
All of these awards ceremonies have been around for years. Over those years, we’ve witnessed some incredible performances that have gone down in country music history.
Here are just ten of the most unforgettable performances from country music awards shows.
Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Medley – From The 2023 CMT Music Awards
An all-star lineup of artists closed out the 2023 CMT Music Awards with a Lynyrd Skynyrd medley. The medley contained Skynyrd’s “Simple Man” and “Sweet Home Alabama.”
Performers included Billy Gibbons, Chuck Leavell, Cody Johnson, Paul Rodgers, Slash, Warren Haynes, Wynonna Judd, and LeAnn Rimes.
The tribute came following the death of Skynyrd’s guitarist and founding member, Gary Rossington, in March 2023. His widow and bandmates attended the ceremony.
Reba McEntire & Linda Davis Sing “Does He Love You” – From The 1993 CMA Awards
This duet from the 1993 CMA Awards is probably one of the most famous performances in this list. And not just because of Reba McEntire and Linda Davis‘ powerful voices.
The audience gasped when McEntire appeared onstage in a revealing red dress with a plunging neckline.
That wasn’t intentional on her part. As McEntire told PEOPLE years later,
“It was very revealing, and I didn’t know that! I had only had two fittings with [designer] Sandy Spika — one was at our office, and I said, ‘I think you need to fill some more stuff in!’ When I put it on in the dressing room at the Grand Ole Opry for the show, I thought, ‘Maybe it’s just the lighting in here.’ And when I walked out on the stage, I heard the audience go ‘Oooooh!’ And I thought, ‘Dang, I look good!’”
McEntire’s dad later asked her if she had the dress on backward.
Alan Jackson Debuts “Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)” – From The 2001 CMA Awards
Just two months after the 9/11 attacks, Alan Jackson performed his emotional response song, “Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)” at the 2001 CMA Awards. It was his first time performing the song publicly.
“Where Were You” later won the CMA Award for Song of the Year and also won a Grammy for Best Country Song.
Carrie Underwood Sings With Steven Tyler – From The 2011 ACM Awards
Carrie Underwood teamed up with Steven Tyler during the 2011 ACM Awards. The superstar pair performed Underwood’s “Undo It” and Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way.”
Videos of the duo’s performance have millions of views on YouTube, and it’s easy to see why.
Chris Stapleton’s Breakthrough Moment With Justin Timberlake – From The 2015 CMA Awards
