Brooks rules CMAs – Underwood, Stapleton bag awards

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LOS ANGELES, Nov 3, (Agencies): Garth Brooks, who lost entertainer of the year at last year’s Country Music Association Awards when he returned to music after a 13-year break, won the top prize at the show Wednesday, where Beyonce and the Dixie Chicks’ surprise duet performance was met with love and hate.

Brooks beat out Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton, Keith Urban and last year’s winner, Luke Bryan.

“We are so lucky to part of this thing called country music,” Brooks yelled loudly at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.

Anniversary

Taylor Swift presented Brooks the award, but she wasn’t the only pop star in the building: Beyonce sang her twangy song “Daddy Lessons” on a night celebrating the CMA Awards’ 50th anniversary. It was the first time Beyonce, a Houston native, performed at the country awards show. The performance also marked a return for the Dixie Chicks, who hadn’t attended the CMA Awards in some time.

“Everybody get on your feet. Put your hands together,” Beyonce told the crowd.

The diva sported a sheer champagne-colored dress that plunged in the center and layered pearls around her neck. Faith Hill sang along, Trisha Yearwood clapped and Miranda Lambert moved side to side during the song, which the Dixie Chicks have also covered at their live shows.

Beyonce and the trio’s appearance, though, wasn’t cheered by everyone: On social media some fans tweeted angrily about the performance— some country music fans have disliked Dixie Chicks since band member Natalie Maines criticized former US president George W. Bush over a decade ago.

The night featured a number of other memorable performances, too: A mix of classic and contemporary country stars kicked off the show with 12 performances to celebrate its milestone anniversary, which included Randy Travis, Vince Gill, Charley Pride, Roy Clark, Alabama, Charlie Daniels, Ricky Skaggs, Alan Jackson, Dwight Yoakam and Merle Haggard’s youngest son, Ben.

Dolly Parton, who earned the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, was honored by Reba, Underwood, Martina McBride, Jennifer Nettles and Kacey Musgraves, who all sang a rousing rendition of “I Will Always Love You.”

“I would have cried, but I didn’t want to mess up my eyelashes,” said Parton, sporting a bright yellow dress.

Chris Stapleton, who won big at last year’s show, was the night’s top winner with two: He took home male vocalist and music video of the year.

“What a wonderful night … I’ve cried just watching everybody,” said Stapleton, who walked into the show as the top nominee along with Eric Church and newcomer Maren Morris.

Underwood won female vocalist of the year, ending Lambert’s six-year consecutive winning streak since 2010.

Church won album of the year for “Mr. Misunderstood” and Morris picked up new artist of the year.

“Last year, I sat across the street at a bar and watched this show. I never thought as a songwriter I’d be standing here today,” she said.

A number of celebrities were in the audience and presented awards, including Matthew McConaughey, Peyton Manning, Jennifer Garner, Olivia Newton-John, Nicole Kidman, Lily Tomlin, Sharon Stone and the Final Five Olympic gymnasts: Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas, Laurie Hernandez and Madison Kocian.

Winners

* Entertainer of the Year: Garth Brooks.

* Female Vocalist of the Year: Carrie Underwood.

* Male Vocalist of the Year: Chris Stapleton.

* Album of the Year: “Mr. Misunderstood,” Eric Church.

* Song of the Year (songwriter’s award): “Humble and Kind,” Lori McKenna (recorded by Tim McGraw).

* Single of the Year: “Die a Happy Man,” Thomas Rhett.

* Vocal Group of the Year: Little Big Town.

* Vocal Duo of the Year: Brothers Osborne.

* New Artist of the Year: Maren Morris.

* Musical Event of the Year: “Different for Girls,” Dierks Bentley featuring Elle King.

* Music Video of the Year: “Fire Away,” Chris Stapleton.

* Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award: Dolly Parton.

* Pinnacle Award: Kenny Chesney.

* Musician of the Year: Dann Huff (guitar).

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