This year’s fan-voted awards show was nothing but a massive hit, but even with all the raucous laughter and impressive performances, there were still some moments that stood out in a less-than-glamourous way.
Hosted by none other than CMT’s ‘Nashville’ star, Charles Esten, this CMT Music Awards show was filled with references to the show and a hysterical, but awkward opener that even featured one of the tv show’s famous home locations.
With some of the biggest names in country music both attending, performing, and presenting the awards, this show was surely one of the best nights in the industry all year long!
Check out our list of the best and worst moments from 2017’s CMT Music Awards below and let us know what you think in the comments!
BEST: Queen Reba Slays Again
Presenting the award for Breakthrough Artist of the Year, reigning queen of country music, Reba McEntire wasn’t holding back while recalling how she got her start in the industry.
“Way back in 19-none-of-your-business,” the sassy redhead said before the crowd roared with laughter and applause.
WORST: Big Kenny’s Departure Off The Building
OH MY GOD! THEY KILLED #KENNY @bigandrich @cmt @BigKennyTV @CharlesEsten #CMTAwards2017 pic.twitter.com/tokPvlDT75
— Monique Roy (@RamblingGirl1) June 8, 2017
Taking a jab at recent events and the United Airlines controversy where a man was forcibly removed from a passenger plane, this skit went a little sideways when security dragged ‘Big Kenny’ Alphin of Big & Rich from the audience and then threw a dummy dressed like him off the building. He was seen later in a faux neck brace.
BEST: Carrie Underwood & Keith Urban Unleash Chilling New Version Of “The Fighter”
While everyone expected this chart-topping duet to be amazing, nobody expected to witness a brand-new twist on “The Fighter” performed live for the first time!
Kicking it off with a slowed-down version of the duet, these two pulled out all the stops for this one-of-a-kind performance that had everyone begging for more. Before reaching the end of the song, these two cranked up the tempo and surprised everyone with a rockstar finish!
WORST: Florida Georgia Line’s Pre-Taped Rooftop Performance
In what Rolling Stone asserts is a “mimed” performance pre-taped the day prior to the actual awards show, modern country duo Florida Georgia Line performed their new collaboration with Chainsmokers at their brand new FGL House venue and restaurant on Lower Broadway.
The performance was marred by mixed patterned pants and repetitious lyrics that left many fans and viewers on social media disappointed.
BEST: Luke Bryan & Jason Derulo Light Up The Crowd
What was sure to be one of the biggest highlights of the night, former CMT Crossroads partners and talented musicians, Jason Derulo and Luke Bryan, delivered a much-needed amped up performance that brought the crowd to their feet!
The two issued a mash-up of “Strip It Down” and “Want You To Want Me” that helped boost the audience’s excitement as the show moved into its second hour.
BEST: Iconic Tribute To Gregg Allman
Although the awards show aired just a short time after the untimely passing of legendary musician, Gregg Allman, an impressive foursome of country artists teamed up for a breathtaking and honorary performance of “Midnight Rider” that had everyone cheering for more.
RIP Gregg Allman