The 2016 American Country Countdown Awards was held Sunday, May 1st at the Los Angeles Forum and was the first country music awards shows to air live from Los Angeles in more than 10 years. The evening was filled with one stellar performance after another.
Kicking off the show was a trio of female country music powerhouses, Jennifer Nettles, Cam, and Martina McBride singing “This One’s for the Girls”. These ladies set the atmosphere for the evening and showed us just how much brilliance women in the industry posses. Luke Bryan and Florida Georgia Line each performed their recent singles “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day” and “H.O.L.Y” respectively. Country music’s favorite gal in yellow, Cam performed her gorgeous single “Mayday” and did not disappoint showing off her amazing vocal range. Cole Swindell shared his personal and sentimental song “You Should Be Here” off his most recent album.
Chris Janson proved once again that his flair and artistry are like no other, when he became a one-man band during his performance “Buy me a Boat”. Sam Hunt once again turned up the sultriness as he sat down at his piano to perform “Make You Miss Me”. Thomas Rhett slowed it down to share his smash hit “Die a Happy Man” and the audience was not shy about singing along to every word. Carrie Underwood maintains to show that not only is her fashion style on point, but her newest single “Church Bells” is on its way to her next number 1 single.
Reba McIntyre presented her best friends Books & Dunn with the 2016 Nash Icon Award. They demonstrated that they still have it and took us down memory lane when they sang “Red Dirt Road”. Kelsea Ballerini called “Dibs” on having a colorful performance with a dress that changed colors along with the audiences light up wristbands. Dan and Shay never cease their love for fans when two lucky audience members we pulled to sit on stage as they performed “Nothin’ Like You” and “From the Ground Up”. Martina McBride delivered her dynamic single “Reckless” off of her 13th studio album titled, Reckless.
Wrapping up the show to pay a tribute to the late Merle Haggard was a close friend Toby Keith and The Strangers. Merle’s son Ben Haggard was also with The Strangers playing tribute to his late father in the heartwarming performance.
If you missed the show here was the evenings winners:
Artist of the Year- Luke Bryan
Male Vocalist of the Year- Luke Bryan
Female Vocalist of the Year- Carrie Underwood
Group/Duo of the Year- Florida Georgia Line
Breakthrough Male of the Year- Sam Hunt
Breakthrough Female of the Year- Kelsea Ballerini
Breakthrough Group/Duo of the Year- Old Dominion