INGLEWOOD, US-Carrie Underwood posed with her shiny new prize at the 2016 American Country Countdown Awards at The Forum on Sunday evening in Inglewood, California. It was a night of big performances and top stars at the American Country Countdown Awards. Album of the Year was awarded to Chris Stapleton for “Traveller.”
Many of the big winners throughout the night, like Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Brooks & Dunn, thanked God during their acceptance speeches. The show kicked off with a performance by Martina McBride, Jennifer Nettles and Cam that had the crowd singing along. McBride also performed toward the end of the show.
The first award of the night, Male Vocalist of the Year, was announced by Underwood and was awarded to Bryan. Bryan performed immediately after his win was announced to the cheering crowd of country music greats, which included stars like Reba McEntire and Toby Keith. “It’s hard to do a speech after that,” Bryan said as he thanked the crowd out-of-breath following his song. “I want to thank the good Lord above... We love you! Thank you country radio.” Group Duo of the Year was awarded to Florida Georgia Line, and they performed next.
Newcomer Cam then took the stage, followed by Cole Swindell. Chris Janson then had the crowd singing along to his hit “Buy Me A Boat.”
The show took a moment to remember Prince, who died on April 21st at the age of 57. The crowd wore purple glow bands to light the room in purple in honour of the pop star.
The Breakthrough Male of the Year award was given to Sam Hunt, who played piano as he performed. In a blink-and-you-might-miss-it moment Hunt was also quickly given the Digital Artist of the Year award.
The winners
Female Vocalist of the Year
Carrie Underwood
Artist of the Year
Luke Bryan
Male Vocalist of the Year
Luke Bryan
Group/Duo of the Year
Florida Georgia Line
Song of the Year
“Die a Happy Man”
by Thomas Rhett
Breakthrough Male of the Year
Sam Hunt
Breakthrough Female of the Year
Kelsea Ballerini
Album of the Year
Traveller by Chris Stapleton
Nash Icon Award
Brooks & Dunn
