Oh, what a night! The 2020 CMA Awards served as a major reunion for the country music community.
Taking place at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn. and hosted by Reba McEntire and Darius Rucker, the ceremony was decidedly more laidback than year's past, with the musicians sitting at tables and booths spread across the auditorium. Lights flickered from the tables as performers graced the stage, making the mood just right for country music's biggest night and giving viewers at home a reprieve from the coronavirus pandemic.
While masks weren't required in the audience, tables were spaced the recommended six feet apart and face covers were available. These precautions were a necessity, especially after multiple performers dropped out citing COVID-19 exposure and, in some cases, positive test results. Florida Georgia Line's Tyler Hubbard, Lee Brice and an unnamed member of Rascall Flats were diagnosed with the virus this week. Additionally, Lady A revealed that they had been exposed to the illness by a family member.
But it's what is going on behind the scenes that is the fun part. After spending months indoors, the artists were able to reunite and chat about everything under the sun, albeit from behind fancy handheld face coverings.
To see country music's finest in their natural environment, check out the gallery below!
To see the list of nominees and winners from tonight's show, check out our list here.
This article was originally published on Wed, Nov 11, 2020, 6:25 p.m.