(Photo by Rob Grabowski/Invision/AP, File)
Eric Church was awarded entertainer of the year at Wednesday’s 2020 CMA Awards!
Church was given the honor by hosts and country legends Darius Rucker and Reba McEntire. “If there was ever a year not to win this award,” Church began.
“This award this year, at least for me has been about the loss of this year, loss of life, loss of playing shows, loss of freedom, loss of kids being in school,” he shared, referencing the ongoing global health concerns. “And you know what the win is? The win is we all were here tonight, together as country music. In-person live, not on Zoom.”
“And I really believe this, it’s going to be music that brings us out of this. That is the one thing that is going to save the entire world,” he continued. “Politicians are about division. Music is about unity. And I promise you, it’s going to take everybody in this room to unite.”
Church ended his acceptance speech by thanking everyone in attendance and added that “I didn’t think I was gonna win this.”
Church competed for the top honor alongside fellow country stars Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, and Keith Urban. This year marked Church’s first time winning the award after being nominated for the top CMA prize three times in the past. This year, he was also nominated for male vocalist of the year, but Combs took that award home.
Church has taken home three CMA trophies in previous years. He won album of the year for Chief in 2012 and again in 2016 for Misunderwood. He also took home a musical event award for Raise ‘Em Up in 2015.
Olivia Di Pede
Olivia loves all things fashion, beauty, and entertainment. In her free time, she can be found taking yoga classes, reading thriller novels, and styling outfits on Instagram.