The 51st Country Music Association Awards in 2017 marked a profoundly emotional evening, as the country music community came together to honor those who had passed, leaving an enduring legacy on the genre. The somber night paid tribute to over 35 beloved figures from country music, including icons such as Tom Petty, Glen Campbell, Gregg Allman, and Troy Gentry, each of whom had made unforgettable contributions to the sound and spirit of country music.
Carrie Underwood, co-hosting alongside Brad Paisley for the tenth consecutive year, set the tone for the night with heartfelt words that resonated deeply with the audience. “This has been a year marked by tragedy, impacting countless lives, including so many in our country music family,” she said. “So tonight, we’re going to do what families do: come together, pray together, cry together, and sing together, too.”
As the evening unfolded, Underwood, dressed in a graceful white gown, took the stage to deliver a moving tribute. Bathed in soft candlelight, she performed the gospel hymn “Softly and Tenderly.” Behind her, a slideshow of images showcased the faces of the late legends who had shaped country music, their presence still felt in every note. The moment was tender and powerful, bringing both tears and comfort to those in the room.
But the tribute did not stop with country music’s icons. At the end of her performance, Underwood took a moment to honor the victims of the tragic Route 91 Harvest music festival shooting in Las Vegas, where 58 lives were lost. Her tribute to the victims, intertwined with the remembrance of country music’s own fallen stars, underscored the profound impact of loss and the power of music to heal and unite. The evening left an indelible mark on all who attended, a reminder of the strength of the country music family, bound by love, loss, and resilience.
