Chris Willman Music WriterJason Aldean and Carrie Underwood came out on top of “The CMT Music Awards” in the show’s broadcast premiere on CBS, picking up the top honor for video of the year, which was voted upon by fans during the three-hour telecast.
The pair also picked up an additional trophy for their song “If I Didn’t Love You,” for collaborative video of the year.Cody Johnson was Monday night’s other two-time winner, picking up male video of the year for “‘Til You Can’t” and an award for a CMT digital performance.Miranda Lambert, who just walked away with an Academy of Country Music Award for entertainer of the year last month, had more reason to celebrate at the CMTs, as she won for female video of the year for “If I Was a Cowboy.” Maddie & Tae were surprise winners for duo/group, for “Woman You Got,” and Parker McCollom claimed breakthrough video with his hit “To Be Loved by You.”The show was co-hosted by actor Anthony Mackie, last-minute draftee Kane Brown and — gamely appearing from her living room and backyard, due to a positive COVID test two days earlier — Kelsea Ballerini.“Seventeen years in the game and this is the first time I’ve ever won video of the year,” said Aldean, who has waited his turn for a major country awards honor, having been passed over plenty of times by the CMAs and ACMs — and even, as he said, CMTs — despite his country superstar status. “I hit the scene about the same time as Carrie,” he noted. “I’m pretty sure I picked the perfect partner for this song.”McCollom seemed dumbfounded by his newcomer honor, blurting, “I never won nothin’ and never had to say anything.”Meanwhile, presenter Gayle King had an honor of her own to issue.
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