Many ofCarrie Underwood’s fans aren’t too happy about who ended up winningentertainer of the yearat the CMA Awards on Wednesday — especially as the awards show was centered aroundcelebrating womenthis year.
Underwood, the only female nominee up for the prestigious prize, lost out toGarth Brooks, who picked up his seventh win — and his third in four years.
Almost immediately, a backlash began brewing online, with many fans expressing their “anger & disappointment,” especially as Underwood — one of the night’s co-hosts — was coming off of an incredibly successful album and tour cycle.
“What doesCarrie Underwoodhave to do to win entertainer of the year? LikeI could write a 50 page paper on everything she did this yearand maybe a page on what Garth did. Come on CMA. She hosts the show, y’all. Shake my head. Shake my head,” wrote a second fan.
Jason Kempin/Getty; Leah Puttkammer/Getty
Many others also slammed the CMAs for the way their celebratory night of women came to an end.
“@carrieunderwoodgot robbedof Entertainer of the Year. This award is beyond sexist for some insane reason. No reasonable person would believe she didn’t deserve it,” wrote one Twitter user.
“This is such a slap in the face. Not only to Carrie, but to the women of country music in general. So much for celebrating women tonight, but you’re going to continue giving these awards to mediocre men. @CountryMusic congrats on getting it wrong yet again,” wrote another.
Several others also pointed out their anger that Brooks did not acknowledge Underwood during his acceptance speech, although he did give shout-outs toLuke Combs,Kelsea Ballerini, and one of the night’s other co-hosts,Reba McEntire.
“I have no words. Garth Brooks was the least deserving. And the fact hedidn’t even acknowledgeCarrie Underwood,” wrote one Twitter user. “This does NOT DEFINE your worth @carrieunderwood you are the ENTERTAINER OF THE DECADE. So proud of the Year you had.”
“Garth has such an opportunityto call more attention to the women in radio problem. He didn’t. And then he shouts out Reba and not his fellow nominee Carrie? And then she has to go out on stage, clearly disappointed in the status quo and end the night. Damn. #CMAawards,” added another, referencing the fact that afterwards Underwood had to come back onstage with her fellow co-hosts.
A true professional, Underwood also gave Brooks a hug as she congratulated him and all of the nights winners.
This year marked the first time a woman has been nominated for entertainer since 2016, when Underwood was also again the lone female nominee, once again losing to Brooks. A female artist hasn’t taken home the award sinceTaylor Swift‘s win in 2011.
Ahead of the show,Miranda Lambertpublicly campaigned for Underwood in alengthy Instagram postwhere she listed out all the reasons each nominee is worthy of the award — and why the “Southbound” singer ultimately wasthe most deserving.
“Carrie- The Entertainer Of The Year. Because… Currently being on tour with all female artists, I’ve been thinking a lot about all the work that goes into what we do. The most amazing job in the world. But it ain’t for the faint of heart,” she explained. “@carrieunderwood is on an all female tour too. The Cry Pretty Tour 360. She put out her first single in 2005 and from then on country music was changed for good.”
“That iconic voice has been classin’ up our stages, charts and televisions for a decade and a half. The Voice. The legs. The songs. The brand. The mom. The wife. The Okie. The Jesus lover. The blonde bombshell that is Carrie,” she added. “She blows me away every time I hear her sing. She never wavers in who she is or what she stands for. She has stayed true & pushed herself to be better.”
Lambert concluded, “If you have never heard her sing ‘How Great Thou Art’ do yourself a favor and listen. I have her back in this picture and I’ll always have her back. So for the sake of sequins, spanx and spray tans, take it home! You Carrie the torch!”
Chris Polk/ACMA2017/Getty Images
Underwood, who was nominated for three CMAs this year, had previously spoken about how she washoping to win the night’s top prize.
“I’m blessed and lucky to be nominated, obviously — and fantastic company,” she told reporters ahead of the big night, adding that it “would be amazing” to win.
“It’s not the be-all end-all, but of course I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want it.” She offered a hearty laugh. “Sorry, boys!”
source: people.com
