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Despite Female Push, Garth Brooks Bests Carrie Underwood At CMAs

Associated Press

   The Country Music Association Awards almost fully honored and
   highlighted the women of country music -- whose songs have been heavily
   dismissed on country radio over the years -- until two words were
   uttered when they named its entertainer of the year: Garth Brooks.

   Wednesday night's show kicked off with a performance featuring country
   female acts across generations, included three female hosts and had
   Maren Morris as its top nominee. But in the final moments, Brooks won
   the top prize over Carrie Underwood, who many had hoped would be the
   first female to win entertainer of the year since 2011.

   Brooks did highlight female acts during his acceptance speech at the
   Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.

   "If they gave this award for this show tonight, I'd have to give it to
   Reba McEntire's performance," Brooks said, while also praising Kelsea
   Ballerini and Luke Combs, who won two honors.

   All eyes seemed to be on Underwood, who had a successful year with her
   album "Cry Pretty" and an all-female tour, for an entertainer of the
   year win. The last woman to win the prize was Taylor Swift, and
   Underwood was this year's sole female nominee.

   Underwood hosted the show alongside McEntire and Dolly Parton, and
   though she didn't win any awards, Underwood did win over the audience:
   She was a vocal beast, hitting all the right notes and more during a
   smoky performance of "Drinking Alone."

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