Celebrating the Power of Women in Country Music: A Historic CMA Awards Opening Tribute
The Country Music Association (CMA) Awards have long been a marquee event, but few moments have resonated with as much power and significance as the night country music collectively celebrated its legendary women. This unforgettable evening saw iconic voices and rising stars unite on stage, not just to perform, but to declare the enduring strength and influence of female artists in the genre. It was a jubilant and emotional tribute, demonstrating a deep respect for the trailblazers and a powerful statement of solidarity for the women continuing to shape country music today.
The 2019 CMA Awards opened with an electrifying, star-studded medley that brought together a staggering lineup of female talent. Hosts Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, and Dolly Parton led the charge, setting a tone of empowerment and reverence from the very first note. They were joined by an impressive roster of artists including Terri Clark, Gretchen Wilson, Sara Evans, Crystal Gayle, The Highwomen (featuring Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris, and Amanda Shires), Martina McBride, Jennifer Nettles, and Tanya Tucker. This collective of multi-generational stars performed a medley of legendary female country songs, transforming the awards show into a powerful testament to sisterhood and the indelible mark women have made on country music history.
An Unforgettable Medley: Honoring Generations of Female Voices
The monumental opening performance commenced with the revered trio of Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, and Dolly Parton delivering a soulful rendition of “Those Memories of You.” Originally recorded by Parton alongside Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris, this classic set a heartfelt and nostalgic tone, immediately drawing the audience into a journey through country music’s rich past. The seamless transition that followed brought Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman to the stage, who paid homage to the legendary Loretta Lynn with a spirited performance of her timeless hit, “You’re Lookin’ at Country.” Lynn’s pioneering spirit and unapologetic portrayal of rural life have made her a cornerstone of the genre, and her presence was deeply felt through this tribute.
The energy shifted as the critically acclaimed supergroup The Highwomen, accompanied by the incomparable Dolly Parton, launched into Tammy Wynette’s iconic “Your Good Girl’s Gonna Go Bad.” Wynette, known as the “First Lady of Country Music,” paved the way for countless female artists with her emotionally charged songs of love and heartbreak. Following this powerful moment, the legendary Tanya Tucker joined the ensemble, bringing her signature grit and soulful delivery to her 1972 smash hit, “Delta Dawn.” Tucker’s enduring career, spanning decades, perfectly encapsulated the longevity and resilience of women in country music.
The medley continued to dazzle with a series of individual showcases, each artist delivering a performance that underscored their unique contribution to the genre. Gretchen Wilson, backed by Carrie, Dolly, Karen, and Kimberly, ignited the stage with her empowering anthem “Redneck Woman.” This song, a declaration of independence and pride, resonated deeply with its message of authenticity. Next, the elegant Crystal Gayle graced the stage, performing her timeless classic “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue,” showcasing her smooth vocals and sophisticated style. Terri Clark then delivered her feisty hit “Better Things to Do,” a staple of 90s country, demonstrating her lasting appeal. Sara Evans followed suit with her uplifting track “Born to Fly,” a song that encapsulates ambition and hope, delivered with her characteristic grace.
The grand finale of this extraordinary segment saw all the women reunite on stage to join Martina McBride for her soaring and intensely powerful anthem, “Independence Day.” This song, a poignant narrative of triumph over adversity, brought the house down, serving as a climactic exclamation point on a night dedicated to female strength and solidarity. The collective performance was nothing short of breathtaking, a masterclass in vocal prowess, stage presence, and heartfelt collaboration. The visual spectacle matched the vocal talent; Carrie Underwood stunned in a vibrant fringe orange mini dress, Reba McEntire exuded elegance in a striking blue gown, and the queen Dolly Parton shimmered in a bedazzled nude jumpsuit, each outfit a reflection of their individual star power.
The Deeper Meaning: Acknowledging the Journey of Women in Music
Beyond the spectacular performances, the opening medley carried a profound message about the journey and struggles of women in the country music industry. Speaking backstage during rehearsals, Gretchen Wilson offered insightful commentary to The Tennessean: “The CMAs have decided that it’s an important enough time right now at this point in America and the things that we’re fighting, dealing with as women that it’s important to show the respect that country music has for women in this industry.” Her words underscored the contemporary relevance of this tribute, highlighting that the celebration was not just about past achievements but also about acknowledging ongoing challenges and the collective effort to overcome them. “We try to carry it on as females in country music. We pay it forward. That’s what we’ve always done. Just like in any industry, the women in this industry have had a hard road ahead of them. We’re fighting the same fight everyone else is fighting, and we’re getting there slowly just like every other woman is.” This candid reflection by Wilson brought a layer of authenticity and urgency to the evening, reminding everyone that while much progress has been made, the journey for gender equality continues.
Maren Morris, a leading artist at the CMA Awards that year with six nominations and a member of The Highwomen, also shared her perspective on the epic opening. For Morris, performing Tammy Wynette’s classic “Your Good Girl Is Gonna Go Bad” alongside such luminaries felt incredibly natural and long overdue. “(The show opening) feels like it’s how it should always be,” she stated, echoing a sentiment widely shared by artists and fans alike. “It’s incredibly natural and always timely to celebrate women in country music. Getting to sing that in the middle of all this beautiful chaos is a privilege. I can’t imagine a more representative way for The Highwomen to make their CMA Awards show debut than with Dolly and Reba and Carrie and Tanya. All of them.” Morris’s words perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the evening: a long-awaited and deeply meaningful recognition of the female pioneers and current powerhouses who have shaped, and continue to shape, the very essence of country music.
The Highwomen: A New Chapter for Female Storytelling
The inclusion of The Highwomen in this historic opening was particularly significant. Comprised of Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris, and Amanda Shires, this supergroup was formed with the explicit mission of addressing the underrepresentation of women on country radio and celebrating female voices and narratives. Their presence on such a prominent stage, performing alongside legends, underscored their role in continuing the legacy of female empowerment in country music. The Highwomen are not just performers; they are advocates, using their collective platform to highlight the incredible talent and diverse perspectives of women in the genre, ensuring that their stories are heard and celebrated by a wider audience.
A Lasting Legacy of Empowerment and Unity
The 2019 CMA Awards opening was far more than just a performance; it was a cultural moment. It was a powerful declaration of unity, a heartfelt tribute to the past, and an optimistic look towards the future of women in country music. The image of so many influential female artists sharing the stage, harmonizing and celebrating each other’s legacies, sent an undeniable message: the women of country music are a force to be reckoned with, resilient, talented, and deeply connected. This historical gathering served as a poignant reminder of the “redneck women” spirit – fierce, independent, and always true to themselves. The impact of this performance continues to resonate, inspiring aspiring female artists and reinforcing the message that their voices are not only welcome but essential to the vibrant tapestry of country music. It cemented a legacy of empowerment that will undoubtedly shape the genre for years to come, ensuring that the contributions of women in country music are continually recognized and revered.