CMA Awards 2019: Women of Country Deliver Show-Stopping Tribute
The 53rd Annual Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, held in November 2019 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, opened with one of the most unforgettable moments in the event’s history: a star-studded tribute to the women of country music. The performance, led by Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, and Carrie Underwood, set the tone for a night dedicated to honoring female artists who have shaped and redefined the genre.
In a year when conversations about representation in country music were reaching new heights, the CMA producers made a bold and symbolic choice to spotlight women in the industry. The medley not only celebrated pioneers who had blazed trails decades earlier but also showcased the contemporary voices carrying country music forward.
The performance began with Carrie Underwood, dazzling in a gold gown, leading the audience through “Those Memories of You.” She was soon joined by Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire, who brought their signature warmth and powerhouse vocals to the stage. The sight of three generations of country royalty standing side by side immediately drew thunderous applause.
What followed was a seamless blend of eras and styles. Sara Evans, Martina McBride, and Gretchen Wilson joined to perform Evans’ “Born to Fly” and McBride’s “Independence Day,” songs that had become anthems for empowerment and resilience. Tanya Tucker, whose comeback album While I’m Livin’ had recently earned critical acclaim, brought grit and authenticity with “Delta Dawn,” reminding audiences of her enduring influence.
Adding to the energy, Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland and Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town lent their harmonies to “Girl Crush,” while Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves, and Miranda Lambert represented the younger generation of women pushing boundaries in songwriting and artistry. Together, they highlighted both the diversity and continuity of female storytelling in country music.
Perhaps the most emotional moment came when the full ensemble, led by Parton, McEntire, and Underwood, united to close the medley with “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” paying homage to the late Loretta Lynn. The tribute served as a reminder of the genre’s roots, the struggles its women endured, and the triumphs they achieved in a male-dominated industry.
Critics and fans alike praised the opening number as one of the most powerful statements the CMA Awards had ever made. Social media lit up with reactions, many noting how moving it was to see such a broad spectrum of female talent — from established legends to rising stars — sharing the same stage.
Beyond the performance, the 2019 CMAs also made headlines for being co-hosted entirely by women. Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, and Dolly Parton helmed the show together, further cementing the night as a celebration of female power in country music.
The Women of Country performance was more than a nostalgic look back — it was a declaration. It reminded audiences of the genre’s rich female legacy and its ongoing vitality. In a single medley, the CMAs honored the past, celebrated the present, and pointed to a future where women’s voices continue to lead the way.