2016 CMT Awards Full List of Winners: Carrie Underwood Breaks Records, Wows with Gospel-Inspired Hit

By Leah Marieann Klett
Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood performs at the CMT Music Awards 2016 Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Christian country star Carrie Underwood wowed audiences at Sunday's 2016 CMT Music Awards, taking home two awards and performing her new single "Church Bells" with the help of a gospel choir.

The 33-year-old singer, who was nominated for three awards, took home trophies for Performance of the Year and Female Video of the Year - both for her song "Smoke Break." Altogether, Underwood also has 16 trophies - more than any other artist in CMT Awards history.

"I want to thank you guys for coming out and supporting country music on tour," Underwood said, while accepting her Performance of the Year award. "We've spent the first part of the year on the road and it's just been so wonderful to see so many people come out. I know I speak for everybody out there - all of us artists who say you guys are the reason that we get to do what we get to do. Thank you so much for coming out and supporting us in concert. God bless you guys."

The singer, who is currently on her "Storyteller" tour, also performed a stirring rendition of the female-empowerment ballad, "Church Bells." While her performance began slow, Underwood quickly brought the crowd to their feet, bringing to the stage a full band and gospel choir. The show ended with a standing ovation from the audience.

"So...this just happened!!! I have the best fans in the world! Thank you!!!" Underwood tweeted following her big night.

Underwood, who has a young son, Isaiah, with husband Mike Fisher, frequently speaks about her Christian faith and how it influences her songwriting. The Grammy winner previously revealed that she plans to raise Isaiah in church so he will be surrounded by other believers: "We want to go to church, not just for lessons and learning, but also to have a community and be surrounded by people who are just trying to raise their kids up good. Keeping everything as loving as possible, you know?"

Sunday's awards were hosted by Erin Andrews and JJ Watt and held at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN. Other big winners included Thomas Rhett, who was awarded the prize for Male Video of the Year for his song "Die a Happy Man," newcomer Chris Stapleton who took home the award for Breakthrough Video of the Year for his song "Fire Away," Tim McGraw, who took home Video of the Year for "Humble and Kind," and Little Big Town, whose video for "Girl Crush" won them Group/Duo Video of the Year.

"The Voice" coach Blake Shelton took home CMT's inaugural Social Superstar title, which was voted for by fans.

"CMT's Social Superstar - that's not what I was going for, but what the h***!" the 39-year-old "Came Here to Forget" singer said, accepting the belt buckle-shaped hardware. "I have a few drinks and get on Twitter once in awhile. I didn't know you could get paid for that, but d**n!"

Performances of the night included Little Big Town singing "C'mon" alongside Pharrell Williams, and Keith Urban, Brett Eldredge and Maren Morris singing "Wasted Time."

Shelton and Stapleton also performed on the show, as did Cam and Fifth Harmony, who showed off their vocals with a mashup of Cam's "Mayday" and the girl group's hit single "Work From Home."

Other performers included Florida Georgia Line, Jason Aldean, Billy Ray Cyrus, Pitbull, pop singer Leona Lewis and Cassadee Pope, and rockers Cheap Trick.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories