Miranda Lambert praised "her rock" Blake Shelton as she was honoured at the CMT Artists of the Year event last night (02.12.14).
The 31-year-old singer was given her award by Ashley Monroe after NASCAR star Danica Patrick introduced her performance of ‘Holdin’ On to You’ and admitted she had been incredibly "nervous" but remembered to thank her ‘Voice’ coach spouse for his support.
Miranda – who was one of five recipients of the honour – said:
"I’m so nervous. I’m glad that’s over. Thank you, Danica, thank you Ashley, for being here. Thank you, CMT, for this amazing night in honouring everything we work for so hard all year and all the amazing artists. My husband, I always forget to thank him, but he’s my rock — Blake Shelton.
"He’s somewhere on TV right now, I think. But I appreciate it so much. And thank you so much to the fans for buying our music — all of our music — and giving us a great life and letting us live our dream."
Luke Bryan missed the event following the tragic death of his brother-in-law at the weekend but was in the thoughts of fellow honourees Jason Aldean and Keith Urban.
Jason said: "One of my buddies, Luke Bryan, is not here tonight, dealing with some family stuff in Georgia. Just want to say I’m thinkin’ about you, you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Hurry back to the country music world."
And picking up his trophy, after singing James Brown’s ‘It’s A Man’s, Man’s Man’s World’ alongside a 10-piece female band, Keith said: "I want to send my love and prayers out to Luke and all your family tonight too, brother. You’re right here tonight, brother."
In Luke’s absence, Lady Antebellum stepped in to sing ‘Drink a Beer’ with the track’s co-writer Chris Stapleton and their friend was delighted by their fitting tribute.
Luke tweeted: "That was amazing. Truly. Thank you Charles, Dave, Hillary and Chris! Beautiful!!! Thank you fans for your love.(sic")
The fifth CMT Artists of the Year, Florida Georgia Line picked up their prize from Wiz Khalifa, who said he was "proud" to be their fan.
Wrapping up proceedings at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, Merle Haggard picked up the first-ever Artist of a Lifetime honour from Billy Bob Thornton.
He said: "Anything I’d say would be short of the mark, so thank you very much and God bless you. Good music lives forever!"
Miranda Lambert praises ‘rock’ Blake Shelton
