Before Gill received the award, which has only been given to one other artist - Johnny Cash, Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley honored him with a performance of 'Whenever I Call Your Name'.
- November 6, 2014
AceShowbiz -
The 2014 Country Music Association Awards continues. After Ashley Monroe joined Blake Shelton for a performance of "Lonely Tonight", mom-to-be Carrie Underwood delivered a live rendition of her new single "Something in the Water".
Afterwards, Lucy Hale and Dan + Shay appeared on the stage to announce Little Big Town as the winner of Vocal Group of the Year. "Thank you for making our costumes light up!" the group's Karen Fairchild joked.
Luke Bryan and Miranda Lambert were the next musicians to perform at the event. The former tackled "Roller Coaster" from his 2013 album "Crash My Party" while the latter debuted her new single "Smokin' and Drinkin' " with the help of CMA Vocal Group of the Year winner Little Big Town.
Underwood and Brad Paisley later honored Vince Gill with a performance of "Whenever I Call Your Name". Gill, whom Underwood called the "best friend" of country music, received the highest honor in the genre, the Irving Waugh Award of Excellence. The award has only been given to one other artist, Johnny Cash.
During his acceptance speech, Vince told everyone how great Irving Waugh was, but adds that "the best thing a young gentleman can do is learn from an old gentleman." He adds that he missed hosting the CMA Awards like he did for 12 years, and he's praising the younger generation for the love they have for each other.
