Carly Pearce won the female vocalist of the year award at the 55th Country Music Association Awards held on November 10. She was overcome with emotion when her name was announced as the winner. The award was handed out by Amy Grant and Lauren Daigle, stars of country music.

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Pearce faced tough competition from the likes of McBryde, Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris and Gabby Barrett. A teary-eyed Carly took the stage while gasping for breath and spoke into the mic, “I really didn’t think this was going to happen”.

The American singer and songwriter had to be helped by Ashley McBryde who stepped up and said, “What she meant to say was, ‘There’s a lot of love, respect and admiration in this category.'”

Upon getting her emotions under control Carly said, “I’ve had just like a crazy year and I just want you guys to know that this means everything to me.”

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The 31-year-old added, “Country music saved me at a time that I needed it, and I just want you guys to know that this is all I’ve ever wanted in the entire world and I just hope you know that country music is all I love, so thank you so much.”

The award ceremony was held at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, and was hosted by Luke Bryan. Miranda Lambert, the most nominated woman in the history of the Country Music Awards opened the show with her hits, including “Kerosene”, “Mama’s Broken Heart” and “Gunpowder & Lead”.

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The stage was also blessed with performances from the likes of Jimmie Allen, Jennifer Hudson, Gabby Barrett, Brothers Osborne, Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde, and Mickey Guyton with Brittney Spencer and Madeline Edwards among others.

The New Artist of the Year award was won by Jimmie Allen while the Male Vocalist of the Year award went to Chris Stapleton.