Blake Shelton and Country fans split after Garth Brooks withdraws from CMA award consideration

Of life in the country

• Garth Brooks says he is withdrawing from CMA Artist of the Year consideration for this year and all future years.

• The country’s icon has won the award a record seven times.

Garth Brooks is giving way to the next generation of country stars.

The country music legend has announced that he is withdrawing from consideration for the CMA Artist of the Year after earning the honor a record seven times in his decades-long career.

“With all the love in the world and all the gratitude, because the last thing I want to do is look ungrateful to the CMAs and everyone who voted for us, we officially withdraw from Artist of the Year,” said Garth. at a Zoom press conference on Wednesday, according to Billboard.

The 58-year-old country star said he is retiring from the race for this year and all future years.

After her controversial seventh win last year, Garth faced a backlash on social media from Carrie Underwood fans who hoped she would take the title home.

“It made the winning artist of the year not so much fun,” Garth said, noting that his decision was sparked by a particular tweet that he saw read: “Hey man, why don’t you quit and just have the artist? Be for the next generation?

“I was 100 percent in agreement,” said the country star. “It’s time for someone else to win that award and know how Artist of the Year feels. Because everyone is breaking their butts … We have been fortunate enough to bring that award home multiple times.” and I feel like it’s someone else’s turn. “

Despite Garth’s official position, it’s still possible that his name will end up on the Animator of the Year nominees list after CMA members cast their votes later this week. According to Billboard, the CMA said its rules “do not allow people to withdraw from the voting process at any time.”

On Wednesday, fans turned to Twitter to react to Garth’s announcement, including Blake Shelton, who recorded the 2019 song “Dive Bar” with Garth.

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Blake retweeted country singer-songwriter Steve Wariner, who wrote: “If you’ve ever seen @garthbrooks live, you know why Artist of the Year always wins. No one is as great as Garth, but more importantly, there is no one as a type. “

“Steve agreed … This is Garth Brooks. GARTH BROOKS!” Blake tweeted. “I don’t care what others say. ANYONE. Artist of the century.”

Other fans were also upset by the news, saying he shouldn’t be “ashamed” of winning the award:

Another fan praised Garth for his decision and wrote: “His generosity, love for this craft, and love for other country music artists is what makes Garth Brooks, Garth go crazy. He has friends in low places, high places and in every corner. He just wants to have fun and it shows. Thanks @garthbrooks. “

Other Twitter users chimed in saying the news gave them hope that other great country artists would be nominated in place of Garth.

With all this said, Garth still hopes to win the CMA Award for Best Music Video for “Dive Bar”.

“I am extremely competitive,” he said with a smile.

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