Our Marissa was in the heart of Las Vegas during last year’s horrific mass-shooting, when a lone gunman opened fire during Jason Aldean’s set at the Route 91 Harvest Festival.  Since October, life has been a little different for her, and she shares her story and recaps the ACM awards from a survivor’s point of view.

Jason Aldean performs at the 53RD ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on CBS. Photo: Michele Crowe/CBS ©2018 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved

The ACM awards are a long-standing tradition and tremendous honor in Country Music. Each year, artists come to Las Vegas for parties, drinks and music. This year was no different; except everything was different. On October 1, 2017, a lone gunman shot into a crowd of 20,000 while Jason Aldean was performing. This is a statement known by many; a story not known by all. I am one of the survivors of the Route 91 shooting. Knowing this awards show would once again be held at the MGM Grand resort, made me really think about the gravity of the situation. When the CMA awards aired in November, the mood was somber, the victims were remembered by all who attended. It has been six months since the shooting and this is the first major country music event to be held in Las Vegas since October. For some of the artists, it is their first trip back; for others like Jason Aldean, it is another trip on their path to healing.

Reba McEntire comes into the ceremony as it’s host, with a specific game plan. She planned to not talk about politics or the events that occurred in October. However, she made it clear the victims will be honored and to not let them be forgotten. On the red carpet prior to the event, many of the stars wore a special tribute for the night. Stars wore a combination of 851; 58 for the number of victims, 851 for the people who were injured; and 1 for the one life we have to make the changes we want to see. Starting into the ceremony, I will give highlights, while also listing the winners as the night goes on. Being a survivor and watching this award show I hope, will keep encouraging me to write and talk about my experiences.

To open the show, stars lined up to tell everyone what this night means to them. It’s more than one song, its about the healing power of music. Jason Aldean stood proudly in a single pool of light with his black cowboy hat and spoke with the calmness unlike any other. Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, Maren Morris and Thomas Rhett speak about sudden loss; but also saying that we need to find our strength to continue each day. I also want to note: Miranda and Jason both performed at the inaugural Route 91 festival in 2014. Thomas performed in the 2015 line up; Luke headlined one night in the 2016 festival; and Maren performed the night prior to the shooting.

The awards show has been celebrated for over 50 years, and 15 of those years have been held in the heart of Las Vegas. Another staple of this awards show is the star host, Reba. This is her record breaking 17^th time as the CMA host. She jokingly says that in past years two men have hosted the show; showing that it only takes one woman to do the job of two men. The crowd taking no time to cheer, raise their glass and stand to their feet. Reba teases about how they will be looking back 25 years at 1993. The songs, the fashion and the winners of CMA past. Reba hands the stage over to Kenny Chesney who sings his television debut of “Can’t we all get along.”

Maren Morris performs at the 53RD ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on CBS.
Photo: Michele Crowe/CBS ©2018 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved

A moment later, Maren Morris takes the stage to belt out her newest single Rich. With the letters Rich lit up behind her, everyone in the audience sings along with pure joy. Reba pops back out to introduce Chris Young to sing his single, “Losing Sleep.” With just two guitars, the audience is gifted with hearing the purity of his voice shine through his lyrics. Surprisingly with no outfit changes yet, Reba introduces the collaboration of Florida Georgia Line with Bebe Rexa for their hit, “Meant to be”. Following the performance, Cam along with Drew Brees announce the first award of the night, Song of the Year. Miranda Lambert wins for her song, Tin Man. A beautifully heart wrenching song about wanting something you know is bound to break in the end. As they walk offstage it’s announced that the next performer Brett Young has also won the New Male Vocalist award. Already a winner, he comes out to sing “In case you didn’t know.” Usually dressed in a ballcap and tank top, Brett dresses in plaid and slicked hair for an intimate performance.

After the break, Reba dawns a white fringe jacket and passes introduction over to Jon Pardi. Jon is excited to collaborate with the great Alan Jackson by singing the 1993 number one hit, Chattahoochee. (Just one of the many flashback performances to come through the night) Sugarland making a rare appearance together; comes together to announce the winner of the Album of the Year award. Not surprising, Chris Stapleton wins the award. Already knowing he is not in attendance because he’s in Nashville with his wife awaiting the arrival of their twins. However, Reba comments that those “little rascals” came early! Chris and his wife Morgan have twin boys that have entered into the world happy and healthy. They join a big brother and big sister in the Stapleton household. Congratulations to the happy family!

Twins is a trend here in the country world; Hilary Scott of Lady Antebellum recently gave birth to twin girls and joins her bandmates for their song, “Heart break”. Dawning a beautiful floral wrap dress, she hasn’t lost a beat, and sounds sweeter than ever with the group hitting all the right notes. On the stage next to the group, Dierks Bentley sings his newest single, Woman, Amen”. On the screens behind the band, photos of everyday extraordinary women are shown. He ends his song with kissing his wife. And also greeting the lucky seat filler who was in his seat. One hour in and Reba stuns in a diamond embellished blue crushed velvet dress. She introduces fellow Oakie, Blake Shelton to sing his latest hit, “I lived it”, while girlfriend Gwen Stefani sang along. Immediately after, Lauren Alaina joined Kane Brown for their duet of “What ifs” the American Idol alum posted a photo on her Instagram of their seat signs commenting that they sang together in high school; now they’re on the greatest stage singing in front of their idols.

They both served as social media correspondents for the week. Documenting how the people of Vegas are healing and stating Vegas Strong. A video followed showing the six-month anniversary gathering in the healing garden. Most importantly, different charities were mentioned and I encourage everyone reading this to look into their missions and how you can help. Musicians on Call helped various artists to visit victims in the hospital and bring a little joy into their day. The organization partnered with the ACM lifting lives program for this event. The past few years the ACM hosted a festival to raise money for their organization so they can help people during trying times. Myself and my friend Courtney attended the festival in 2016; we had a great time and knew the money for our admission was going to a worthy cause. There is healing with the power of music, and that’s their message of hope.

The next collaboration comes curtesy of rising singer/songwriter Julia Michaels and superstar Keith Urban; with wife Nicole Kidman cheering him on from the front row; everyone enjoys his new single, “Coming Home”. Stars of the CBS show, Seal Team: David Boreanaz, Max Thieriot and A.J. Buckley come out to present the award for Vocal Group of the Year. Old Dominion wins the award, having released their sophomore album, Happy Endings, is a well-deserved win. Coming back from the break, Kelsea Ballerini comes down from a neon floating heart singing her new single, “I hate love songs”. She goes from a glittery pink gown to a pair of glittery jeans and plain white tank during the guitar solo.

Entertainer of the Year nominee Jason Aldean takes the stage to sing his newly released single, “Make it Easy” His new album, Rearview Town, is available now and is dedicated to the victims and families of the Route 91 shooting. Reba applauds Jason as the song finishes up; and gets a little teary eyed when talking about an award given out on Friday. The ACM for song writer of the year was given to Rhett Akins; and last year, his son Thomas Rhett won three ACM awards. She says of Thomas, she is so proud and has known him since he was a little boy. It was a sweet moment in the show that makes you stop and think about those you love.

Reba changes into a black and silver glittery form fitting dress for her next outfit. And before she introduces Miranda Lambert, Reba mentions that the ACM award record has been broken as of tonight. Brooks and Dunn had formally held the record for most wins with 29. But with her win tonight, Miranda now stands alone as the artist with the most ACM awards in its history. She was joined by her band to sing her single, “Keeper of the Flame”. Next performance came from the group, Little Big Town. They chose to sing their rendition of “Rocket Man” featured on the Elton John and Bernie Taupin album “Restoration”. Blake Shelton returns to the stage to take part in another “Flashback to ‘93”. He pairs with Toby Keith (and his red solo cup) to sing, “Should’ve been a Cowboy”. Newcomers Midland take the stage to sing their biggest single, “Drinking Problem”. After months of staying under the radar due to a “freak accident” that left Carrie Underwood with a broken wrist and 40 stitches to her face; she is back in the spotlight to debut her newest single, “Cry Pretty”. Carrie is met with a standing ovation as she holds back tears letting the world see her so vulnerable.

Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson perform at the 53RD ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on CBS.
Photo: Michele Crowe/CBS ©2018 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved

The next presenters, Ashton Kutcher and Sam Elliot, announce the nominees for Vocal event of the Year. Maren Morris was nominated for two different songs in the category. Ultimately, Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood win for their collaboration for “The Fighter”. Carrie still shaky tearfully gives her thanks to Keith and their fans. The camera pans away from the stage to the audience where Dan+Shay are amongst the fans to sing “Tequila”. Fellow country artist, Cam is behind the boys enjoying the song in her bare feet. The party keeps going when Darius Rucker sings his ninth number one hit. His newest song aptly named, “The First Time.” The next presenter, Lindsay Vonn dawns a long sleeved, turtle neck ball gown, in canary yellow. A little too monochromatic for this writer; had the outfit included any feathers, Big Bird would’ve thought he found his soulmate. However, her grace overshadows the outfit. She presents the award for “Female Vocalist of the Year”. Miranda Lambert once again wins this category as she has done in previous years. She ends her speech with a “Praise Jesus, Thank Y’all!” Can’t get more country than that! Next to the stage is Thomas Rhett who sings his newest single, “Marry Me”. For those who haven’t heard this song, it’s about unrequited love; not another love song for his lovely wife Lauren.

Reba is back with another gorgeous dress; black velvet, cold shoulder and a diamond neck piece. After teasing a few of the guests, she introduces Luke Bryan to sing his single, “Most people are good”. Following the performance, Dustin Lynch and Nancy O’Dell come out to present “Single record of the Year”. Sam Hunt wins for his song “Body like a back road”. Although not present for the show, Dustin and Nancy accept the award on his behalf. Earlier in the day, Lauren Alaina’s social media broadcast was briefly interrupted. She was awarded the ACM for “Female vocalist of the Year” she treats the audience to her single, “Doin’ Fine”. Rebecca Romijn comes out to present the award for “Male vocalist of the Year”. Chris Stapleton takes another award home on top of all the good news he’s already received through the evening. For the final ACM flashback, Kelly Clarkson reveals the last time her and Reba sang this song, it was sixteen years ago. Reba walks down the stairs in a sheet low cut red sparkler dress. These two legends sing Reba’s hit, “Does he love you”. For the final award of the night, Reba announces the winner herself. I’ll be honest, when Reba announced Jason Aldean as the winner, I got chills. And then the tears came; he acknowledged his team, his wife and kids. But hearing him say how much he appreciated all the love over the past six months, it really touched my heart. He ended his speech by saying the Route 91 people are in his heart and we are Vegas Strong. It’s a good thing Chris Janson wrapped up the show with a harmonica infused hit called, “Redneck Life”. Thank you everyone for reading my thoughts and the recap of this awards show. It goes far beyond the Country Music family; this event touches so many people around the world. Do not let this story be forgotten; six months later and we still don’t have answers; people are still healing. Share, donate and love.