For example, the lineup included one of country music’s first openly gay performers.
T.J. Osborne of Brothers Osborne came out publicly earlier this year, perTime.
Another significant moment came courtesy of Mickey Guyton, who performed her song “Love My Hair.”
But when it came down to the awards themselves, the CMAs returned to business as usual.
Two went to Kelsea Ballerini, but for a music video she made with Kenny Chesney.
But the CMAs are only one example of how women are treated in country music.
Data shows that country radio stations devote almost all their air time to songs by male artists.
Twitter users took note of the lack of diversity.
