Of the 12 awards given, almost all went to clients of Bandit Lites. Blake Shelton took home Male Vocalist of the Year and the ever-coveted Entertainer of the Year in addition to winning Song of the Year with wife, Miranda Lambert for the song Over You. Lambert also won Female Vocalist of the Year for the third consecutive year.
Little Big Town celebrated two wins, both Vocal Group of the Year and Single of the Year with their first #1 hit, Pontoon. Thompson Square, comprised of husband and wife team Keifer and Shawna Thompson, were awarded Top Vocal Duo, breaking Sugarland's five year streak.
Country newcomer Hunter Hayes won Best New Artist. Hayes has been a part of Underwood's current Blown Away Tour, which Bandit has had the privilege of being a part of. Superstar Kenny Chesney was awarded the CMA for Best Musical Event for his Feel Like a Rock Star duet with Tim McGraw.
Additionally, Toby Keith can raise his glass to Music Video of the Year with Red Solo Cup and multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter Mac McAnally took home is fifth CMA Musician of the Year award.
Michael Strickland, chair of Bandit Lites, celebrated the success of Bandits' clients saying, "Bandit Lites is very fortunate to work with the top artists in the world. It is a responsibility we take very seriously and we strive daily to help them reach new heights. We develop relationships early in their careers and are a part of their family as they grow and achieve monumental success. We are blessed to have these opportunities and will never sway in our commitment to excellence."
(Jim Evans)
