If Not Garth, Who? + Other Country Music News 7 30

“It’s time for somebody else to hold that award [and] know what that Entertainer of the Year feels like.” With those words, Garth Brooks is removing himself from future contention for the coveted top award given annually by the Country Music Association.

Garth, of course, is the most-awarded CMA Entertainer of the Year ever – he earned his seventh title last year…and this week’s announcement has its roots in that moment.

“This all started at the CMAs last year. We were lucky enough to win Entertainer of the Year.. “But there was one tweet…that really stuck in my head that said, ‘Hey, man – this guy…why doesn’t he step down for the next generation?’ 100% agree.”

Steve Wariner, turned to social media after Brooks' decision hit the news, tweeting, "If you’ve ever seen @garthbrooks live, you know why he consistently wins Entertainer of the Year. There is no one as big as Garth, but more importantly, there is no one as kind."

Blake Shelton was quick to agree with him, but he stated his case considerably more forcefully, writing, "Agreed Steve.... He is Garth Brooks. GARTH BROOKS!!! I

More Garth Brooks' news. His youngest daughter Allie is the member of his team he was referring to when he announced a coronavirus case in his immediate circle earlier this month. And

"Her husband works with us every day," Brooks revealed during a press conference on Wednesday (July 29), "so that was the possible scare. So everybody went and got tested, and everybody tested negative, so we were back up and running pretty quick. She quarantined for another 14 days after her time as well, so she’s feeling great.”

Carrie Underwood took to social media to congratulate Miranda Lambert on her song "Bluebird" reaching No. 1 on country airplay charts this week. The track from Wildcard became Lambert's first No. 1 hit in six years.

Actually, "Bluebird" is Lambert's first No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart since "Over You" in 2012, a drought Underwood recognizes as unfortunate.

"Congratulations!" Underwood writes. "Long overdue!"

And Miranda?  She just said she loves what she’s been lucky enough to do all these years, and sent a cute baby gift to Maren Morris.