20 reasons why you should watch the 2017 CMA Awards

Although initially they wanted to avoid talking about what happened in Las Vegas—organizers for the event threatened to ban reporters who asked questions about guns, Las Vegas, or politics before reversing their decision—the CMA Awards are yet another opportunity for the country music community to come together and show its resiliency. 

The two have been co-hosting the awards since 2008. Honestly, the ceremony wouldn't be the same without their rapport. 

The CMA Awards bill itself as "country music's biggest night," and they're not far from the truth. The ceremony brings together the biggest stars in the genre, and they also give a platform to up and coming musicians like Laren Alaina and Luke Combs. 

Although not the oldest (that would be the Academy of Country Music Awards, which were founded in 1965), the CMA Awards are one of the longest running ceremonies for country music, having been founded in 1967. Loretta Lynn took home the first Female Vocalist of the year award. 

Without fail, the CMA Awards always have at least one performance that will leave a lasting impression on everyone talking. in 2015, for example, Justin Timberlake and Chris Stapleton stole the show by performing "Tennessee Whiskey" and "Drink You Away." This year shouldn't be any different.

In addition to memorable performances, the CMA Awards have a penchant for giving the entire country music world something to talk about for the next week or so. Take the 1975 awards as an example. Charlie Rich was presenting the "Entertainer of the Year" award, and after opening the envelope to reveal that John Denver had won, Rich lit the envelope on fire. 

Name a more iconic country music couple. I'll wait. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are scheduled to perform at the CMA Awards this year, and that alone should be reason for everyone to tune in. 

The legendary Alan Jackson, who was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame this year, will take the CMA Awards stage for the 24th time in his career. Jackson is about as close to a living legend as you can get.

Speaking of unforgettable performances, Stapleton is slated to perform this year. He broke the internet when he played onstage with Justin Timberlake two years ago, and even if he goes at it alone this time, his performance will be top notch, especially if he plays something from his upcoming album, "From A Room: Volume 2."

To their credit, the CMA Awards have tried to be inclusive from time to time. Last year, Beyonce performed a countrified version of "Daddy Lessons" with the Dixie Chicks. This year, Pink was named among this year's performers. 

The CMA Awards are broadcasted on network television every year (it's aired on ABC since 2006). It's a great opportunity for audiences not familiar with the country music world to dip their toes a little bit in it in hopes that they become full-fledged fans. 

As previously mentioned, the CMA Awards are always good for a memorable music performance. This year, the Country Music Association put out a press release to expect an "unprecedented opening collaboration" from acts like Eric Church, Lady Antebellum, Darius Rucker among others. 

The CMA Awards aren’t just about those whose names appear on marquees. The ceremony also pays tribute to the musicians themselves, not just the singers. This year’s nominees include steel guitarist Paul Franklin and dobro player Jerry Douglas. 

Last year, Garth Brooks, Chris Stapleton, and Carrie Underwood won the "Entertainer of the Year," "Male Vocalist of the Year," and "Female Vocalist of the Year," respectively. All three artists are nominated in the same category again this year. Will they pull off the back-to-back wins?

After winning the "Entertainer of the Year" award in 2014 and 2015, Bryan was dethroned by the legendary Garth Brooks. Bryan is nominated again this year (as is Garth Brooks). Will the "Light It Up" singer pull off his third win?

For the first time in three years, Taylor Swift, who got her start in country music, is nominated for a CMA Award. And it's not for a song she performs, either! Swift earned her nomination for writing "Better Man," performed by Little Big Town.

Brett Young has already gone on record as saying that he'll wing his acceptance speech should he win the "New Artist of the Year" Award. 

"I want to make sure that I don't leave anybody out, but I also don't want to be that guy that gets told to get off the stage," Young told Taste of Country. "I have a bunch of bullet points; people that need to be thanked and recognized, but one thing that I think is important is to let some of it be a genuine reaction, let people see you be human."

Lambert is not only this year's top nominee (she's up for five awards), but she also holds the record for most times winning the "Female Vocalist of the Year" category at six. She's nominated again this year—the 11th time in her career.

The man who gave us Madea was announced as one of the presenters. It feels like an odd choice, but one that we certainly don't mind at all. 

With all due respect to the other nominees, Sam Hunt's "Body Like a Back Road" deserves to win. Not only has it been in the top five country songs on Billboard's list, but out of the other nominees, it's been charting the longest at 39 weeks.