Thomas Rhett teamed up with Reba McEntire and Chris Tomlin for a performance of their collaborative single “Be A Light” at the 2020 CMA Awards.
The performance marked the live debut of the track with his collaborators. However, Keith Urban and Hillary Scott were not present for the performance and are present on the recorded version of the song.
“Be A Light” delivers a much-needed and beautiful message that we all can be a light for each other during these trying times. The song was written by Rhett alongside Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson and Josh Miller.
Rhett says that the song “was really just about being a light in a dark place; being an encouragement to people.” And although the wrote the song in 2019, he chose to release it when he did in 2020 because he thought that its message would be well received in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
Lady A’s Hillary Scott was originally slated to perform with Thomas Rhett and friends during the awards show but unfortunately an immediate family member of the group tested positive for COVID-19.
The song received a nod for Musical Event of the Year at this year’s CMA Awards.
The 54th Annual CMA Awards also featured performances from Chris Stapleton, Darius Rucker, Rascal Flatts, Morgan Wallen, Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris, Luke Combs, Eric Church, Jon Pardi, Keith Urban, Jimmie Allen, Ingrid Andress, Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, Old Dominion and Kelsea Ballerini.
Additionally, the show included star-studded collaborations by Dan + Shay with Justin Bieber, Reba McEntire featuring Darius Rucker, Gabby Barrett and Charlie Puth as well as Carly Pearce with Charles Kelley. The show opener featured an all-star performance from Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne, Jenee Fleenor and Ashley McBryde paying tribute to the late Charlie Daniels.
Hosted by Reba McEntire and Darius Rucker, “Country Music’s Biggest Night” aired on Wednesday, November 11 (live 8:00-11:00 PM ET) on ABC.
