The 2019 Country Music Association Awards (CMAs) were a night of celebration for women in country music, with a focus on highlighting their contributions to the genre. However, the night ended with a controversial choice for the coveted "Entertainer of the Year" award, leaving many fans feeling frustrated and disappointed.

The Backlash Begins

Carrie Underwood, one of the night's co-hosts and the only female nominee for the top prize, lost out to

Garth Brooks, marking his seventh win in the category and his third in just four years. This sparked immediate backlash online, with many expressing their anger and disappointment. Fans pointed to Underwood's incredibly successful album and tour cycle, arguing that she was the more deserving winner.

"What does Carrie Underwood have to do to win entertainer of the year?" one fan wrote on social media. "Like I could write a 50-page paper on everything she did this year and maybe a page on what Garth did. Come on CMA. She hosts the show, y'all."

The Problem of Gender Bias

Many critics also highlighted the issue of gender bias within the CMAs. It's been three years since a woman has been nominated for Entertainer of the Year, and the last female winner was Taylor Swift in 2011.

“@carrieunderwood got robbed of Entertainer of the Year," one Twitter user wrote. "This award is beyond sexist for some insane reason. No reasonable person would believe she didn’t deserve it."

The Silent Treatment

Adding fuel to the fire was Brooks' acceptance speech, which failed to mention Underwood's name.

While he acknowledged other nominees like Luke Combs, Kelsea Ballerini, and fellow co-host Reba McEntire, Underwood was completely omitted.

"I have no words," one Twitter user wrote. "Garth Brooks was the least deserving. And the fact he didn’t even acknowledge Carrie Underwood."

A Night of Contradictions

The backlash underscores a deep contradiction within the CMAs: a night dedicated to celebrating women in country music culminating with a male winner, leaving many to question the sincerity of the celebration.

This incident highlights the persistent struggles faced by women in the music industry, particularly in achieving recognition and breaking down gender barriers.

A Powerful Advocate

Miranda Lambert, a staunch supporter of Underwood, publicly campaigned for her friend before the awards ceremony. In a lengthy Instagram post, she highlighted Underwood's achievements and dedication to the genre, emphasizing that she "carries the torch" for country music.

"If you have never heard her sing ‘How Great Thou Art’ do yourself a favor and listen," Lambert wrote. "I have her back in this picture and I’ll always have her back. So for the sake of sequins, spanx and spray tans, take it home! You Carrie the torch!"

A Moment of Disappointment

Despite the controversy, Underwood remained a true professional, congratulating Brooks and all the night's winners.

However, her visible disappointment was hard to miss.

"I’m blessed and lucky to be nominated, obviously — and fantastic company," she said to reporters before the show. "It would be amazing to win. It’s not the be-all end-all, but of course I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want it. Sorry, boys!"

While the 2019 CMAs may have been intended to celebrate women in country music, the "Entertainer of the Year" award sparked a conversation about the lack of female representation and the ongoing struggle for equality in the industry.