13 Stars Who Were at the CMA Awards For Reasons We Can’t Begin to Understand

Updated: Oct 20, 2017 1:47 pm

By Carly Sitzer

Did you know that the “CMA” in “CMA Awards” stands for “Country Music Association”? Because apparently these 13 stars missed the memo — considering they have nothing to do with country music, but decided to show up anyway…

Hey, free concert, right?!

1 of 7

Ariana Freakin’ Grande

We’re pretty sure (though not totally convinced) that Ariana Grande performing her own song in an ensemble that LITERALLY lit up the stage means the death of country music as we know it. And no, bringing Little Big Town to maintain the charade does not justify it.

You win, commercialism! Congrats, we hope you’re happy with yourself!!!!!!!

2 of 7

Tim Tebow

Wait, what?! Did Tim Tebow drop a country album and everyone forgot to tell us? Like, we know the quarterback is a free agent, but we didn’t realize that meant a career change…

3 of 7

Steven Tyler

Nothin’ says “country music” like Steven Tyler, amiright?! That said, we are supportive of any opportunity that allows the rock star to look ~fabulous~ on a red carpet. Werk it!!!

4 of 7

Luke from The O.C.

Also known as Chris Carmack. Apparently he’s on Nashville now, so thanks for that info, Wikipedia. Can anyone verify whether or not his character ever said, “Welcome to Nashville, bitch” on the show? Asking for a friend, thanks.

5 of 7

Anyone from the TV show Nashville

On that note, why is anyone from the TV show Nashville there? If they get to attend CMA Awards, we want the cast of Scandal attending functions at the White House, and you might as well give Nobel Prizes to everyone on The Big Bang Theory..

6 of 7

Lily Aldridge

???!!!!

In case you’re wondering, she’s a model who is married to Nashville-based musician Caleb Followill of the decidedly not country band, Kings of Leon.

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The Doobie Brothers

If our prediction is correct, they just got really high and got on the wrong flight. Once in Nashville, they were like, “YOLO.” And who could blame them, really?