Thomas Rhett used his speech at Wednesday’s CMT Artists of the Year ceremony to pray for fellow honoree Kane Brown, whose drummer died in a car crash Sunday.
Rhett said, “I just want to lift up Kane and his family. “And I want to lift up his drummer and their family. Can I just pray, really fast? Is it OK with everybody?”
Then Rhett bowed his head.
Chris Young presented Brown with his CMT Artists of the Year trophy, and Brown broke down in tears.
Brown said, “I want to dedicate this to my drummer Kenny (Dixon).” The pair had played together since before Brown’s fame, and the “Heaven” singer said Dixon always believed in him.
“People didn’t think we would make it. He was with me the whole time. He was so supportive of me. The band misses you. I love country music. God bless you guys. You all stay safe.”
Young, who also experienced the unexpected loss of a friend, gave an emotional performance of his new single “Drowning,” which is about processing grief. Members of the audience dabbed at their eyes, and Young received a standing ovation.
