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Luke Bryanwas full of jokes during his opening monologue at the 2021CMA Awards— and at least one came at the expense of Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Bryan, the show’s first solo host in 18 years, kicked off country music’s biggest night with a few words, first taking aim at himself and his lack of wins over the years.
“Tonight is all about the music and the dreams. However, I know it’s definitely not all about the nominations, ‘cause I really don’t have any,” he joked. “It’s fine, I’m not bitter. Nope, I’m not.”
After drawing a laugh from the audience, Bryan then made a quick quip about Rodgers, who recently tested positive for COVID-19.
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“It is so great to be here with all my fellow artists, tested and together… or immunized?” he joked. “Just playin’.”
Rodgers recentlyadmitted he is not vaccinated against COVID-19after previously saying that he had been “immunized” against the virus.
Rodgers was placed on the Packers' reserve/COVID-19 list last week, and later confirmed on thePat McAfee Showthat he had not actually gotten the vaccine.
During the interview, he argued that he hadn’t lied about being immunized, and had taken ivermectin, a drug that’s typically used to treat or prevent parasites in animals and has not been FDA authorized or approved.
After Bryan’s quip, fans on social media were quick to point out the camera’s focus on nomineeCarrie Underwood, who some said appeared to give a “side-eye.”
“Was it just me or…did you also catch @carrieunderwood’s side-eye after @lukebryan said everyone was ‘immunized’ ….just me? Oh..okay..,” one user wrote.
Anothertweeted out a GIFof a young boy looking side to side, and joked: “Carrie UnderwoodwhenLuke Bryanasked who was vaccinated at the CMAs.”
Underwood’s husband, retired NHL player Mike Fisher, previously spoke out in support of Rodgers onInstagram, writing, “I stand with Aaron Rodgers” in a lengthy statement that his wife “liked” on the platform.
Meanwhile, Bryan’s fellow judges onAmerican Idol,Katy PerryandLionel Richie, stepped in to help Bryan close out his monologue and present the first award of the night.
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“What are y’all doing here?” Bryan asked, to which Perry jokingly responded: “I thought we did everything together.”
“We’re here because we heard you needed a little help, because you’re hosting the biggest country event ever,” added Richie.
Richie, Perry and Bryan have judged the awards show together since its return (and change to ABC) in 2018.
source: people.com
