We still have a few "hangers on" of traditional country music like George Strait and Alan Jackson, but who is replacing the legends? Who is there to replace Merle Haggard and George Jones, singers who followed Hank Williams and Jimmy Rogers.
While no expert on country music, but FWIW, and please bear in mind this only my personal opinion, country music as I knew it pretty much died in the eighties, rock-a-billy took over along with a single beat and stupid lyrics. Yes, I know, there were dumb lyrics pre-'80's too. But it doesn't end simply with lyrics but goes on to those wannabes and already established schmucks offering a poor imitation of a southern accent, while wearing western style boots and a fifteen gallon hat.
Country Music Awards ? Pfffffffffffffffffffffttttttttttttttttttttt!