These days, the vast majority of entertainment awards shows are all about politics. That’s why it was so refreshing when Reba McEntire ditched politics altogether as she hosted the Country Music Awards (CMAs) alongside Darius Rucker.

“In 2020, it’s great to be anywhere,” said McEntire, according to Fox News. “Tonight’s a wonderful evening to sing together, stand together and be together at the end of a year when too much in this world has been pulling us apart, sometimes more than six feet.”

“So true,” Rucker added in agreement.

Rucker went on to point out that this was his first time hosting, which was a stark contrast to McEntire, who had hosted “many times.” He then asked McEntire if it felt “strange” to be six feet away from him onstage, to which she replied with a resounding no.

“Listen, I hosted with Dolly Parton last year,” McEntire explained, with Rucker joking, “Those are two big reasons to socially-distance.”

Eric Church ended up taking home the top prize of the night, winning the coveted entertainer of the year award.

“If there was ever a year not to win this award…,” Church said. “This award this year, at least for me has been about the loss of this year, loss of life, loss of playing shows, loss of freedom, loss of kids being in school. And you know what the win is? The win is we all were here tonight, together as country music. In-person live, not on Zoom.”

He then also talked about the need to set politics aside, as it only serves to divide us.

“I really believe this: it’s going to be music that brings us out of this. That is the one thing that is going to save the entire world,” Church said. “Politicians are about division and music is about unity. And I promise you, it’s going to take everybody in this room to unite.”

Other big winners from last night were Maren Morris and Luke Combs, who won best female vocalist of the year and best male vocalist of the year, respectively. While the awards show was filmed in Nashville, Tennessee as usual, it was not broadcast at its typical home at Bridgestone Arena. Instead, it took place across the street at the more intimate Music City Center.