Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood Share ‘If I Didn’t Love You’ CMA Duet

Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood debuted the first live performance of their new hit, “If I Didn’t Love You,” at the 55th Annual CMA Awards.

Aldean opened the song with break-up lyrics that — like his attitude in general — cut straight to the point: “I wouldn’t be losing sleep/Remembering everything/Everything you said to me.” The camera pulled back to reveal Underwood on another stage, enveloped in smoke and a dramatic, tulle skirt. She looked stunning in a plunging neckline and black cowboy boots glittering with silver rhinestones. Her belting vocals were just as flawless.

By the time Aldean joined her stage, the audience was more than ready to see their chemistry together. Even though there wasn’t much sexual tension — after all, Aldean and Underwood are both happily, separately married — they got a standing ovation from some of their peers in the first few rows. 

Aldean and Underwood released “If I Didn’t Love You” this summer, marking the first single and first taste of Aldean’s upcoming double album, Macon, Georgia. The superstar duo also shared a music video filmed in a recording studio as Underwood added her vocals, revealing a bit of the dynamic behind their first-ever collaboration.

Back at the CMA Awards, Carrie Underwood came into the night with just one nomination to her credit — but it was a big one, for the coveted Entertainer of the Year trophy. She has never won the award before.

Back in their usual format after the pandemic-impacted 2020 show, the 55th Annual CMA Awards aired live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on November 10. The night featured dozens of performances and awards presentation for a glitzy ceremony dubbed “Country’s Biggest Night,” and was hosted by superstar Luke Bryan for the first time. You can check out Sounds Like Nashville’s full coverage here.