Jason Aldean Takes Over Alabama’s CMT Giants Celebration With Hit Song “Love in the First Degree”

While CMT Giants honored several stars like Reba McEntire and Vince Gill over the years, the ceremony decided to take a trip back to the 1960s when they decided to praise the legacy of the iconic group Alabama. Continuing to tour and entertain fans, Alabama sold over 75 million albums and received countless awards for their contributions to country music. In 2005, the group landed a spot in the Country Music Hall of Fame. With Alabama creating such a legacy in country music, many singers jumped at the chance to perform for the iconic band. And one of those performers was none other than Jason Aldean. 

When it comes to hit songs, few country singers know more than Aldean. First breaking into country music in the late 1990s, the singer produced nearly 30 No. 1 hits. Some of those songs include, “She’s Country”, “Dirt Road Anthem”, and “Big Green Tractor.” But during CMT Giants, the hitmaker took the stage to cover Alabama’s “Love in the First Degree.” Much like Aldean’s songs, the 1981 classic also landed a No. 1 spot. 

Commanding the stage, Aldean did more than cover the song as he appeared to honor one of the most popular bands in country music. And the crowd couldn’t agree more.

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The One Song Jason Aldean Almost Passed On

Although a top talent in country music, Aldean, like any other artist, spent a great deal of time questioning the songs he wanted to put his name on. Not knowing which songs will be a hit and which will fizzle out, it appears the country singer almost passed on the hit song “Big Green Tractor.” 

Discussing the song with Taste of Country Nights with Evan Paul, Aldean explained, “I mean I thought the song was cool, ya know, and I cut it. And I was like, ‘yeah, this is cool.’ But I never…to this day, that’s my longest, that song was No. 1 for four weeks, and I’ve never had another song stay for four weeks.”

Thankfully, Aldean listened to those around him as he added, “Michael Knox, my producer, was the one that sort of talked me into it. He was like, ‘I’m telling ya man, there’s something about this song.’” He was right as the song added to the long list of Aldean’s accomplishments.

(Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for CMT)