Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert divorce: CMA hosts Brad Paisley & Carrie Underwood joke about the couple's divorce; crooner takes it in stride

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The Country Music Association Awards or CMAs is a yearly affair that honors those who have outstanding achievements in the country music industry. It's also a venue for those in the music industry to get together and have fun, just like any other award show. This year, with one of the biggest splits in the country music world, Blake Shelton knew there was going to be commentary regarding his separation from his wife, singer and songwriter Miranda Lambert.

"This year is going to be awkward at the CMAs, speaking of jokes," Shelton said during his visit to Late Night with Seth Meyers last month. "Because we are, it's such a family. Everybody there is friends, you know? There's gotta be a joke about me and Miranda."

"Brad Paisley is not doing his job if he doesn't look down and go ha-ha!" Shelton joked. "He's gotta do it, you know what I mean?"

On a more serious note, he said, "You have to address the elephant in the room."

People reports that during the awards show, hosts Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood quipped about all the celebrity breakups this year. Paisley said, "It's cray cray how many couples have broke up this year, from Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, Halle Berry and what's his name."

The hosts even mentioned The Muppets characters Kermit and Miss Piggy. Underwood said, "Well, Kermit, Miss Piggy, we just want to let you know that we love you both and want you to be happy."

Paisley went on to say, "And on a completely unrelated note, Howdy Blake."

When the camera panned to the country crooner, he was laughing and smiling at the joke. It seems there is a lot to smile about nowadays, as Us Magazine reports that Gwen Stefani's representative has confirmed that the two The Voice coaches are currently dating.

"Gwen and Blake are longtime friends who have very recently started dating," said the rep. The confirmation comes after several rumors that the two were spotted getting cozy with each other at several parties, including the after party of the CMAs, where Lambert bagged the award for Female Vocalist of the Year.

E! Online reports that Lambert said upon accepting the award, "Man, I really appreciate it. I needed a bright spot this year, so thank you. I love country music fans, and I'm just gonna keep it short, but Justin Timberlake and Chris Stapleton, thank you very much. I'm gonna go home and practice. Thank y'all very much, I love y'all."

Lambert also took to Facebook to say thank you to her fans, posting a pic of herself with her horse. In one of the hashtags, she wrote, "#musicismedicine", probably referring to how music is helping her move on from her divorce.