More Than the Music: How Chevy Used the CMA Awards to Tell a Story of Perseverance and Friendship

By Cillea Houghton 

For CMA, Chevy and Russell Dickerson, the spirit of giving extends long after the holiday season, thanks to the inspiring story of Sarah Frei.  

A senior at Clearfield High School in Utah, Frei was a social butterfly and member of the school cheerleading team. In July 2020, Frei was driving with friends when their car was hit head-on by a drunk driver, an accident that led to the amputation of both of her legs. When she awoke from the life-altering surgery, Frei immediately started asking if she would ever be able to cheer or drive again. “To every question, we said, ‘Yes, you’ll be able to do those things,’” Frei’s mother, Amy Frei, recalled assuring her 17-year-old daughter. That prophecy became reality even before Frei left the hospital. While recovering from surgery, Frei’s cheer mates choreographed a special routine set to Frei’s favorite song, “Home Sweet” by Russell Dickerson. Known as the “Sarah Strong” dance, the team performed the routine at each game. A fast learner, Frei repeatedly watched videos of the routine, and a clip on social media of her rehearsing it from her hospital bed caught the eye of Dickerson. He asked himself a motivating question: “What can we do to just absolutely make her life?”  

That’s when Chevy stepped in, partnering with the hitmaker to provide the teen with a 2021 Chevy Traverse upfitted for her needs with a sliding door, wheelchair-accessible ramp, a swiveling driver’s seat, hand controls that operate the gas and brakes, and a knob on the steering wheel that allows her to steer, use the windshield wipers, blinkers, window controls and more.  

Dickerson presented Frei with the midsize SUV via a surprise virtual call, and their newfound bond proved to be a powerful one; Dickerson became emotional as he presented her with the special gift. “The story alone, but also the joy on your face when you were doing that dance to ‘Home Sweet’ and the joy on your face after what you had just experienced, it just rocked my world,” he professed, calling her “the definition of determination.” “Thank you for the joy and the love that you’re spreading all around to everyone who hears your story. Keep inspiring people.”  

“This is the happiest day of my whole life,” Frei said through tears as she explored her new vehicle.  

The power of giving created a ripple effect, notably when CMA used its partnership with Chevy to bring Frei’s story to Country Music’s Biggest Night. Before the 2021 CMA Awards, Dickerson delivered another thrilling surprise to Frei when he revealed that Chevy and CMA were flying her and her family to Nashville for the show. Traveling first class — courtesy of fellow CMA partner Delta Airlines — Frei was outfitted with an elegant gown and glam squad for her big night. She met Dickerson for the first time in person on the red carpet, where they co-hosted Chevy’s media booth and greeted each other with a big hug and genuine smiles.  

“Sarah’s positive attitude and hopeful outlook captured the nation’s — and our — attention. The opportunity to reconnect with her and invite her to host our dedicated media stop along the red carpet felt authentic and exclusive to Chevrolet,” a Chevy representative said. “A successful partnership is one that’s bigger and better than the sum of its parts. In this instance, all stakeholders — Chevrolet, CMA, ABC and Russell Dickerson — rallied together to create an unforgettable moment that connected with viewers on a deeply emotional level. Our goal was to get Chevrolet to stand out that evening but, instead, the brand impressed upon people permanently.” 

Frei also had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join Dickerson on the main stage during the show, where the crowd of Country Music royalty greeted her with a standing ovation. She used her moment in the spotlight to share her dream of becoming an elementary school teacher as she and Dickerson introduced the CMA Foundation’s 30 Music Teachers of Excellence, who were seated in the audience.  

“This is the power of music!” Dickerson declared to CMA Close Up. “From an Instagram video to a Chevy giveaway to the stage of the CMA Awards, I’m just honored to be a small part of Sarah’s incredible story.”  

Frei’s impact is extending beyond Country Music’s Biggest Night. Sarah’s Bill, which was passed in Utah in February, allows a judge to hold drivers accused of causing harm to others while under the influence without bail until trial, when evidence of the case is reviewed. Frei appeared on the Utah House floor in support of the bill, proving that her presence is as bright as her spirit. “I’m really happy that my accident can make a change and that it can protect other people,” she proclaimed. “One person can change lives.”   

Watch Dickerson and Frei on “The 55th Annual CMA Awards” HERE.