The 55th annual Country Music Association Awards were held on Wednesday night at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. The show, hosted by Reba McEntire and Darius Rucker, featured performances by some of the biggest names in country music, such as Chris Stapleton, Lady A, Jelly Roll, and Post Malone.
But the star of the night was Lainey Wilson, who took home five awards, including the coveted Entertainer of the Year trophy. Wilson, who released her critically acclaimed album Bell Bottom Country in 2022, also won Female Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year, Music Video of the Year, and Music Event of the Year (the last two in collaboration with Hardy).
Wilson, who moved to Nashville from Louisiana 12 years ago, was emotional as she accepted her awards and thanked her fans, her team, and her fellow artists. She said that country music was the only thing she ever wanted to do and the only thing she knew how to do. She also dedicated her Entertainer of the Year award to her late grandfather, who inspired her to pursue her dreams.
Luke Combs Honors Tracy Chapman with Two Awards
Another big winner of the night was Luke Combs, who won Single of the Year and Song of the Year for his cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car”. Combs, who released his third album What You See Is What You Get in 2022, said that he wanted to thank Chapman for writing one of the greatest songs of all time and that it was the first favorite song he ever had.
Chapman, who did not attend the show, sent a statement that was read by presenter Sara Evans. She said that she was sorry she couldn’t join the event and that it was truly an honor for her song to be recognized 35 years after its debut. She also thanked the CMA and Combs and his fans for their support.
Other Highlights and Surprises
The CMA Awards also featured some surprises and memorable moments, such as:
- Jelly Roll winning New Artist of the Year at the age of 39. He said that there was something poetic about his victory and that he wanted to inspire others to follow their passions. He also praised Zach Bryan, one of his competitors in the category, as one of the hottest things on earth.
- Brothers Osborne winning Vocal Duo of the Year for the sixth time. They joked that they thought Lainey Wilson and Hardy were going to win the award and that they were shocked every year they won.
- Old Dominion winning Vocal Group of the Year for the sixth consecutive year. They thanked their fans, their families, and their crew for their loyalty and dedication.
- Chris Stapleton winning Male Vocalist of the Year for the seventh time. He thanked his wife, Morgane Stapleton, who also sings with him, and his friends who passed away this year, including Mike Henderson, his former partner in the Steel Drivers.
- Wynonna Judd joined Jelly Roll for the opening performance of “Need a Favor”, which featured a gospel choir and a powerful message of hope and gratitude.
- Post Malone joined Morgan Wallen and Hardy for a medley of country classics, such as “Take Me Home, Country Roads”, “On the Road Again”, and “Friends in Low Places”.
- An all-star tribute to Jimmy Buffett, who received the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. The tribute included performances by Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, and Buffett himself.
The CMA Awards 2023 celebrated the best of country music in a challenging year and showcased the diversity and talent of the genre. The full list of winners and nominees can be found on the official website of the CMA.
