CMA AWARD HIGHLIGHTS 2023
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| Image: CMT |
In a spectacular night of country music at the 57th Annual CMA Awards, Lainey Wilson emerged as the evening's brightest star, clinching the prestigious Entertainer of the Year award along with multiple other accolades. Here's a roundup of the evening's highlights and the complete list of winners:
Lainey Wilson's Dominance:
Lainey Wilson, a rising star in the country music scene, didn't have to wait long to win the Entertainer of the Year award, the top prize at the CMA Awards. In only her second year of being nominated and her first year being recognized for the biggest trophy, she claimed the big kahuna. Her victories didn't stop there, as she also secured Album of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Music Video of the Year, and Music Event of the Year (the last two in collaboration with Hardy). Lainey Wilson's powerful presence and talent dominated the night.
Luke Combs' Tribute to Tracy Chapman:
Early on in the evening, Luke Combs delivered a memorable performance with his cover of Tracy Chapman's classic "Fast Car." This remarkable rendition earned him two awards – Single of the Year and Song of the Year. Though Tracy Chapman couldn't attend, she expressed her gratitude for the recognition, marking 35 years since the song's debut.
Jelly Roll's Victory:
Jelly Roll, in a highly competitive field of new faces, won the New Artist of the Year award. In his acceptance speech, he praised fellow nominee Zach Bryan and delivered an inspirational message about the value of looking ahead. Jelly Roll's heartfelt words resonated with the audience, capping a triumphant moment in his career.
Other Notable Wins:
- Chris Stapleton secured the Male Vocalist of the Year award for the seventh time, expressing his gratitude and acknowledging the pivotal role of his wife, Morgane Stapleton, in his journey.
- Brothers Osborne won Vocal Duo of the Year for the sixth time, humorously acknowledging their surprise at winning.
- Old Dominion continued its streak by taking home the Group of the Year award for the sixth consecutive year.
Memorable Performances:
The night was filled with stellar performances, including a surprise collaboration between Jelly Roll and Wynonna Judd, a tribute to Jimmy Buffett featuring Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Zac Brown, and Mac McAnally, and a medley of country classics by Post Malone and Morgan Wallen.
Here is the complete list of winners in their respective categories:
- Entertainer of the Year: Lainey Wilson
- Single of the Year: "Fast Car" – Luke Combs
- Album of the Year: "Bell Bottom Country" – Lainey Wilson
- Song of the Year: "Fast Car" – Songwriter: Tracy Chapman
- Female Vocalist of the Year: Lainey Wilson
- Male Vocalist of the Year: Chris Stapleton
- Vocal Group of the Year: Old Dominion
- Vocal Duo of the Year: Brothers Osborne
- Musical Event of the Year: "Save Me" – Jelly Roll (with Lainey Wilson)
- Musician of the Year: Jenee Fleenor
- Music Video of the Year: "Light On In The Kitchen" – Ashley McBryde
- New Artist of the Year: JellyRoll
The 57th Annual CMA Awards showcased the immense talent and dedication within the country music industry, celebrating both seasoned artists and promising newcomers. Lainey Wilson's triumph as Entertainer of the Year and the night's standout performer will be remembered as a milestone in her career, solidifying her status as a rising country music star.
