At the recent CMA Awards, Lainey Wilson emerged victorious, shedding tears of joy as she was awarded the coveted Entertainer of the Year. This win solidified her status as a rising star in country music and increased speculation about her potentially earning multiple Grammy nominations, to be revealed on Friday.
Defeating heavy hitters such as Chris Stapleton, Carrie Underwood, Morgan Wallen, and last year’s champion, Luke Combs, Wilson stood on the Bridgestone Arena stage in Nashville, expressing her gratitude after winning five awards. The 31-year-old confessed, “This is all I’ve ever wanted to do. It’s the only thing I know how to do. I’ve been in this town for 12 and-a-half years, and it finally feels like country music is starting to love me back.”
Wilson’s acclaimed album “Bell Bottom Country” earned her the title of Album of the Year, while her collaboration with Hardy on the murder ballad “Wait in the Truck” won Music Video of the Year and Musical Event of the Year. In a heartfelt message to young women, she encouraged them to affirm their worth and abilities, declaring, “If somebody tells me I can’t do it — hold my beer, watch this.”
Among the night’s highlights was country sensation Luke Combs, who paid homage to Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” with his own version. Combs expressed his deep connection to the song, acknowledging it as his first favorite tune since the age of four. Chapman’s original song won Song of the Year, marking a significant victory for the rare representation of Black artists at the CMA Awards.
While Chapman was unable to attend, she penned a speech expressing her gratitude for the recognition of her song after 35 years, acknowledging the honor it brought her as its original composer. The presence of Black artists continued to resonate at the awards, with The War & Treaty delivering a standout performance, receiving a standing ovation, and receiving a vocal duo of the year nomination.
Grammy, Emmy and Tony winner, Cynthia Erivo, added a touch of diversity to the show with her rendition of “I Will Always Love You” before she presented the vocal group of the year award. R&B singer K. Michelle rounded off the show with a closing performance, as she gears up to debut her first country music album.
Beyond the exceptional list of award winners, the performances captivated the audience, with Dan + Shay, Kelsea Ballerini, and Alan Jackson among those leaving a lasting impression. The show opened with multi-genre artist Jelly Roll setting the stage with his exuberant performance, earning the title of New Artist of the Year.
Old Dominion and Brothers Osborne claimed victory in the vocal group of the year and vocal duo of the year categories, respectively, showcasing the breadth of talent in the country music genre.
While Morgan Wallen’s presence was felt at the awards, his three nominations did not convert into wins. Nevertheless, he gave unforgettable performances, with Eric Church and other artists paying tribute to Joe Diffie during the show.
The comedic duo of Peyton Manning and Luke Bryan added a lighthearted touch as hosts, injecting humor throughout the evening. As the evening came to an end, it was clear that the CMA Awards had not only celebrated the talent and achievements within country music but also acknowledged the diversity and inclusiveness that enriches the genre.
