Morgan Wallen, who has been dominating both pop and country charts since 2019, took home his first Entertainer of the Year honor at the 2024 CMA Awards. However, the country superstar was notably absent to accept the award. Wallen triumphed over last year’s winner Lainey Wilson, as well as fellow nominees Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, and Chris Stapleton, the latter of whom was a big winner on the night. Jeff Bridges presented the coveted honor, just weeks after Wallen received his first-ever Grammy nominations.
Though Wallen missed the event, Stapleton proved to be the night’s standout artist. He claimed multiple accolades, including Single, Song, and Male Vocalist of the Year. Stapleton also opened the three-hour ceremony alongside Post Malone, performing their hit “California Sober,” and later teamed up with George Strait to perform “Honky Tonk Hall of Fame.” Strait, who earned the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, was also honored by several artists, including Wilson, Miranda Lambert, and Parker McCollum. Stapleton’s performance with his wife Morgane during “What Am I Gonna Do” was a highlight, and together they won Single of the Year for “White Horse,” which Morgane co-produced. “I am taken aback,” said Stapleton when accepting the Song of the Year award, dedicating it to his wife.
Brooks & Dunn also made their mark on the night, with a powerful performance alongside Jelly Roll of their 2005 hit “Believe.” The emotional rendition moved several audience members to tears, including Keith Urban and Little Big Town’s Jimi Westbrook and Philip Sweet. The duo also took home Vocal Duo of the Year, with Kix Brooks reflecting, “There’s a famous quote that says, ‘Time is undefeated.’ I just say, ‘Not yet, I guess.’”
Jelly Roll had a memorable night as well, bringing down the house with a soulful performance of “Liar,” featuring an assist from Urban on guitar. He also made a heart gesture to Malone as they performed “Yours,” a touching song about Malone’s daughter. Jelly Roll celebrated Cody Johnson’s win for Album of the Year, a category in which he was also nominated.
Other emotional moments included Eric Church’s tribute to storm victims, Combs’ performance of his Grammy-nominated song “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma,” and Ashley McBryde’s tribute to Kris Kristofferson with “Help Me Make It Through the Night.” Strait, who received a standing ovation, expressed his gratitude for receiving the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. “I want to thank the CMAs for adding my name to the incredible artists on this small list of recipients, carrying the name of the icon Willie Nelson,” Strait said.
Performances from Kacey Musgraves, Thomas Rhett with Teddy Swims, Dierks Bentley, Bailey Zimmerman, Kelsea Ballerini with Noah Kahan, and Shaboozey were also highlights. Shaboozey’s hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” is nearing its 18th week at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, just one week shy of tying the record set by “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus.
Megan Moroney won New Artist of the Year, while Old Dominion took home Vocal Group of the Year. Ella Langley and Riley Green won Musical Event of the Year for “You Look Like You Love Me.” Lainey Wilson, who co-hosted the show with Peyton Manning and Luke Bryan, was named Female Vocalist of the Year.
During a lighthearted moment, Wilson addressed the recent election results, saying, “There’s one thing I want to say to everybody here about the recent results — whether the candidate you voted for won or lost, we all need to get together behind the winner.” Manning, eager to keep things light, quickly responded, “Lainey, we talked about this now, let’s not get into politics tonight.
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