55th Annual CMA awards
“The 55th Annual CMA Awards” made a triumphant return to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, delivering an emotional broadcast celebrating the very best in Country Music. Shining a light on a community like no other, Country Music’s Biggest Night™ was filled with groundbreaking performances, heartfelt speeches and surprise wins. Luke Combs, who performed his brand new single “Doin’ This,” received the night’s top honor of CMA Entertainer of the Year, a first for the artist. Sharing that he was at a loss for words, especially after hearing presenter Alan Jackson say his name twice, Combs acknowledged all of this year’s artists in the category before saying, “I don’t deserve to win it, but I’m sure as hell glad that I did.” Chris Stapleton was the night’s biggest winner, taking home four wins for CMA Album, Single, Song and Male Vocalist of the Year, while also being recognized for his work as a producer on his album and single. In addition to Stapleton, producer Dave Cobb and mix engineer Vance Powell earned two awards for CMA Album and Single of the Year, while songwriter Mike Henderson earned a trophy for CMA Song of the Year. Brothers Osborne won CMA Vocal Duo of the Year, as T.J. Osborne graciously took to the stage to proclaim, NashvilleMusicGuide.com
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“It really does feel like love wins tonight.” Jimmie Allen, who performed “Freedom Was a Highway,” received CMA New Artist of the Year, tearfully taking the stage to share that five years ago, he spent his last $100 to purchase a ticket to attend “The 50th Annual CMA Awards,” just to see his hero Charley Pride perform. In one of the most emotional acceptance speeches of the night, Carly Pearce was brought to tears upon winning CMA Female Vocalist of the Year for the first time, as fellow nominee Ashley McBryde helped her to the stage. Old Dominion continues their reign as CMA Vocal Group of the Year, having now won four years in a row. Winners announced prior to the live broadcast include Kelsea Ballerini and Kenny Chesney, taking home trophies for both CMA Musical Event of the Year and CMA Music Video of the Year for their collaboration “half of my hometown.” The song was produced by Ballerini, Ross Copperman and Jimmy Robbins, and the music video was directed by Patrick Tracy. Jenee Fleenor took home the trophy for CMA Musician of the Year. See below for the full list of this year’s winners. “Country Music as an artform has always been about storytelling, and this year’s CMA Awards broadcast, from performances to acceptance speeches, featured an incredibly wide range
of stories—deeply personal stories, unifying stories, fun and lighthearted stories, and stories of love and loss,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “That is what makes this genre truly special, and I am so proud to have provided a platform for all of the incredible artists featured on this year’s CMA Awards to share their authentic selves with viewers around the globe. There was something poetic about returning to our home at Bridgestone Arena this year, and I am positive that I am not alone in wanting to relive the evening’s many magical moments.” Miranda Lambert, the most-nominated female in CMA Awards history, kicked off the night with a career-spanning retrospective of her greatest hits that brought the crowd to their feet as host Luke Bryan took the stage. After greeting his fellow nominees and friends seated at tables in the audience, Bryan was surprised by his “American Idol” co-judges Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, poking fun at his hosting abilities. Bryan later performed his new single “Up.” Award-winning singer and actress Jennifer Hudson captivated the audience with her first-ever CMA Awards performance of “Night Life,” a song originally written and recorded by Willie Nelson and later recorded by Aretha Franklin, followed by a show-stopping surprise duet with Chris
