58th Annual CMA Awards Recap
Recap: The 58th Annual CMA Awards
Written by Amanda Tempel
CMA Awards night was full of collaborations and surprises. And a lot of people looking up Trent Willmon online, probably.
Highlights for me included Ashley McBryde’s moving rendition of “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” honoring Kris Kristofferson. I’m convinced that next year will really be the year Ashley claims the Female Vocalist victory.
The night’s biggest winner, Morgan Wallen, was a no-show. At this point, it’s difficult to deny his level of success and the legions of new fans he’s brought into the genre.
The music industry continues to evolve, largely thanks to streaming platforms, and the effect is evident in country music
Zach Top, whose style channels the ‘90s hat act era, was a nominee for New Artist of the Year. He’s had viral Tik Tok success with his song “I Never Lie,” catapulting his streaming numbers. Ella Langley and Riley Green’s massive hit (and winner of Musical Event of the Year) “You Look Like You Love Me” also found initial success thanks to social media.
The Red Clay Strays have emerged as new power players when it comes to streaming and touring – they earned their first nomination for Vocal Group of the Year. Meanwhile, Kacey Musgraves, who had three nominations—including Female Vocalist and Album of the Year—hasn’t scored a radio hit from Deeper Well. Yet, she continues headlining arenas, with streaming numbers that make her one of the genre’s leading artists.
As a radio professional, I appreciated how the CMA Awards showcased how platforms beyond terrestrial radio are now influencing mainstream country music. This year’s nominations and performances felt more widespread than ever. And its radio’s loss if they don’t play the latest trending song from Zach Bryan, Kacey Musgraves, or the many others who are driving country’s streaming numbers.
In previous years, several categories have been relegated to pre-telecast ceremonies, often to an almost empty arena because stars are on the red carpet and audience members haven’t taken their seats. In a smart move, two of those categories, Musician of the Year, and Music Video of the Year were presented during commercial breaks.
Charlie Worsham is a modern-day torch-carrier of country music. He’s been playing music since he was a child and inked a record deal over a decade ago. His debut single “Could It Be” earned moderate success, breaking into the top thirty in 2013. If you’ve seen him in concert, you know he’s a phenomenal performer. He’s played on albums by Eric Church and has toured in Dierks Bentley’s band. He’s just one of those people you want to root for. It was a highlight of the night to see him win Musician of the Year – and to do so in a packed arena with a standing ovation.
Brooks & Dunn. Seeing them win Vocal Duo was a shocker. This category has been dominated by Brothers Osborne and Dan + Shay for nearly a decade, so seeing the veteran act take the award was both unexpected and well-deserved. I really thought Dan + Shay would win considering they headlined a major amphitheater tour, and their current single “Bigger Houses” is their best release to radio so far.
The Brooks & Dunn victory underscored the perseverance of many of the night’s performers, winners, and presenters.
Country music pillars like Kix and Ronnie, George Strait, and Clint Black continue to dominate the touring world. Tracy Lawrence was nominated for Radio Personality of the Year. Mark Collie, a chart-topping artist from the early ’90s, made an appearance as a presenter and is now acting in Taylor Sheridan’s latest hit show, Landman.
In a long-overdue moment, radio veterans Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase, who’ve been at the pulse of country music for over three decades, won their very first CMA Award for National Broadcast Personality of the Year.
Kix Brooks said it best, “Time is undefeated.”
CMA Award Winners
Entertainer of the Year - Morgan Wallen
Female Vocalist - Lainey Wilson
Male Vocalist - Chris Stapleton
Vocal Group - Old Dominion
Vocal Duo - Brooks & Dunn
New Artist - Megan Moroney
Album - Leather by Cody Johnson. Produced by Trent Willmon
Song - “White Horse” written by Chris Stapleton and Wilson
Single - “White Horse” by Chris Stapleton
Musical Event - “You Look Like You Love” by Ella Langely and Riley Green
Music Video - “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” by Lainey Wilson
Musician of the Year - Charlie Worsham
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The 58th Annual CMA Awards are just around the corner! Find out who is performing on the show hosted by Luke Bryan, Peyton Manning, and Lainey Wilson.