Paisley and Underwood co-host
An amazing night at the 52nd annual CMA Awards! Security was (understandably) tight at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, but we were safely seated and treated to one of the best shows in years.
Too many high spots to mention them all. But Keith Urban‘s emotional acceptance of the Entertainer of the Year Award and Garth Brooks debut of ‘Stronger Than Me’ (dedicated to wife Trisha Yearwood) were lump-in-the-throat moments.
More than thirty-five live performances were featured and Executive Producer Robert Deaton and his crew kept it flowing seamlessly.
‘Ten Year Town’
For anyone who doubts that Nashville is known as a ‘ten year town,’ Kacey Musgraves won Album of the Year for ‘Golden Hour.’ It was the tenth anniversary of her move to Nashville.
All the winners
In case you missed any of the results, Here is a list of all the nominees with winners’ name in bold.
Entertainer of the Year
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Kenny Chesney
Chris Stapleton
Keith Urban – WINNER
Single of the Year
“Broken Halos,” Chris Stapleton – WINNER
“Drinkin’ Problem,” Midland
“Drowns the Whiskey,” Jason Aldean feat. Miranda Lambert
“Meant to Be,” Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line
“Tequila,” Dan + Shay
Female Vocalist of the Year
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Maren Morris
Kacey Musgraves
Carrie Underwood – WINNER
Male Vocalist of the Year
Dierks Bentley
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton – WINNER
Keith Urban
Vocal Duo of the Year
Brothers Osborne – WINNER
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Maddie & Tae
Sugarland
New Artist of the Year
Lauren Alaina
Luke Combs – WINNER
Chris Janson
Midland
Brett Young
Vocal Group of the Year
Lady Antebellum
LANCO
Little Big Town
Midland
Old Dominion – WINNER
Album of the Year
From A Room: Volume 2, Chris Stapleton
Golden Hour, Kacey Musgraves – WINNER
Graffiti U, Keith Urban
Life Changes, Thomas Rhett
The Mountain, Dierks Bentley
Song of the Year
“Body Like A Back Road,” Sam Hunt
“Broken Halos,” Chris Stapleton – WINNER
“Drowns the Whiskey,” Jason Aldean feat. Miranda Lambert
“Drunk Girl,” Chris Janson
“Tequila,” Dan + Shay
Musical Event of the Year
“Burning Man,” Dierks Bentley feat. Brothers Osborne
“Dear Hate,” Maren Morris feat. Vince Gill
“Drowns the Whiskey,” Jason Aldean feat. Miranda Lambert
“Everything’s Gonna Be Alright,” David Lee Murphy & Kenny Chesney – WINNER
“Meant to Be,” Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line
Music Video of the Year
“Babe,” Sugarland feat. Taylor Swift
“Cry Pretty,” Carrie Underwood
“Drunk Girl,” Chris Janson
“Marry Me,” Thomas Rhett – WINNER
“Tequila,” Dan + Shay
Musician of the Year
Jerry Douglas, Dobro
Paul Franklin, Steel Guitar
Dann Huff, Guitar
Mac McAnally, Guitar – WINNER
Derek Wells, Guitar
For news, video and more info, visit the CMA Awards official website.
Preshias Harris is a music journalist and music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available at www.collegeofsongology.com Follow her blog at www.nashvillemusicline.com