Highlights and Winners of the CMA Awards 2023: Lainey Wilson Dominates the Stage
Highlights and Winners of the CMA Awards 2023
The 2023 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards unfolded on November 8 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, showcasing a night filled with outstanding performances and well-deserved accolades. Lainey Wilson emerged as the shining star, securing an impressive five awards, including the coveted Entertainer of the Year.
Lainey Wilson’s Triumph
Lainey Wilson, the leading nominee with nine nods, claimed the top honors, winning Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year for “Bell Bottom Country,” Female Vocalist of the Year, and two pre-show awards for her collaboration with HARDY on “Wait in the Truck.” Wilson’s rapid rise to success is evident in her second year of nomination, marking a remarkable achievement in her budding career.
Luke Combs and Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car”
Luke Combs had a notable night, winning two awards for his cover of Tracy Chapman’s classic “Fast Car,” securing Single of the Year and Song of the Year. Tracy Chapman, absent from the event, expressed gratitude for the recognition of her timeless song.
Jelly Roll and New Artist of the Year
In a competitive category for new faces, Jelly Roll won New Artist of the Year, emphasizing the significance of what lies ahead. The 39-year-old artist acknowledged fellow nominee Zach Bryan and delivered an inspirational acceptance speech.
Other Highlights
- Chris Stapleton clinched Male Vocalist of the Year for the seventh time, expressing gratitude and remembering friends who passed away.
- Brothers Osborne and Old Dominion maintained their winning streaks, securing Vocal Duo of the Year and Vocal Group of the Year, respectively.
Surprise Collaborations and Performances
The night featured surprise collaborations, including Jelly Roll and Wynonna Judd’s opening performance and Morgan Wallen bringing out Eric Church for a duet of “Man Made a Bar.” The performances also included a medley of country classics by Post Malone and Morgan Wallen and an all-star tribute to Jimmy Buffett with Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Zac Brown, and Mac McAnally.
Complete List of Nominee(s)
| Category | Nominee(s) |
|---|---|
| Entertainer of the Year | Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Carrie Underwood, Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson (Winner) |
| Single of the Year | “Fast Car” – Luke Combs (Winner), “Heart Like a Truck” – Lainey Wilson, “Need A Favor” – Jelly Roll, “Next Thing You Know” – Jordan Davis, “Wait in the Truck” – Hardy (feat. Lainey Wilson) |
| Album of the Year | “Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville” – Ashley McBryde, “Bell Bottom Country” – Lainey Wilson (Winner), “Gettin’ Old” – Luke Combs, “One Thing At A Time” – Morgan Wallen, “Rolling Up the Welcome Mat” – Kelsea Ballerini |
| Song of the Year | “Fast Car” – Tracy Chapman (Winner), “Heart Like A Truck” – Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, Lainey Wilson, “Next Thing You Know” – Jordan Davis, Greylan James, Chase McGill, Josh Osborne, “Tennessee Orange” – David Fanning, Paul Jenkins, Megan Moroney, Ben Williams, “Wait in the Truck” – Renee Blair, Michael Hardy, Hunter Phelps, Jordan Schmidt |
| Female Vocalist of the Year | Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Lainey Wilson (Winner) |
| Male Vocalist of the Year | Luke Combs (Winner), Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen |
| Vocal Group of the Year | Lady A, Little Big Town, Midland, Old Dominion, Zac Brown Band |
| Vocal Duo of the Year | Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne (Winner), Dan + Shay, Maddie & Tae, The War And Treaty |
| Musical Event of the Year | “Save Me” – Jelly Roll (with Lainey Wilson) (Winner), “She Had Me At Heads Carolina (Remix)” – Cole Swindell & Jo Dee Messina, “Thank God” – Kane Brown (with Katelyn Brown), “Wait in the Truck” – Hardy (feat. Lainey Wilson), “We Don’t Fight Anymore” – Carly Pearce (featuring Chris Stapleton) |
| Musician of the Year | Jenee Fleenor (Winner), Paul Franklin, Rob McNelley, Derek Wells, Charlie Worsham |
| Music Video of the Year | “Light On In The Kitchen” – Ashley McBryde, “Memory Lane” – Old Dominion, “Need A Favor” – Jelly Roll, “Next Thing You Know” – Jordan Davis, “Wait in the Truck” – Hardy (feat. Lainey Wilson) (Winner) |
| New Artist of the Year | Zach Bryan, Jelly Roll (Winner), Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, Hailey Whitters |
Complete List of Winners
| Category | Winner(s) |
|---|---|
| Entertainer of the Year | Lainey Wilson |
| Single of the Year | “Fast Car” – Luke Combs |
| Album of the Year | “Bell Bottom Country” – Lainey Wilson |
| Song of the Year | “Fast Car” – Tracy Chapman |
| Female Vocalist of the Year | Lainey Wilson |
| Male Vocalist of the Year | Luke Combs |
| Vocal Group of the Year | Old Dominion |
| Vocal Duo of the Year | Brothers Osborne |
| Musical Event of the Year | “Save Me” – Jelly Roll (with Lainey Wilson) |
| Musician of the Year | Jenee Fleenor |
| Music Video of the Year | “Wait in the Truck” – Hardy (feat. Lainey Wilson) |
| New Artist of the Year | Jelly Roll |
