On Nov. 8, country music star Luke Bryan hosted the 57th annual Country Music Awards (CMA) with co-host Peyton Manning for the second year in a row in Nashville, Tenn. The ceremony was opened by breakout artist and New Artist of the Year winner Jelly Roll performing “Need a Favor,” joined by guest artist Wynonna Judd. In addition, Entertainer of the Year winner and highly nominated Lainey Wilson performed her hit song “Wildflowers and Wild Horses.” Other performers included Morgan Wallen with Eric Church, Luke Combs, Kelsea Ballerini and The War and Treaty. Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Mac McAnally and Zac Brown Band performed a heartfelt tribute for late Jimmy Buffett, which reigned as the most moving performance of the night.
Wilson turned out to be the star of the night. Aside from Entertainer of the Year, the artist also won Female Vocalist of the Year as well as Best Album with “Bell Bottom Country” and Best Musical Event as a featured artist in “Wait in the Truck” by HARDY. Wilson was absolutely overwhelmed with the joy of her achievements and the love of her fans. “Us girls, we’ve been having to blaze trails from the very, very beginning… Thank you so much for letting me be a part of that,” said Wilson as she accepted her Female Vocalist of the Year award.
The winner of Male Vocalist of the Year was Chris Stapleton. Stapleton was also a nominee for Entertainer of the Year and featured in Carly Pearce’s “We Don’t Fight Anymore,” nominated for Musical Event of the Year. In accepting his award, Stapleton said, “I am humbled to be here tonight to get to stay in such a wonderful crowd of people.”
Best Song and Best Single went to the song “Fast Car,” written by Tracy Chapman and covered by Combs. Aside from these wins were repeated victories from the annual Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards. Brothers Osborne won Vocal Duo of the Year, and Old Dominion won Vocal Group of the Year.
The award show came to a close with another performance from Jelly Roll, this time joined by K. Michelle, covering “Love Can Build A Bridge.” Most country fans were satisfied with the outcome of the events. However, some hoped their favorite artists would get more recognition. Fans of Ballerini were also rooting for her nomination as Female Vocalist of the Year. Ballerini performed her song “Leave Me Again” with just her guitar, creating a beautiful acoustic performance. Despite her loss, Ballerini’s performance certainly showcased her raw talent. Wallen had been nominated for Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year, but walked away empty-handed.
While Wallen’s fans were hoping for more success, Wilson’s fans were ecstatic over her several wins. Wilson had been on a winning streak as the ACM Awards’ Entertainer of the Year. Due to her high success, many are calling her the biggest star in the country. Many fans are also pleased to see another female artist gain such popularity. On social media, some fans even compared her to Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire.
CMA viewers were also excited to welcome back co-hosts Bryan and Manning for the second time. Many called the duo a perfect combination and enjoyed the way they carried out the show. On top of hosting, Bryan performed a medley of some of his greatest hits, including “One Margarita” and “Country Girl (Shake it for Me).” Bryan’s medley was one of the most energetic performances of the night. Some fans voiced hope for the duo to come back again for the next CMAs. Overall, the 57th Country Music Awards was a night of success and positivity for the country music community.
