Luke Combs (Photo by Jeremy Cowart )
Luke Combs & Lainey Wilson Win Multiple CMA Awards
Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson and Cody Johnson were the big winners at the 56th Annual CMA Awards in Nashville, each taking home two awards.
Luke had a huge night as he won Entertainer of The Year for the second year in a row. Seemingly stunned by the win, he said,
“”I want to thank country music for making my dreams come true. My beautiful, beautiful wife Nicole. Our beautiful 4 1/2-month-old son Texas, at home right now. And this is a dream come true. There is nobody in this category that doesn’t deserve to be standing up here.”
Earlier in the night, he also picked up the coveted Album of The Year award for Growin’ Up.
First-time nominee, Lainey Wilson was a major winner and gave two of the most emotional speeches when she won Best New Artist and Best Female Artist.
In tears, she talked about her dad recently being in the hospital but was able to walk the red carpet with her earlier in the evening.
“I want to say a few months ago my daddy got real sick and we thought we were going to lose him. He spent two months in ICU. And he’s walking the carpet with me tonight and he’s here. This one right here is for my daddy Brian Wilson. I ain’t talking about the beach boy. I’m talking about the cowboy. “
Cody Johnson accepted Best Single for “‘Til You Can’t,” alongside his producer Trent Willmon and engineer Jack Clarke.
“I’m not going to take up too much time. Ben Stennis, Matt Rogers wrote in my opinion what is one of the greatest country songs. And I was so blessed to have it in my hands. Trent Willman, Jack Clark, These men standing behind me, are, in my opinion, the greatest producer and engineer in the business. I’m not going to take up too much time. I want you guys to speak. God bless country music. Thank you so much. “
The show spotlighted several legendary artists including opening with a tribute to Loretta Lynn that featured Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, and Miranda Lambert.
Later, Alan Jackson was honoured with the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement award.
Jo Dee Messina performed with Cole Swindell, Patty Loveless joined Chris Stapleton, Jeannie Seely introduced Miranda Lambert’s performance, and Ricky Skaggs played in Carly Pearce’s band.
After hosting the show solo last year, Luke Bryan was joined by football’s Peyton Manning to co-host this year.
The three-hour show aired live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer
“‘Til You Can’t” – Cody Johnson
Producer: Trent Willmon
Mix Engineer: Jack Clarke
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)
Growin’ Up – Luke Combs
Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton
Mix Engineers: Jim Cooley, Chip Matthews
SONG OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Songwriter(s)
“Buy Dirt”
Songwriters: Jacob Davis, Jordan Davis, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Lainey Wilson
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Chris Stapleton
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Old Dominion
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
Brothers Osborne
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s) and Producer(s)
“Never Wanted To Be That Girl” – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde
Producers: Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s) and Director(s)
“‘Til You Can’t” – Cody Johnson
Director: Dustin Haney
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Lainey Wilson
