The 58th Annual Country Music Association Awards lit up Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, November 20. Hosted by the dynamic trio of Luke Bryan, Peyton Manning, and Lainey Wilson, the night celebrated the best in country music with unforgettable performances and big wins for the genre’s brightest stars.
Leading the nominations this year was Morgan Wallen, racking up an impressive seven nods. Chris Stapleton and Cody Johnson weren’t far behind with five each, while Lainey Wilson and Post Malone claimed four nominations apiece.
One of the night’s most touching moments was when country legend George Strait received the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, an honor previously bestowed on icons like Loretta Lynn, Charley Pride, and Alan Jackson. Strait’s illustrious career and enduring influence were celebrated in style, marking a highlight of the evening.
The awards ceremony was packed with show-stopping performances. Lainey Wilson, Luke Bryan, Kelsea Ballerini, Jelly Roll, and Luke Combs all brought their A-game to the stage. The lineup also included duets and solo acts from the likes of Kacey Musgraves, Eric Church, Riley Green, and Noah Kahan. Fans were treated to a blend of country’s traditional roots and modern flair, with appearances by Cody Johnson, Ashley McBryde, Megan Moroney, and Post Malone.
Instrumentalists Sierra Hull, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, and Molly Tuttle showcased the genre’s timeless artistry, while newcomers like Bailey Zimmerman and Shaboozey added fresh energy to the mix.
The presenters were equally star-studded, with a mix of country favourites and surprise guests from other industries. Gymnastics superstar Simone Biles, actor Jeff Bridges, and singer Katharine McPhee joined country icons Clint Black and The Oak Ridge Boys to present awards. Other familiar faces included Carly Pearce, Dustin Lynch, and Billy Bob Thornton, adding star power to an already dazzling evening.
The CMAs have always been about more than just trophies—they’re a celebration of country music’s evolution and enduring popularity. This year’s show proved that the genre continues to thrive, blending tradition with innovation to create moments that will be remembered for years to come.
As the night wrapped, the 2024 CMA Awards once again reminded us why country music holds a special place in the hearts of fans around the world. With a mix of heartfelt tributes, electrifying performances, and well-deserved accolades, it was a night to remember.
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs
Jelly Roll
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen — WINNER
Lainey Wilson
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” — Shaboozey; Producers: Sean Cook, Nevin Sastry; Mix Engineer: Raul Lopez
“Dirt Cheap” — Cody Johnson; Producer: Trent Willmon; Mix Engineer: Jack Clarke
“I Had Some Help” — Post Malone (Feat. Morgan Wallen); Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins; Mix Engineer: Ryan Gore
“Watermelon Moonshine” — Lainey Wilson; Producer: Jay Joyce; Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
“White Horse” — Chris Stapleton; Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton, Morgane Stapleton; Mix Engineer: Vance Powell — WINNER
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Deeper Well — Kacey Musgraves; Producers: Ian Fitchuk, Kacey Musgraves, Daniel Tashian; Mix Engineers: Shawn Everett, Konrad Snyder
Fathers & Sons — Luke Combs; Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton; Mix Engineer: Chip Matthews
Higher — Chris Stapleton; Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton, Morgane Stapleton; Mix Engineer: Vance Powell
Leather — Cody Johnson; Producer: Trent Willmon; Mix Engineer: Jack Clarke — WINNER
Whitsitt Chapel — Jelly Roll; Producers: Andrew Baylis, Brock Berryhill, Zach Crowell, Jesse Frasure, David Garcia, Kevin “Thrasher” Gruft, Austin Nivarel, David Ray Stevens; Mix Engineers: Jeff Braun, Jim Cooley
SONG OF THE YEAR
“Burn It Down” — Parker McCollum; Songwriters: Hillary Lindsey, Parker McCollum, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose
“Dirt Cheap” — Cody Johnson; Songwriter: Josh Phillips
“I Had Some Help” — Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen; Songwriters: Louis Bell, Ashley Gorley, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins, Austin Post, Ernest Keith Smith, Morgan Wallen, Chandler Paul Walters
“The Painter” — Cody Johnson; Songwriters: Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins, Ryan Larkins
“White Horse” — Chris Stapleton; Songwriters: Chris Stapleton, Dan Wilson — WINNER
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Kelsea Ballerini
Ashley McBryde
Megan Moroney
Kacey Musgraves
Lainey Wilson — WINNER
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs
Jelly Roll
Cody Johnson
Chris Stapleton — WINNER
Morgan Wallen
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Lady A
Little Big Town
Old Dominion — WINNER
The Red Clay Strays
Zac Brown Band
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
Brooks & Dunn — WINNER
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Maddie & Tae
The War And Treaty
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
“Cowboys Cry Too” — Kelsea Ballerini featuring Noah Kahan; Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Alysa Vanderheym
“I Had Some Help” — Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen; Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins
“I Remember Everything” — Zach Bryan featuring Kacey Musgraves; Producer: Zach Bryan
“Man Made a Bar” — Morgan Wallen featuring Eric Church; Producer: Joey Moi
“you look like you love me” — Ella Langley featuring Riley Green; Producer: Will Bundy — WINNER
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Tom Bukovac
Jenee Fleenor
Paul Franklin
Rob McNelley
Charlie Worsham — WINNER
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
“Dirt Cheap” — Cody Johnson; Director: Dustin Haney
“I Had Some Help” — Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen; Director: Chris Villa
“I’m Not Pretty” — Megan Moroney; Directors: Jeff Johnson, Megan Moroney
“The Painter” — Cody Johnson; Director: Dustin Haney
“Wildflowers and Wild Horses” — Lainey Wilson; Director: Patrick Tracy — WINNER
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Megan Moroney — WINNER
Shaboozey
Nate Smith
Mitchell Tenpenny
Zach Top
Bailey Zimmerman
