Two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year, Luke Bryan, and NFL superstar Peyton Manning hosted the 56th Annual CMA Awards at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena tonight.
The show opened with a touching tribute to Country Music Hall of Fame legend Loretta Lynn with Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, and Carrie Underwood on the mic to honor the trailblazing artist.
Another superstar in the genre, Alan Jackson, received the 2022 Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. Dierks Bentley, Jon Pardi, Carrie Underwood, and Lainey Wilson took the stage for an all-star tribute to the Country Music Hall of Fame member.
The night was filled with showstopping performances from reigning CMA Awards-winning artists, including Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Bryan, Kelly Clarkson, Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Carly Pearce, Morgan Wallen, and Zac Brown Band. And also never before seen collabs from Katy Perry and Thomas Rhett along with Elle King and The Black Keys honoring the late Jerry Lee Lewis, who died last month.
First-time nominee Lainey Wilson stole the show, winning both New Artist of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year. It was also a big night for Luke Combs, who scored Album of the Year for Growin’ Up and was presented with Entertainer of the Year by Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain at the end of the evening.
Watch “The 56th Annual CMA Awards” in full On Demand and on Hulu starting Nov. 10 through May of 2023. Visit CMAawards.com/watch for more VOD information.
See the list of winners below:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR: Luke Combs
SINGLE OF THE YEAR: “‘Til You Can’t” – Cody Johnson
ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Growin’ Up – Luke Combs
SONG OF THE YEAR: “Buy Dirt” – Jordan Davis featuring Luke Bryan
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: “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR: Jenee Fleenor, Fiddle
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR: “‘Til You Can’t” – Cody Johnson
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Lainey Wilson