Country Stars React To CMA Award Wins, Performances
Country music’s biggest stars convened Wednesday night (11/10) in Nashville, TN for the 55th Annual CMA Awards. The night included many performances, humorous moments, and of course, plenty of awards.
Chris Stapleton came away as the big winner of the night, taking home the trophies for Male Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year, Single of the Year and Song of the Year. Kelsea Ballerini also took home multiple awards for Musical Event of the Year and Music Video of the Year. In addition, the show featured emotional acceptance speeches from Carly Pearce, who took home the Female Vocalist trophy for the first time, Entertainer of the Year winner Luke Combs and New Artist honoree Jimmie Allen. Between the awards, country stars and fans alike were entertained by energetic, explosive and powerful performances. Luke Bryan also showcased his signature humor as a first-time host of the show.
Here’s how some country stars and awards winners reacted to the monumental night.
Carly Pearce graciously accepted her Female Vocalist of the Year win onstage, but she echoed that love in a social media post.
“Country music saved me at a time that I needed it most,” she wrote. “This is all I’ve ever wanted. Thank you @CountryMusic #cmaawards.”
Although Ballerini’s awards were given off camera prior to the show, she still got together with “half of my hometown” duet partner Kenny Chesney to give a video acceptance speech. In the video, Chesney shared his admiration for Ballerini, and Ballerini shared that Chesney was “The person from Knoxville that made me think I could do this.”
“i couldn’t adore you more and am so proud to share this song and these @CountryMusic awards with you @kennychesney,” she wrote alongside the video. “WHAT A DAY. thank you thank you thank you.”
Brothers Osborne took home the Duo of the Year award for the fourth time at the show, and TJ Osborne, who came out as gay earlier this year, shared two important words — that “love wins.” The duo shared that statement again on social media along with photos from the event.
Old Dominion won the Vocal Group of the Year award for the fourth time at the CMAs, and they shared a simple statement of gratitude after the show.
“Thank y’all for everything,” they wrote.
Mickey Guyton was on hand at the awards show to share a powerful performance of her song, “Love My Hair” with Brittney Spencer and Madeline Edwards. She shared a photo of her team after the show.
“I feel so honored and grateful to have this team of incredibly talented people supporting me on this journey,” she wrote. “It truly takes a village. Thank you for seeing us. #CMAawards”
Although Male Vocalist of the Year nominee Dierks Bentley did not take home an award, he gave himself and his table the award for “having the most fun.” Bentley shared a photo of his fun table, which included his wife Cassidy, Miranda Lambert, Elle King and Ashley McBryde.
“and the @CountryMusic award for table having the most fun goes too….. music, friends, @mirandalambert bday, and a cooler under the table. wild women. laughed the whole night,” he wrote.
