Maren Morris Wins First Grammy, Nashville Artists Shine With Grammy Performances

Alicia Keys and Maren Morris perform during the Grammy Awards. Photo: The Recording Academy/Instagram

Newcomer Maren Morris was a big winner during the televised portion of the 59th annual Grammy Awards. Morris won Best Country Solo Performance for “My Church.”

“Eleven years ago I went to Grammy camp. It was the first time I ever flown by myself on a plane. It’s crazy to be here a decade later,” she said, before thanking her fans. “Thank you for giving me the most incredible year of my life.”

Later in the evening, Morris reunited her CMT Crossroads collaborator Alicia Keys to perform “Once.”

Both country newcomers Morris and Kelsea Ballerini were nominated for Best New Artist, an honor which ultimately went to independent artist Chance the Rapper.

Ballerini got her own moment in the spotlight, joining Lukas Graham for a mashup of her own hit “Peter Pan” and Graham’s “7 Years.”

Kelsea Ballerini and Lukas Graham at the 59th annual Grammy Awards. Photo: Grammys/Instagram

Other country artists also enjoyed prime performance spots throughout the evening. Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood made the first television performance of their new single, “The Fighter.”

Little Big Town performed a snippet of “Teenage Dream” to introduce Katy Perry’s performance of her new single “Chained To The Rhythm.” They also joined Demi Lovato, Tori Kelly, and Andra Day for a performance tribute to The Bee Gees, with Little Big Town offering a harmony-soaked rendition of “How Deep Is Your Love.”

Dwight Yoakam introduced Sturgill Simpson‘s performance of “All Around You,” featuring The Dap Kings. By the time Simpson took the stage to perform, he was already a Grammy winner, having earned Best Country Album for A Sailor’s Guide To Earth during the Grammy Premiere ceremony earlier in the day.

Faith Hill, Tim McGraw and Urban joined Jennifer Lopez, John Legend and more for Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” with Grammy host James Corden during an impromptu round of “Cardboard Karaoke.”

Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood perform “The Fighter” at the 59th annual Grammy Awards. Photo: The Recording Academy/Instagram

Lifetime Achievement awards went to the late Jimmie Rodgers and to Charley Pride, while talent scout and producer Ralph S. Peer, who first recorded Jimmie Rodgers and The Carter Family during the Bristol Sessions, was honored with The Trustees Award.

In the overall award categories, Song of the Year and Record of the Year went to Adele‘s “Hello,” penned by Adele and Greg Kursten. Adele also took home the evening’s top category, Album of the Year, for 25.

For more on Nashville winners awarded during the Grammy Premiere ceremony earlier on Feb. 12, click here.

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Jessica Nicholson

Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.

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