Luke Combs accepts the award for Entertainer of the Year at The 56th Annual CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
The music was as rich as the fellowship Wednesday night (Nov. 9) at the 56th annual CMA Awards. Live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, the winners reflected the format embracing a cornucopia of sounds—plenty of which are pretty traditional country.
Luke Combs said it best when he closed the show with his second Entertainer of the Year trophy in hand. “Country’s sounding more country than it has in a long time tonight,” he said. And it had.
Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, and Reba McEntire pay tribute to Loretta Lynn. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
The telecast started with a vintage video of Loretta Lynn accepting her first-ever CMA Entertainer of the Year award. In the clip, the late legend said that while she was proud to be the first woman to ever win the title, she was sad that her husband Doo couldn’t be with her to celebrate. He was off hunting, she said with a grin.
Three iconic female country voices—Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood—began her tribute as soon as the show started. Underwood took on “You Ain’t Woman Enough,” Lambert followed with “Don’t Come Home A Drinkin’,” and McEntire sang “You’re Looking At Country.” Their voices joined together on Lynn’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” and the Country Music Hall of Famer’s family looked on with tears streaming down their faces.
Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning host The 56th Annual CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
Later on in the show, Carly Pearce added her tribute to the late legend, singing her own tune “Dear Miss Loretta.” The performance was one of the night’s many highlights, with Pearce sounding like an Appalachian angel while bluegrass greats Ricky Skaggs and Sonya Isaacs backed her.
The show wasn’t all serious, though. Co-hosts Luke Bryan and NFL superstar Peyton Manning kept things light and silly when necessary. Manning, who is a big country music fan, equated the CMA Awards to the “Super Bowl of country music.”
Bryan quipped that he thought the Super Bowl was the CMA Awards for football.
Jordan Davis, Luke Bryan, Jacob Davis, Josh Jenkins, and Matt Jenkins accept the award for Song of the Year for “Buy Dirt.” Photo: Courtesy of CMA
McEntire and boyfriend/Big Sky co-star Rex Linn presented the first award of the telecast to Jordan Davis for “Buy Dirt,” the CMA Song of the Year. The special song was written by two sets of brothers: Jordan and Jacob Davis and Matt and Josh Jenkins—who celebrated the same title at the NSAI Awards in September.
Davis was stunned when he stepped up to the mic to accept the trophy. He hassled his duet partner on the song, Luke Bryan, to join him. Bryan ran up to the stage, kissed Davis’ cheek, and left the young star to bask in his first CMA Award win.
“We wrote a song about faith and family. If that’s not country music, I don’t know what is,” Davis said.
Cole Swindell and JoDee Messina perform a mashup of “She Had Me at Heads Carolina” and “Heads Carolina, Tails California.” Photo: Courtesy of CMA
A fun performance came with Cole Swindell‘s “She Had Me At Heads Carolina,” as Jo Dee Messina joined him on stage for a victorious finish. Another highlight was the Lindeville crew—including Ashley McBryde, John Osborne, Brandy Clark, Pillbox Patti and Caylee Hammack—sang a rousing version of “When Will I Be Loved” from McBryde’s illustrious concept album, Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville.
Another highlight was when hosts Bryan and Manning recognized the great Jeannie Seely for her recent accomplishment of being the most-performed artist on the Grand Ole Opry.
Brothers Osborne accepts the award for Vocal Duo of the Year. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
For the next award, Wynonna Judd was on hand to present Vocal Duo of the Year—an honor her and her late mother Naomi won seven times. The trophy went to Brothers Osborne for the sixth time. John Osborne let everyone know from the stage that he was going to be a first-time dad to twins with wife and fellow artist, Lucie Silvas.
Speaking of repeat winners, Old Dominion took home their fifth trophy for Vocal Group of the Year. When accepting, frontman Matt Ramsey mentioned the loss of Alabama co-founder Jeff Cook, who died on Monday.
“There’s nothing like being in a band,” Ramsey said. “I can’t imagine losing one of you guys.”
Zac Brown Band thrilled when they took the stage to perform their hyped-up “Out In The Middle.” The insanely gifted Marcus King joined them on guitar.
Cody Johnson, Jack Clarke, and Trent Willmon accept the award for Single of the Year. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
Single of the Year went to the very deserving Cody Johnson for “‘Til You Can’t,” in addition to producer Trent Wilmon and engineer Jack Clarke. Though Single of the Year does not go to the songwriters, Johnson made sure to recognize them right off the bat in his acceptance speech.
“Ben Stennis and Matt Rogers wrote, in my opinion, what is one of the greatest country music songs of all time. I was so blessed to have it in my hands,” Johnson said. “God bless country music!”
Thomas Rhett and Kate Perry performed next, singing “Where We Started.” Hardy and Lainey Wilson gave a dramatic performance of their duet “Wait In The Truck,” acting out a scene from the music video. Kelsea Ballerini enlisted friends Pearce and Kelly Clarkson for her “You’re Drunk, Go Home.”
Yellowstone actor Cole Hauser presented Luke Combs with his first trophy of the night, Album of the Year, for Growin’ Up. Lady A presented New Artist of the Year to Lainey Wilson, which marked her first CMA Award win.
Lainey Wilson accepts the award for Female Vocalist of the Year. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
An emotional Wilson knew just what to say and who to thank, giving a long list of her stellar team. “This is for that 9-year-old little girl who wrote her first song, who knew in her heart this is what she was supposed to do. This is for those 11 years that I’ve been here in Nashville and not taken no for an answer,” Wilson said before closing with, “We’re just gettin’ started, let’s go!”
She wasn’t wrong. A bit later in the show Wilson was called back up to accept Female Vocalist of the Year, joining the ranks of Underwood and Alison Krauss as the only other artist to win both Female Vocalist and New Artist in a single year.
“I know I’m new to a lot of folks but I won’t let y’all down. I promise you,” she said.
Perhaps the best musical moment of the night came when Male Vocalist winner Chris Stapleton enlisted wife Morgane and star Patty Loveless for a performance of “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive.” The haunting song’s writer, the great Darrell Scott, also joined the performance, which raised awareness for the devastating flooding in Kentucky.
Chris Stapleton, Morgane Stapleton, Patty Loveless and Darrell Scott perform “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive.” Photo: Courtesy of CMA
Loveless sounded so fantastic that Stapleton seemed to be holding back, just taking in her vocal ability. The hair-raising performance was six minutes of pure country bliss.
Other great collaboration moments came with The War & Treaty‘s performance of the Rolling Stones hit “It’s Only Rock and Roll (But I Like It)” with Brothers Osborne; as well as Elle King and The Black Keys‘ tribute to the late Jerry Lee Lewis.
Before the last award of the night, the great Alan Jackson was honored with the 2022 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. Underwood, Wilson, Dierks Bentley, and Jon Pardi paid tribute to the Hall of Famer with snippets of “Remember When,” “Chattahoochee,” “Drive (For Daddy Gene),” and “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow.”
Alan Jackson accepts the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at The 56th Annual CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
Jackson performed his 1991 hit “Don’t Rock the Jukebox” before accepting his award.
“Country music’s been real good to me. I fell in love with it when I was a young man,” Jackson said. “I’ve been such a fan of this music and I just wanted to come to Nashville to play the music I loved.
“I’m still living that honky tonk dream,” he said in closing, raising his trophy to the sky.
When it came time to award the night’s highest honor, Entertainer of the Year, it went to Luke Combs for the second consecutive year.
“I want to thank country music for making my dreams come true,” Combs. “Thank you for country music.”
Gabby Barrett Goes No. 1 On MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart
/by Alex ParryAfter a long haul on the charts, Gabby Barrett’s “Pick Me Up” reaches the peak position on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart. Barrett penned the single with Ross Copperman and Jon Nite.
In 2022, Barrett was named one of the New Faces of Country Music at Country Radio Seminar. She also earned an RIAA Platinum certification for her album Goldmine, a double Platinum certification for her single “The Good Ones,” and a 6x Platinum honor for the single “I Hope.”
This summer she accompanied Jason Aldean on his “Rock N’ Roll Cowboy Tour” and joined Brooks & Dunn’s on select dates of their “Reboot 2022 Tour.”
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Chris Stapleton, Zach Bryan, Cody Johnson, Riley Green Tapped To Headline Pepsi Rock The South
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Stapleton, Zach Bryan, Cody Johnson and Riley Green are set to headline the Pepsi Rock The South Festival from July 20-22 at York Farms in Cullman, Alabama.
Previously a two-day festival, the 2023 event has expanded, and will feature three days of music with performances from Bailey Zimmerman, Travis Tritt, Jo Dee Messina, Chase Matthew, Drake Milligan, Mackenzie Carpenter, Madeline Edwards, J.R. Carroll, Ella Langley, Tristan Baugh and more. Tickets are available now.
“We welcomed more than 65,000 fans last year, and we’re looking forward to expanding to three days with some amazing headliners and artists this year,” says Shane Quick, Pepsi Rock the South partner. “It’s been an exciting journey to see this festival continue to grow and give back. We are thankful for this community, and we look forward to seeing everyone in Cullman again this summer.”
Pepsi Rock The South was founded in 2012 and continues to support charities in local Alabama communities. To date, the event has raised more than $1,000,000 for area charities, including Cullman City Parks and Recreation, Children’s Hospital of Alabama, The Link of Cullman County, Alabama Forever and Cullman Caring for Kids.
Universal Music Group Rings In CMA Award Wins At Special After Party
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Dierks Bentley, Tyler Hubbard, Jon Pardi, and UMGN Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan. Photo: Chris Hollo.
UMG Nashville celebrated the 56th Annual CMA Awards with artists, staff, and industry friends at the Rutledge in downtown Nashville.
Awards host Luke Bryan, along with many of the label’s artists, were featured in special collaborations, tributes, appearances, and performances throughout the night. Some of the artists included Alan Jackson, Brothers Osborne, Carrie Underwood, Caylee Hammack, Chris Stapleton, Dierks Bentley, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Little Big Town, Maddie & Tae, Parker McCollum, Reba McEntire, The War And Treaty, and Tyler Hubbard.
Pictured (L-R, back row): CMA Co-Host Peyton Manning, UMGN EVP A&R Brian Wright, Jon Pardi, Brothers Osborne’s TJ Osborne, Dierks Bentley, UMGN Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan, UMGN EVP Promotion Royce Risser, UMGN EVP & COO Mike Harris, Luke Bryan, The War And Treaty’s Michael Trotter Jr., Jordan Davis, Caylee Hammack, Brothers Osborne’s John Osborne, The War And Treaty’s Tanya Trotter, Catie Offerman. (L-R, front row): Caroline Bryan, Travis Denning, UMG Chairman & CEO Sir Lucian Grainge, Carrie Underwood, UMGN President Cindy Mabe, and Dalton Dover. Photo: Chris Hollo.
UMG Nashville winners of the night were Jordan Davis (Song of the Year for “Buy Dirt”), Chris Stapleton (Male Vocalist of the Year), Brothers Osborne (Vocal Duo of the Year), and Alan Jackson (Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award).
Pictured (L-R): The War And Treaty’s Michael Trotter Jr., Caylee Hammack, The War And Treaty’s Tanya Trotter, and UMGN President Cindy Mabe. Photo: Chris Hollo.
Pictured (L-R): The War And Treaty’s Michael Trotter Jr, UMGN President Cindy Mabe, UMG Chairman & CEO Sir Lucian Grainge, UMGN Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan, and Sam Williams. Photo: Chris Hollo.
Warner Music Nashville Takes Over Twelve Thirty Club To Celebrate After CMA Awards
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Ben Kline (Co-President, WMN), Cody Johnson, and Cris Lacy (Co-President, WMN). Photo: Alan Poizner.
Warner Music Nashville celebrated three wins and four performances at the 56th Annual CMA Awards on Wednesday night (Nov. 9). Artists, managers, and staff members took over The Twelve Thirty Club on Broadway after the ceremony.
Pictured (L-R): Ian Munsick, Kristen Williams (SVP Radio, WMN), Cody Johnson, and Shane Tarleton (SVP Artist Development, WMN). Photo: Alan Poizner.
Cody Johnson stopped by to toast his Single and Video of the Year honors. Ashley McBryde took home Musical Event of the Year alongside Carly Pearce for their duet “Never Wanted To Be That Girl.”
Johnson and McBryde both performed at the event, as did Cole Swindell and Zac Brown Band. Charlie Worsham backed Dierks Bentley on guitar during the tribute to CMA Lifetime Achievement Award honoree Alan Jackson. Breland also joined the show as a presenter.
Warner Music Nashville executives and recording artists gather before the 2022 BMI Awards. Photo: Jimmy Fisco.
Earlier this week, the Warner Music Nashville team and some of its roster also gathered for a special, commemorative photo before the BMI Awards on Tuesday evening (Nov. 8).
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Luke Combs Proves CMA Entertainer Of The Year Status On New Single
/by Robert K OermannThis is country music’s week to shine, so no wonder there is a cornucopia of tasty tracks in this week’s DISClaimer column.
Mickey Guyton, Chase Matthew and Luke Bryan bring the opening devotionals. Brothers Osborne, War & Treaty and Chase Rice rock the house.
But it’s the most “country” of the country releases that rule the day. They belong to the divine Miranda Lambert, the sublime Dailey & Vincent, the hearty Eddie Montgomery and the King of the Hill, Luke Combs. The Entertainer of the Year also has the Disc of the Day
Give a DISCovery Award to Warner newcomer Chase Matthew.
LUKE BRYAN / “Prayin’ in a Deer Stand”
Writers: Luke Bryan/Nicolle Galyon/Jimmy Robbins; Producer: Jody Stevens/Jeff Stevens; Label: Capitol
–Good listening. The echo on his vocal is big help, and the vibrating, atmospheric electric guitars in the production are dynamite. I doubt that there is a huge percentage of listeners who spend their Sundays hunting deer, but whatever….
JESSIE JAMES DECKER / “Grow Young With You”
Writers: Emily Weisband/Alysa Vanderheym/Jordyn Shellhart; Producer: Alysa Vanderheym; Label: Big Yellow Dog/Warner/Atlantic
–This multi-hyphenate seems to hit on all available platforms, from books to fashion to TV to music. As before, she proves to be a fine singer on this choppy, clappy bopper about a sunny love. I always like the little falsetto hiccoughs in her delivery.
LUKE COMBS / “Going, Going Gone”
Writers: James McNair/Luke Combs/Ray Fulcher; Producer: Luke Combs/Chip Matthews/Jonathan Singleton; Label: River House/Columbia
–This is a lovely change of pace. Combs exchanges his brawling, bruising vocal style for a gentler, more contemplative delivery. He’s wistful yet resigned over a lost love. As usual, the song is a model of country craftsmanship. He so deserves every award we give him.
BRITTNEY SPENCER / “A Hundred Years Old”
Writers: Ashley Ray/Brittney Spencer/Sean McConnell; Producer: Daniel Tashian; Label: Elektra
–Does this artist set the record for the longest set-up ever for a real radio release? She’s on television, in social media, on others’ records, in print and all over the map without ever actually stepping up to bat. Now she has a new live EP recorded acoustically at Blackbird Studio. This charming, wafting, yearning performance is yet another tease. The lady has the talent. Somebody light a fire under this career kindling.
EDDIE MONTGOMERY / “Thank a Beer Drinker”
Writers: Wynn Varble/David Lee/Don Poythress; Producers: Noah Gordon/Shannon Houchins; Label: Average Joe’s
–Like that road you drive on? How about the food you eat, the electricity in your house, running water and the car you own? Give thanks to the blue-collar folks who keep our factories and our infrastructure running. I love the message of this. Eddie delivers it perfectly. Oh by the way, he adds, if you like this song, thank another beer drinker.
MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Geraldene”
Writers: Miranda Lambert/Jack Ingram/Jon Randall; Producers: Jon Randall/Luke Dick/Miranda Lambert; Label: RCA
–With her performance of this at the CMA Awards, Lambert again demonstrated that she is the finest, pure-country female singer in our current music biz. She calls out a temptress with just the right touches of envy and smoldering threats. The spare, snappy track keeps things crackling. It’s a model of restraint, throwing the spotlight on her superb, twangin’ delivery. “Geraldine” is just one of the many gems on her 15-track Palomino collection. Available on double vinyl, by the way.
CHASE MATTHEW / “She Loves Jesus”
Writers: Chase Matthews/Will Pattat; Producer: Austin Shawn; Label: Warner
–Nashville native Matthew stages his Warner Music debut with this pristine ballad about a pure, devout, beautiful woman. His mellow baritone is loaded with warmth. The steel guitar and piano accompaniment is poetry.
MICKEY GUYTON / “I Still Pray”
Writers: Mickey Guyton/Tyler Hubbard/Ryan Daly/Steph Jones; Producer: Corey Crowder/Tyler Hubbard/Ryan Daly; Label: Capitol
–One associates praying with silence. But Guyton’s emotional soprano is a shout of blazing affirmation as she explains the depth of her devotion. An extraordinary, stately vocal performance by one of our most gifted artists.
DAILEY & VINCENT WITH RHONDA VINCENT / “Those Memories of You”
Writers: Alan O’Bryant; Producer: Paul Worley; Label: DV
–The harmonies in this performance will send shivers through your whole body. Opry greats Dailey & Vincent have turned from bluegrass to country on their new CD, but this bluesy, electrified revival of the Dolly/Linda/Emmylou 1987 smash proves their vocal backgrounds are solidly in place. Jamie Dailey’s lead vocal is a masterpiece, and the thrilling support of the Vincent siblings sends the whole thing into the stratosphere. Breathtaking is the word.
BROTHERS OSBORNE WITH THE WAR & TREATY / “It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll (But I Like It)”
Writers: Keith Richards/Mick Jagger; Producer: Robert Deaton/Danny Rader; Label: BMG
–The forthcoming Stoned Cold Country is an all-star Nashville tribute to the songs of the Rolling Stones. These two sterling duos join forces for its first advance track, which they introduced on the CMA Awards. T.J. kicked it off in a deep, rumbling baritone. Tanya lit the track ablaze. Michael shot off fireworks, then the whole ensemble burned the house down. The official studio track underwhelms by comparison.
CHASE RICE / “Way Down Yonder”
Writers: Blake Pendergrass/Chase Rice/Corey Crowder/Hunter Phelps/John Byron; Producer: Oscar Charles; Label: BBR
–A menacing, loud outlaw anthem with big percussion and an abundance of attitude. It wears out its welcome fairly quickly.
CARTER FAITH / “Already Crazy”
Writers: Carter Faith/Tofer Brown/Lauren Hungate; Producer: Tofer Brown; Label: CF
–The lyric is very nicely crafted and her vocal is spot on. I kept waiting for the ballad’s track to take off, but it stuck with its piano-and-strings wash throughout.
Country Music Hall Of Fame To Offer Free Admission For Service Members On Veterans Day
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will honor active-duty and retired armed services members with free museum admission on Veterans Day (Nov. 11). As an additional token of thanks to the United States Armed Forces, the museum will also extend free admission for up to three immediate family members.
Special programming through the day will include Words & Music for CreatiVets featuring Mason Douglas, Jerry Vandiver and Claire Wyndham at 12:45 CT in the Ford Theater. The three will perform songs written by participants of Creativets, a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower wounded veterans to heal through the arts and music.
Among other scheduled events is Operation Song with Bob Regan and Friends at 2:30 in the Ford Theater. Regan is founder of Operation Song, an organization that pairs professional songwriters with veterans, active-duty military members and their families to help them share their experiences through song. In a special songwriter round, Regan will be joined by Lynn Langham and Steve Williams, as well as Purple Heart recipient, veteran and singer-songwriter Ian Wagner.
The museum will also host a Songwriting 101 Workshop in honor of Veterans Day, where attendees will write a song as a group with singer-songwriter Jesse Wayne Taylor. Held at the Taylor Swift Education Center at 1:15, Taylor, who is the Nashville music instructor for CreatiVets, will teach song structure and writing techniques.
Throughout the day, visitors can stop by the Mike Curb Conservatory and the Taylor Swift Education Center to write a letter that will be sent to a member of the armed forces. The organization A Million Thanks will pass visitors’ notes along to those serving in a variety of U.S. military branches.
Timed admission tickets can be reserved by calling 615-416-2001, or tickets can be obtained at the museum’s box office with a valid military ID. Active duty and retired armed services members will also receive a 10% discount at the Museum Store and the Hatch Show Print retail store.
WME Celebrates CMA Award Winners At After Party
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Jay Williams, TJ Osborne, Cole Swindell, Nate Towne and Kevin Meads attend the WME CMA Awards After Party. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for WME
WME hosted a large after party following the 56th annual CMA Awards on Wednesday night (Nov. 9) at Layer Cake on Nashville’s lower Broadway.
The agency celebrated multiple wins from earlier in the evening, such as Luke Combs taking home Album and Entertainer of the Year, Lainey Wilson earning the New Artist and Female Vocalist honor, Chris Stapleton notching another Male Vocalist of the Year, Brothers Osborne clinching Duo of the Year, Jordan Davis winning Song of the Year for “Buy Dirt,” Alan Jackson being honored with the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Awards, and Ashley McBryde taking part in her Musical Event win with Carly Pearce on “Never Wanted To Be That Girl.” The agency also represents the evening’s co-hosts, Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning.
Pictured (L-R): Jordan Davis and Becky Gardenhire. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for WME
Dustin Lynch with Emma MacDonald. Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for WME
Pictured (L-R): Conner Smith and Parker McCollum. Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for WME
Jackson Dean. Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for WME)
Pictured (L-R): Sophie Cudd, Bobby Cudd, Braeden Rountree, Marcus King and Michael Coughlin. Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for WME
Pictured (L-R): Hally Williams, Cooper Alan and Morgan Kenney. Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for WME
Big Machine Label Group Gathers For 2022 CMA Awards After Party
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Big Machine Records’ Clay Hunnicutt, Big Machine Label Group’s Allison Jones, Carly Pearce, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Starstruck Entertainment’s Narvel Blackstock. Photo: Catherine Powell / Getty Images for Big Machine Label Group
Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) hosted their annual CMA Awards After Party alongside their own Carly Pearce, who won last night’s award for Musical Event of the Year (“Never Wanted To Be That Girl”). Sponsored by Bojangles, City National Bank, HEYDUDE Shoes, Paddywax Candles and SHEIN, BMLG President/CEO Scott Borchetta raised a glass to the evening and plenty of BMLG appearances on the CMA Awards.
Pictured (L-R, back row): Midland, Lady A’s Dave Haywood, Brian Kelley, Shane Profitt, Lady A’s Charles Kelley, Riley Green, Chris Janson, Tyler Rich, Kidd G, Conner Smith; (L-R, front row): The Cadillac Three, Lady A’s Hillary Scott, Big Machine Label Group’s Sandi Spika Borchetta and Scott Borchetta, Carly Pearce, Danielle Bradbery, Tiera Kennedy, Mackenzie Carpenter, Jackson Dean. Photo: Catherine Powell / Getty Images for Big Machine Label Group
During the televised awards, Pearce performed “Dear Miss Loretta” alongside Ricky Skaggs, Sonja Isaacs and Jenee Fleenor. She also teamed up with Kelsea Ballerini and Kelly Clarkson for a rendition of their new song “You’re Drunk, Go Home.” Thomas Rhett and Katy Perry joined forces for the title track of Rhett’s sixth studio album, Where We Started, while Lady A presented New Artist of the Year.
Pictured (L-R): CEO of Big Machine Records, Scott Borchetta, Katy Perry and Thomas Rhett. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for CMA
Pictured (L-R): The Valory Music Co.’s Chris Palmer, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Mackenzie Carpenter, The Valory Music Co.’s George Briner and Ashley Sidoti, Kidd G, Tiera Kennedy, Tyler Rich, Conner Smith. Photo: Catherine Powell / Getty Images for Big Machine Label Group
Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Lady A, BMLG Records’ Jimmy Harnen. Photo: Catherine Powell / Getty Images for Big Machine Label Group
Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Music’s Mike Molinar, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Universal Music Group’s Lucian Grainge, Big Machine Label Group’s Andrew Kautz, Conner Smith. Photo: Jason Davis / Getty Images for Big Machine Label Group
The 56th CMA Awards Embraces Its Roots For A Night Of Great Music
/by LB CantrellLuke Combs accepts the award for Entertainer of the Year at The 56th Annual CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
The music was as rich as the fellowship Wednesday night (Nov. 9) at the 56th annual CMA Awards. Live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, the winners reflected the format embracing a cornucopia of sounds—plenty of which are pretty traditional country.
Luke Combs said it best when he closed the show with his second Entertainer of the Year trophy in hand. “Country’s sounding more country than it has in a long time tonight,” he said. And it had.
Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, and Reba McEntire pay tribute to Loretta Lynn. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
The telecast started with a vintage video of Loretta Lynn accepting her first-ever CMA Entertainer of the Year award. In the clip, the late legend said that while she was proud to be the first woman to ever win the title, she was sad that her husband Doo couldn’t be with her to celebrate. He was off hunting, she said with a grin.
Three iconic female country voices—Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood—began her tribute as soon as the show started. Underwood took on “You Ain’t Woman Enough,” Lambert followed with “Don’t Come Home A Drinkin’,” and McEntire sang “You’re Looking At Country.” Their voices joined together on Lynn’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” and the Country Music Hall of Famer’s family looked on with tears streaming down their faces.
Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning host The 56th Annual CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
Later on in the show, Carly Pearce added her tribute to the late legend, singing her own tune “Dear Miss Loretta.” The performance was one of the night’s many highlights, with Pearce sounding like an Appalachian angel while bluegrass greats Ricky Skaggs and Sonya Isaacs backed her.
The show wasn’t all serious, though. Co-hosts Luke Bryan and NFL superstar Peyton Manning kept things light and silly when necessary. Manning, who is a big country music fan, equated the CMA Awards to the “Super Bowl of country music.”
Bryan quipped that he thought the Super Bowl was the CMA Awards for football.
Jordan Davis, Luke Bryan, Jacob Davis, Josh Jenkins, and Matt Jenkins accept the award for Song of the Year for “Buy Dirt.” Photo: Courtesy of CMA
McEntire and boyfriend/Big Sky co-star Rex Linn presented the first award of the telecast to Jordan Davis for “Buy Dirt,” the CMA Song of the Year. The special song was written by two sets of brothers: Jordan and Jacob Davis and Matt and Josh Jenkins—who celebrated the same title at the NSAI Awards in September.
Davis was stunned when he stepped up to the mic to accept the trophy. He hassled his duet partner on the song, Luke Bryan, to join him. Bryan ran up to the stage, kissed Davis’ cheek, and left the young star to bask in his first CMA Award win.
“We wrote a song about faith and family. If that’s not country music, I don’t know what is,” Davis said.
Cole Swindell and JoDee Messina perform a mashup of “She Had Me at Heads Carolina” and “Heads Carolina, Tails California.” Photo: Courtesy of CMA
A fun performance came with Cole Swindell‘s “She Had Me At Heads Carolina,” as Jo Dee Messina joined him on stage for a victorious finish. Another highlight was the Lindeville crew—including Ashley McBryde, John Osborne, Brandy Clark, Pillbox Patti and Caylee Hammack—sang a rousing version of “When Will I Be Loved” from McBryde’s illustrious concept album, Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville.
Another highlight was when hosts Bryan and Manning recognized the great Jeannie Seely for her recent accomplishment of being the most-performed artist on the Grand Ole Opry.
Brothers Osborne accepts the award for Vocal Duo of the Year. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
For the next award, Wynonna Judd was on hand to present Vocal Duo of the Year—an honor her and her late mother Naomi won seven times. The trophy went to Brothers Osborne for the sixth time. John Osborne let everyone know from the stage that he was going to be a first-time dad to twins with wife and fellow artist, Lucie Silvas.
Speaking of repeat winners, Old Dominion took home their fifth trophy for Vocal Group of the Year. When accepting, frontman Matt Ramsey mentioned the loss of Alabama co-founder Jeff Cook, who died on Monday.
“There’s nothing like being in a band,” Ramsey said. “I can’t imagine losing one of you guys.”
Zac Brown Band thrilled when they took the stage to perform their hyped-up “Out In The Middle.” The insanely gifted Marcus King joined them on guitar.
Cody Johnson, Jack Clarke, and Trent Willmon accept the award for Single of the Year. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
Single of the Year went to the very deserving Cody Johnson for “‘Til You Can’t,” in addition to producer Trent Wilmon and engineer Jack Clarke. Though Single of the Year does not go to the songwriters, Johnson made sure to recognize them right off the bat in his acceptance speech.
“Ben Stennis and Matt Rogers wrote, in my opinion, what is one of the greatest country music songs of all time. I was so blessed to have it in my hands,” Johnson said. “God bless country music!”
Thomas Rhett and Kate Perry performed next, singing “Where We Started.” Hardy and Lainey Wilson gave a dramatic performance of their duet “Wait In The Truck,” acting out a scene from the music video. Kelsea Ballerini enlisted friends Pearce and Kelly Clarkson for her “You’re Drunk, Go Home.”
Yellowstone actor Cole Hauser presented Luke Combs with his first trophy of the night, Album of the Year, for Growin’ Up. Lady A presented New Artist of the Year to Lainey Wilson, which marked her first CMA Award win.
Lainey Wilson accepts the award for Female Vocalist of the Year. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
An emotional Wilson knew just what to say and who to thank, giving a long list of her stellar team. “This is for that 9-year-old little girl who wrote her first song, who knew in her heart this is what she was supposed to do. This is for those 11 years that I’ve been here in Nashville and not taken no for an answer,” Wilson said before closing with, “We’re just gettin’ started, let’s go!”
She wasn’t wrong. A bit later in the show Wilson was called back up to accept Female Vocalist of the Year, joining the ranks of Underwood and Alison Krauss as the only other artist to win both Female Vocalist and New Artist in a single year.
“I know I’m new to a lot of folks but I won’t let y’all down. I promise you,” she said.
Perhaps the best musical moment of the night came when Male Vocalist winner Chris Stapleton enlisted wife Morgane and star Patty Loveless for a performance of “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive.” The haunting song’s writer, the great Darrell Scott, also joined the performance, which raised awareness for the devastating flooding in Kentucky.
Chris Stapleton, Morgane Stapleton, Patty Loveless and Darrell Scott perform “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive.” Photo: Courtesy of CMA
Loveless sounded so fantastic that Stapleton seemed to be holding back, just taking in her vocal ability. The hair-raising performance was six minutes of pure country bliss.
Other great collaboration moments came with The War & Treaty‘s performance of the Rolling Stones hit “It’s Only Rock and Roll (But I Like It)” with Brothers Osborne; as well as Elle King and The Black Keys‘ tribute to the late Jerry Lee Lewis.
Before the last award of the night, the great Alan Jackson was honored with the 2022 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. Underwood, Wilson, Dierks Bentley, and Jon Pardi paid tribute to the Hall of Famer with snippets of “Remember When,” “Chattahoochee,” “Drive (For Daddy Gene),” and “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow.”
Alan Jackson accepts the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at The 56th Annual CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
Jackson performed his 1991 hit “Don’t Rock the Jukebox” before accepting his award.
“Country music’s been real good to me. I fell in love with it when I was a young man,” Jackson said. “I’ve been such a fan of this music and I just wanted to come to Nashville to play the music I loved.
“I’m still living that honky tonk dream,” he said in closing, raising his trophy to the sky.
When it came time to award the night’s highest honor, Entertainer of the Year, it went to Luke Combs for the second consecutive year.
“I want to thank country music for making my dreams come true,” Combs. “Thank you for country music.”
Jessica Bonner Promoted To VP, Publicity At Milestone Publicity
/by Lorie HollabaughJessica Bonner. Photo: Courtesy of Milestone Publicity
Jessica Bonner has been promoted to Vice President of Publicity at Milestone Publicity. Prior to her new role, she served as an Account Executive at the company.
Bonner relocated from Boston to Los Angeles in 2018 to pursue a career in the field. Having a previous recording contract at Rounder Records, she was inspired to explore the industry and transition into the business side of music. She built her resume with hands-on publicity campaigns for festivals including Made in America and Ohana Festival; tours; and artists such as Heart, Ozzy Osbourne, Yes and more. She also spent time working in restaurant PR and special events in Santa Monica.
“Jessica has an unparalleled work ethic and passion for what she does,” says Mike Gowen, Milestone founder and CEO. “She consistently goes above and beyond for her clients and the company. Jessica’s level of drive and ambition is becoming a rare character trait these days—it’s beyond fitting that she became a VP with Milestone.”
Since the company’s inception, the Milestone roster has included artists such as Dave Stewart, Kiefer Sutherland, Gaby Moreno and John Dolmayan of System of a Down, The Dryes, Theo Kandel, Noah Hicks, The Americans and Bryan Martin, in addition to labels and music businesses such as Ghostwriter Music, Compass Records Group and Songbird City.