DISClaimer Single Reviews: Luke Combs ‘Keeps You On The Edge Of Your Seat’ With New Single

Luke Combs. Photo: Jeremy Cowart

I have never been prouder to be a country fan than I was when experiencing this week’s CMA Awards telecast.

The special brought out the best and brightest talents in the genre, delivering at the peak of their powers. Kelsea Ballerini, The War And Treaty, Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, Jordan Davis, Ashley McBryde, Morgan Wallen with Eric Church, Dan + Shay, K. Michelle with Jelly Roll, Tanya Tucker and Carly Pearce as well as Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Mac McAnally and the Zac Brown Band—these were performances for the ages. If you weren’t a country fan going into the show, surely these moments would make you one. My chest was bursting.

Several songs in today’s column were in the spotlight that night. The Disc of the Day is one of them—mega-talent Combs owns it.

The DISCovery Award goes to HunterGirl, whom I met at the ASCAP party. She is an American Idol alumnus, but she needs no TV set to help her on the triumphant “Ain’t About You.”

RVSHVD / “Small Town Talk”
Writers: Clintarius Johnson/Jason Afable/Josh Logan Tangney/Matty Gibbons; Producers: Jason Afable/Dream Addix; Label: Penthouse South/Sumerian Records
– In a word, wow. Stirring and anthemic, this heart-in-throat performance celebrates everyday life in tiny-town America. He sings with marvelous sincerity, and the song could not be more authentically country. I’m in. His name, by the way, is pronounced “Ra-shad” (just turn those V’s upside down.)

TYLER HUBBARD / “A Lot With A Little”
Writers: Tyler Hubbard/Parker Welling/Casey Brown; Producers: Tyler Hubbard/Jordan Schmidt; Label: EMI Nashville
– Hubbard’s warm delivery continues to enchant. Here, he praises the simple joys of poor-folks romance. Guitars blaze brightly and the beats keep a-comin.

HUNTERGIRL / “Ain’t About You”
Writer: Tristyn Hunter Wolkonowski; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: Wheelhouse Records
– Empowering and loaded with character and charisma. The ballad swells with positive vibes, and her vocal delivery has immense depth. This is a major, major new talent.

LAINEY WILSON / “Wildflowers and Wild Horses”
Writers: Lainey Wilson/Paul Sikes/Trannie Anderson; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Broken Bow Records
– If you had any doubts about this woman, her performance of this burning country rocker on the CMA Awards telecast erased them. And I do mean “country.” A delicious listening experience. “I’m barefoot and bareback and born tough as nails/I’m four fifths of reckless and one fifth of Jack.” You said it, sister.

ALEX MILLER / “Puttin’ Up Hay”
Writers: Alex Miller/Larry Cordle/Jerry Salley; Producer: Jerry Salley; Label: Billy Jam Records
– This snappy hillbilly rocker sizzles with hot fiddle and electric guitar. Loved his low vocal dip at the finale. 

JESSIE MURPH & JELLY ROLL / “Wild Ones”
Writers: Jessie Murph/Jason DeFord/Feli Ferraro/Gregory “Aldae” Hein/Jeff Gitelman; Producer: Jeff Gitelman; Label: Columbia
– Murph’s saucy delivery leads the way as she sings about the dark side of Saturday night. Jelly Roll keeps pace with some strategically placed hillbilly hip-hop. The track loops back on itself throughout. Is there such a thing as “alternative outlaw” music?

TRACK 45 / “When I Grow Up”
Writers: Ben Johnson/Jenna Johnson/KK Johnson/Jaida Dreyer/Jonny Price; Producers: Track45/Jason Hall; Label: Stoney Creek Records
– The angst of youth aches from every note. Their trio family harmonies on the choruses are awesome. I remain a fan.

LUKE COMBS / “Where the Wild Things Are”
Writers: Dave Turnbull/Randy Montana; Producers: Luke Combs/Chip Matthews/Jonathan Singleton; Label: River House Artists/Columbia Nashville
– What a voice. This is a mighty, mighty country-music man. And perhaps never more so than on this punchy rocker about a man who follows his big brother to Hollywood. Right up to the death scene, his gripping delivery keeps you on the edge of your seat. A simply brilliant performance of a titanically well-written song. He justifiably stopped the show with this at the CMA Awards.

KEITH ANDERSON / “Pickup Truck”
Writers: Ben Hayslip/Dallas Davidson/Thomas Rhett Akins; Producer: none listed; Label: ONErpm
– This enduringly good fellow has plenty of gas in his tank as he takes this high-octane rocker out for a spin. “You don’t need a pickup line if you’ve got a pickup truck.” Rock on, bro. 

MORGAN WALLEN & ERIC CHURCH / “Man Made A Bar”
Writers: Brett Tyler/Larry Fleet/Rocky Block/Jordan Dozzi; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records/UMG Nashville
– Charisma on the hoof. Individually, they are two of the finest singers we have. Together on this splendidly written ode, they are undeniable. This, my friends, is real country music.

KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS / “Heavy Metal”
Writers: Karley Scott Collins/KK Johnson/Sam Backoff; Producers: Karley Scott Collins/Nathan Chapman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Her ear-catching, piercing, resonant voice is set in an echoey, stripped-down track. This gives extra punch to the lyric of a gal trapped in a dead-end marriage.

LUKE GRIMES / “Burn”
Writers: Luke Grimes/Randy Montana/Josh Thompson; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Mercury Nashville/Range Music
– If romance with her means pain, bring it on, says Grimes. As always, he sings with great conviction. The track has a faintly western-cowboy vibe.

Warner Music Nashville Commemorates 2023 CMA Awards

Pictured (L-R): Ian Munsick and Cris Lacy (Co-Chair & Co-President); Cody Johnson and Ben Kline (Co-Chair & Co-President)

Warner Music Nashville artists and staff gathered at The Twelve Thirty Club following the 57th annual CMA Awards last night (Nov. 8) for their label after party.

During the telecast, Warner Music Nashville artist Ashley McBryde performed her current single “Light On In The Kitchen,” Cody Johnson performed “The Painter” from his just released album Leather and Dan + Shay performed top 10 and rising single “Save Me The Trouble.” Kenny Chesney and Zac Brown Band also joined Mac McAnally and Alan Jackson for a tribute to long-time friend Jimmy Buffett, performing “A Pirate Looks at Forty” and “Margaritaville” respectively.

Earlier in the day, the label hosted its ninth annual partner luncheon featuring Avery Anna, Chase Matthew and Matt Schuster. The three up-and-coming artists performed for a packed audience at Nashville’s Riverside Revival, where Bailey Zimmerman also made a surprise guest appearance.

Cole Swindell and Ben Kline (Co-Chair & Co-President)

Pictured (L-R): Ben Kline (Co-Chair & Co-President), Ingrid Andress and Cris Lacy (Co-Chair & Co-President)

Pictured (L-R): Victoria Mason (SVP of Strategic Marketing & Analytics), Randall King, Chase Matthew and Ben Kline (Co-Chair & Co-President)

Big Machine Label Group Toasts To 57th Annual CMA Awards

Pictured (L-R, back row): Lecade, Chase McDaniel, Brett Young, Jackson Dean, Midland’s Jess Carson, Chris Janson, Brian Kelley, Mae Estes, Riley Green, Midland’s Mark Wystrach; (L-R, front row): Tiera Kennedy, Carly Pearce, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta and Sandi Spika Borchetta, Mackenzie Carpenter. Photo: Brett Carlsen / Getty Images for Big Machine Label Group

Big Machine Label Group hosted its annual after party following the 57th annual CMA Awards last night (Nov. 8). BMLG team members, artists and friends shared in the excitement as BMLG Chairman & CEO Scott Borchetta raised a glass to the evening.

Earlier in the evening, BMLG artists appeared on ABC’s live broadcast of the awards with Carly Pearce performing “We Don’t Fight Anymore” alongside Chris Stapleton, while Brian Kelley presented Single of the Year and Lady A presented New Artist of the Year.

Pictured (L-R): Chase McDaniel, Big Machine Records’ Clay Hunnicutt, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Carly Pearce, Big Machine Records’ Kris Lamb, Midland’s Jess Carson and Mark Wystrach, Brian Kelley, Big Machine Label Group’s Allison Jones and Sandbox Entertainment’s Todd Ramey. Photo: Jason Davis / Getty Images for Big Machine Label Group

Pictured (L-R, back row): Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, BMLG Records’ Ryan Dokke, Big Machine Label Group’s Allison Jones and Greylan James; (L-R, front row): Lady A and BMLG Records’ Jimmy Harnen. Photo: Jason Davis / Getty Images for Big Machine Label Group

CMT Unveils All-Star Lineup For Upcoming ‘Smashing Glass’ Special

The lineup of performers and presenters has been announced for CMT Smashing Glass: A Celebration of the Groundbreaking Women of Music, the genre-defying musical salute premiering Nov. 15 at 8 p.m. CT.

Barrier-breaking icons Patti LaBelle and Tanya Tucker will be honored with one-of-a-kind performances and presentations from Billie Jean King, Chris Janson, Clint Black, Fancy Hagood, Ledisi and The War & Treaty. Both also partake in a special roundtable conversation with Sheryl Crow before each taking the stage for their own performances.

Additionally, Amber Riley, Lucie Silvas and Mickey Guyton will honor the late women of music with ‘Moments of Respect’ and tribute medleys to Aretha Franklin, Sinead O’Connor and Tina Turner. Riley will honor the Franklin with a crowd-rising performance of “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.”

King will kick off the inaugural celebration and present to Tucker. Black will honor fellow Texan and friend Tucker with a special rendition of “Texas When I Die.” Janson will also take the stage during the tribute to honor Tucker with a performance of “It’s A Little Too Late.”

Hagood will introduce Labelle ahead of the icon’s own show-stopping performance. Ledisi is also set to deliver a soul-stirring tribute performance of “New Attitude” to honor LaBelle. The War & Treaty will also lend their signature blend of soul, gospel, blue and rock with a performance of “On My Own” to honor LaBelle. CMT Next Women of Country alum Silvas will pay tribute to O’Connor with a soul-stirring rendition of “Nothing Compares 2 U.” Guyton will deliver a performance of “The Best” to honor Turner, whom she previously honored at the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction.

UMG Nashville Celebrates The 57th Annual CMA Awards

Pictured (L-R): Darius Rucker, Parker McCollum, UMG Nashville Chair & CEO Cindy Mabe, TJ Osborne and John Osborne. Photo: Chris Hollo

UMG Nashville team members, artists and friends hit up the Rutledge in downtown Nashville after the 57th annual CMA Awards last night (Nov. 8) to celebrate.

Awards host Luke Bryan along with many of the label’s artists were featured in collaborations, tributes, appearances and performances throughout the show, including Alan Jackson, Chris Stapleton, Darius Rucker, Eric Church, Jordan Davis, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Nate Bargatze, Parker McCollum and The War And Treaty.

UMG Nashville winners included Stapleton (Male Vocalist) and Brothers Osborne (Vocal Duo).

Pictured (L-R): Tyler Hubbard, Luke Bryan, Sam Williams, Jordan Davis, Nate Bargatze, UMG Nashville Chair & CEO Cindy Mabe, UMG EVP & CFO Boyd Muir and Priscilla Block. Photo: Chris Hollo

Pictured (L-R): Louie TheSinger, Tanya Trotter, Michael Trotter, Jr., UMG Nashville Chair & CEO Cindy Mabe, Josh Ross and Dillon James. Photo: Chris Hollo

BBR Music Group Honors Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson, More At Pre-CMA Awards Bash

Pictured (L-R): BMG’s President Jon Loba, BMG’s CEO Thomas Coesfeld, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Jason Aldean, BMG’s Executive Vice President JoJamie Hahr, BMG’s General Manager Peter Strickland, Dustin Lynch, BMG’s EVP & CFO, North America Joe Gillen & BMG’s Senior Vice President of Promotion Carson James. Photo: Keith Griner

BBR Music Group/BMG got the party started early and celebrated some huge artist achievements at its 2023 Pre-CMA Awards event at Brooklyn Bowl in Nashville Tuesday night (Nov. 7).

Pictured (L-R): BMG’s General Manager Peter Strickland, BMG’s President Jon Loba, Parmalee’s Scott Thomas, Barry Knox, Matt Thomas, Joshua McSwain, BMG’s Executive Vice President JoJamie Hahr & BMG’s Senior Vice President of Promotion Carson James. Photo: Terry Wyatt

Along with performances from many of the artists on their roster, throughout the event, BMG’s CEO Thomas Coesfeld; EVP & CFO, North America Joe Gillen; President Jon Loba; Executive Vice President JoJamie Hahr; General Manager Peter Strickland and Senior Vice President of Promotion Carson James took the stage to honor benchmarks in their artists’ careers with plaque presentations for Jason Aldean, Jelly Roll, Dustin Lynch, Parmalee and Lainey Wilson.

Aldean was honored for having the No.1 Billboard Top 100 Chart single for “Try That In a Small Town,” Jelly Roll received a Platinum plaque for “Need a Favor” and Dustin Lynch was honored with a double Platinum plaque for “Thinking ‘Bout You” featuring Mackenzie Porter.

Parmalee was recognized during the festivities for several career milestones including 1 Billion On-Demand Streams, four No. 1 Singles (“Carolina,” “Just The Way,” “Take My Name” and “Girl In Mine”) and for having Billboard‘s 2022 Most Played Song of the Year with “Take My Name.” Wilson was also honored with a double Platinum plaque for her smash “Heart Like a Truck,” and BMG presented a check to Jelly Roll in the amount of $100,000 for his Impact Youth Outreach foundation.

The event served as a kickoff to the CMA Awards and featured performances by Aldean, Chayce Beckham, The Frontmen, HunterGirl, Jelly Roll, King Calaway, Dustin Lynch, Haven Madison, Tim Montana with ZZ Top‘s Billy Gibbons, John Morgan, Parmalee, Frank Ray, Dylan Schneider, Elvie Shane and Wilson, and was hosted by Austin & Colin.

‘Hixtape Vol. 3: Difftape’ To Honor Country Legend Joe Diffie

Photo: Courtesy of Big Loud Records

Hardy‘s third installment of his countrified mixtape, Hixtape Vol. 3: Difftape, will pay tribute to country legend Joe Diffie. The collection features iconic collaborations and will be unveiled fully on March 29.

Fans got a taste of project at the 57th CMA Awards last night (Nov. 8) when Hardy, Morgan Wallen and Post Malone performed the Hixtape renditions of “John Deere Green” and “Pickup Man.” Both tracks are out now as a part of the Hixtape Vol. 3: Difftape (Small Batch), just in time for the 30th anniversary of “John Deere Green.”

This new iteration of Hixtape utilizes 2006 master recordings of Diffie’s greatest hits in tandem with all new recordings from some of country music’s biggest names and more.

“The Diffie Estate is thrilled to partner with Big Loud and Hardy in preserving and revitalizing Joe Diffie’s musical legacy,” says a spokesperson for Diffie’s estate. “With their shared excitement and passion, this collaboration promises to carry on the incredible journey of a true legend.”

“I’m super excited about Difftape. I think it’s a one-of-a-kind project and we’re the first people to do something like this,” Hardy shares. “Especially having the original recordings and the fact that we have his family’s blessing to do it, it’s all really special. Joe epitomized the ’90s country voice–he was so good about hearing and cutting hits, recording amazing songs,” he continues. “On a personal level, I only got to meet Joe once, but he was extremely nice to me, and this was in my first year of being an artist when I was an absolute nobody. He was so, so kind to me and that memory I have of him is truly special to me, too.”

The 57th CMA Awards Brings Great Music & Deserved Wins [Recap]

Lainey Wilson accepts the award for Female Vocalist of the Year at The 57th annual CMA Awards.

Country music stars and industry members assembled at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena last night (Nov. 8) for the 57th CMA Awards.

Lainey Wilson was the night’s biggest winner, receiving her first Entertainer of the Year award along with four more. Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton and Jelly Roll were other top winners from the night.

Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning host The 57th annual CMA Awards.

Jelly Roll opened the show a cappella with “Need A Favor,” complete with a gospel choir and a surprise guest appearance from Wynonna Judd.

Hosts Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning officially opened the show with some banter, recognizing some of the night’s top nominees. The hosts kept it lighthearted, focusing on self-deprecating humor and soft jokes.

Combs took home the first televised win of the night with “Fast Car” winning Single of the Year.

“First and foremost, I want to thank Tracy Chapman for writing one of the best songs of all time,” Combs said. “I recorded it because I love this song. It’s meant so much to me my entire life. It was my first favorite song that I ever had, from the time I was four years old.” Producers Jonathan Singleton and Chip Matthews joined Combs onstage for the moment.

Following quickly behind were Bill Anderson and Sara Evans to present Song of the Year. The honor also went to Combs’ cover of “Fast Car.” Chapman was not in attendance, but sent in an acceptance message.

Luke Combs performs “Where the Wild Things Are” at The 57th annual CMA Awards.

“It’s truly an honor for my song to be newly recognized after 35 years of its debut,” she wrote.

Craig Morgan, who was recognized for recently reenlisting in the military, introduced host Bryan’s performance of a medley of hits, including “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day,” “One Margarita,” “That’s My Kind Of Night,” “Play It Again” and “Country Girl (Shake It For Me).”

Ashley McBryde, lit from antique lighting fixtures hanging above her head, sang her “Light On In The Kitchen.”

Cody Johnson performs “The Painter” at The 57th annual CMA Awards.

Cody Johnson kept the musical bar high with his rising single “The Painter,” while a black and white photo of Johnson’s wife came to vibrant life as colors filled her picture. When the camera turned on her at the end of the song, she was teary-eyed beaming up at her husband.

The next award to be presented was Duo of the Year, and it went to Brothers Osborne for the sixth time. The duo shared that they were fans of all of the other duos in the category, and that it shocks them every time they win.

“We are absolutely living out our dream. Thanks for letting us do that,” TJ Osborne said. “I was a nerd growing up,” John Osborne added. “I was a nerd growing up. I had a few friends, but not a lot of friends. I spent my whole life learning how to play music and write songs. Y’all make me feel like a cool kid every year. That means more to me than you could ever imagine.”

Brothers Osborne accept the award for Vocal Duo of the Year at The 57th annual CMA Awards.

Morgan Wallen was the next to perform. Eric Church was his surprise special guest. The two sang “Man Made A Bar” from Wallen’s blockbuster One Thing At A Time album, which will be Wallen’s new single.

Combs took the stage next to perform his exceptional new single, “Where The Wild Things Are.” Stapleton kept the energy high with a hair-raising performance of “White Horse.” Jordan Davis was the next to perform his hit “Next Thing You Know” while cell phone lighters lit up the arena.

The next CMA Award went to Old Dominion for Vocal Group of the Year. Like Brothers Osborne, it was the group’s sixth win in the category.

Kelsea Ballerini performs “Leave Me Again” at The 57th annual CMA Awards.

“This night has been an amazing reminder of the talent pool we have somehow waded into,” shared Old Dominion’s Matt Ramsey. “We got there by surrounding ourselves with the absolute best people.”

The night’s top nominee Wilson was next up to perform her new single, “Wildflowers and Wild Horses.”

Dan + Shay sang their butts off on “Save Me The Trouble.” Kelsea Ballerini followed with an awesome acoustic performance of her tender “Leave Me Again.” The War And Treaty treated everyone to “That’s How Love Is Made.”

Jelly Roll accepts the award for New Artist of the Year at The 57th annual CMA Awards.

The next trophy went to Jelly Roll for New Artist of the Year. He took audience members straight to the “Whitsitt Chapel” in his acceptance speech.

“There is something poetic about a 39-year-old man winning New Artist of the Year. I don’t know where you’re at in your life, or what you’re going through, but I want to tell you to keep going, baby,” he said.

In a tribute to the late Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney and Mac McAnally embodied his free spirit on “A Pirate Looks at Forty.” Zac Brown Band and Alan Jackson picked off where they left off, singing an “adios” to Buffett before transitioning into “Margaritaville.”

Old Dominion and Megan Moroney perform “Can’t Break Up Now” at The 57th annual CMA Awards.

Old Dominion and Megan Moroney performed their new duet, “Can’t Break Up Now.”

The CMA Award for Album of the Year went to Wilson for Bell Bottom Country. She thanked her entire team. “My love for storytelling truly came from being from Baskin—a town of 200 people where there’s really not a whole lot to do. You sit around the kitchen table and tell the same old stories you’ve been hearing for years. The kind of stories that get better every single time you hear them,” she said. “That’s what we wanted to do with this record.”

Stapleton returned to the stage to sing with Carly Pearce on “We Don’t Fight Anymore.”

Martina McBride presented Wilson with Female Vocalist of the Year. “Us girls have been having to blaze trails from the beginning,” Wilson said. Thank you for letting me be a part of that.”

Hardy, Morgan Wallen and Post Malone perform at The 57th annual CMA Awards.

Wallen and Hardy paid tribute to the late Joe Diffie with a fun performance of “John Deere Green.” Hip-hop sensation Post Malone joined the country brothers for “Pickup Man.”

Newly-inducted Country Music Hall of Famer Tanya Tucker performed her evergreen “Delta Dawn,” with support from Little Big Town.

Comedian Nate Bargatze presented Stapleton with the Male Vocalist of the Year honor. “Every one of these guys in this category deserves this award,” Stapleton said. “I’ve won a couple of these and I’m always shocked when I win one.” He dedicated the award to his late collaborators Mike Henderson and Eric Burrows.

Chris Stapleton accepts the award for Male Vocalist of the Year at The 57th Annual CMA Awards.

When it came time to reveal the night’s top honor, Entertainer of the Year, the arena erupted when Wilson’s name was called. With the title, she became the first woman in over a decade to clinch the title. Clearly shocked and emotional, Wilson tearfully shared her appreciation and love for country music.

“We’ve worked our butts off this year and so many years in between,” Wilson said. “I’ve been in this town for 12 and a half years and it finally feels like country music is starting to love me back.”

Once all awards had been handed out, Jelly Roll returned to close the show alongside first-time performer and multi-genre powerhouse K. Michelle, singing The Judds‘ “Love Can Build A Bridge.”

The 57th CMA Awards is available to watch now on Hulu.

Bob Squance Named Creative Director At Lady Luck Songs

Bob Squance & Kim Penz

Bob Squance has joined Lady Luck Songs as Creative Director.

A 2011 graduate of Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), Squance most recently served as Senior Director, A&R at Round Hill Music, where he worked closely with the company’s roster of writers including Kevin Griffin, Zach Crowell, Renee Blair, Marti Frederiksen, Valerie Broussard and Adam Sanders, among others. Squance also previously held positions at Big Yellow Dog Music and Ten Ten Music Group.

“Bob comes to Lady Luck with energy and knowledge,” says Kim Penz. “He has hit the ground running and is ready to grow and develop our talented roster of songwriters. We are lucky to have Bob onboard!”

“I’m thrilled to work with Kim Penz and the amazing team at Lady Luck,” says Squance. “The company’s passion for songwriters is unmatched and I look forward to achieving many great things together.”

Squance can be reached at bob@ladylucksongs.com.

2023 CMA Awards Winners [Full List]

The 57th annual CMA Awards took over Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena Wednesday night (Nov. 8), celebrating some of country music’s biggest stars.

Early Wednesday morning, Hardy and Lainey Wilson were awarded with two early trophies for their CMA Musical Event of the Year nomination, “Wait In The Truck,” produced by Hardy, Joey MoiJordan Schmidt and Derek Wells as well as for CMA Music Video of the Year, directed by Justin Clough.

Wilson was the most-nominated artist at this year’s CMA Awards with nine nods. She was also the night’s top winner, taking home the Entertainer of the Year trophy, becoming the first woman in over a decade to clinch the title. Wilson was also awarded with Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year for Bell Bottom Country.

Chris Stapleton took home Male Vocalist of the Year. Luke Combs was awarded Single and Song of the Year for his cover of Tracy Chapman‘s “Fast Car.”

Jelly Roll took home New Artist of the Year. Old Dominion and Brothers Osborne returned as winners in the Group and Duo categories, respectively.

Click here to read MusicRow‘s full recap of the 2023 CMA Awards.

A full list of CMA Awards honorees is below (winners in RED):

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
– Luke Combs
– Chris Stapleton
– Carrie Underwood
– Morgan Wallen
– Lainey Wilson – WINNER

SINGLE OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)

– “Fast Car” – Luke Combs – WINNER
Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton
Mix Engineer: Chip Matthews
– “Heart Like A Truck” – Lainey Wilson
Producer: Jay Joyce
Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
– “Need A Favor” – Jelly Roll
Producer: Austin Nivarel
Mix Engineer: Jeff Braun
– “Next Thing You Know” – Jordan Davis
Producer: Paul DiGiovanni
Mix Engineer: Jim Cooley
– “Wait In The Truck” – Hardy (feat. Lainey Wilson)
Producers: Hardy, Joey Moi, Jordan Schmidt, Derek Wells
Mix Engineer: Joey Moi

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist, Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)
– Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville – Ashley McBryde
Producers: John Osborne, John Peets
Mix Engineers: Gena Johnson, John Osborne
– Bell Bottom Country – Lainey Wilson – WINNER
Producer: Jay Joyce
Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
– Gettin’ Old – Luke Combs
Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton
Mix Engineers: Michael H. Brauer, Jim Cooley, Chip Matthews
– One Thing At A Time – Morgan Wallen
Producers: Jacob Durrett, Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi, Cameron Montgomery
Mix Engineers: Josh Ditty, Joey Moi, Eivind Nordland
– Rolling Up the Welcome Mat – Kelsea Ballerini
Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Alysa Vanderheym
Mix Engineers: Dan Grech-Marguerat, Alysa Vanderheym

SONG OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Songwriter(s)
– “Fast Car” – WINNER
Songwriter: Tracy Chapman
– “Heart Like A Truck”
Songwriters: Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, Lainey Wilson
– “Next Thing You Know”
Songwriters: Jordan Davis, Greylan James, Chase McGill, Josh Osborne
– “Tennessee Orange”
Songwriters: David Fanning, Paul Jenkins, Megan Moroney, Ben Williams
– “Wait In The Truck”
Songwriters: Renee Blair, Michael Hardy, Hunter Phelps, Jordan Schmidt

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
– Kelsea Ballerini
– Miranda Lambert
– Ashley McBryde
– Carly Pearce
– 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
– Midland
– Old Dominion – WINNER
– Zac Brown Band

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
– Brooks & Dunn
– Brothers Osborne – WINNER
– Dan + Shay
– Maddie & Tae
– The War And Treaty

MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artists and Producer(s)
– “Save Me” – Jelly Roll (with Lainey Wilson)
Producers: Zach Crowell, David Ray Stevens
– “She Had Me At Heads Carolina (Remix)” – Cole Swindell & Jo Dee Messina
Producer: Zach Crowell
– “Thank God” – Kane Brown (with Katelyn Brown)
Producer: Dann Huff
– “Wait In The Truck” – Hardy (feat. Lainey Wilson) – WINNER
Producers: Hardy, Joey Moi, Jordan Schmidt, Derek Wells
– “We Don’t Fight Anymore” – Carly Pearce (featuring Chris Stapleton)
Producers: Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, Carly Pearce

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
– Jenee Fleenor – WINNER
– Paul Franklin
– Rob McNelley
– Derek Wells
– Charlie Worsham

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s) and Director(s)
– “Light On In The Kitchen” – Ashley McBryde
Director: Reid Long
– “Memory Lane” – Old Dominion
Directors: Mason Allen, Nicki Fletcher
– “Need A Favor” – Jelly Roll
Director: Patrick Tohill
– “Next Thing You Know” – Jordan Davis
Director: Running Bear
– “Wait In The Truck” – Hardy (feat. Lainey Wilson) – WINNER
Director: Justin Clough

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
– Zach Bryan
– Jelly Roll – WINNER
– Parker McCollum
– Megan Moroney
– Hailey Whitters