Lainey Wilson won big at the 2023 CMA Awards.
The “Watermelon Moonshine” singer went into the event with nine nominations and walked away with five awards including Album of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year.
Jelly Roll took home the New Artist of the Year Award. He noted in his speech, “There is something poetic about a 39-year-old man winning new artist of the year… What’s in front of you is so much more important than what’s behind you. Let’s party, Nashville!”
“Fast Car” won awards for both Luke Combs, who snagged the prize for Single of the Year, and Tracy Chapman, who accepted the Song of the Year award in absentia.
Performance highlights included Wynonna Judd joining Jelly on stage for his single, “Need A Favor,” Morgan Wallen bringing Eric Church out to recreate their duet of “Man Made a Bar” and Post Malone joining Wallen and Hardy for a tribute to Joe Diffie.
There was also an all-star salute to Jimmy Buffett with Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Zac Brown and longtime Buffett band member Mac McAnally.
2023 CMA Award Winners
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
- Lainey Wilson
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)
- “Fast Car” – Luke Combs
Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton
Mix Engineer: Chip Matthews
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist, Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)
- Bell Bottom Country – Lainey Wilson
Producer: Jay Joyce
Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
SONG OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Songwriter(s)
- “Fast Car”
Songwriter: Tracy Chapman
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
Award goes to Artists and Producer(s)
- “Wait in the Truck” – Hardy (feat. Lainey Wilson)
Producers: Hardy, Joey Moi, Jordan Schmidt, Derek Wells
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
- Jenee Fleenor
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s) and Director(s)
- “Wait in the Truck” – Hardy (feat. Lainey Wilson)
Director: Justin Clough
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Jelly Roll
AUDIO
Luke and Peyton do a bit called “Name that Tune”
- IC…Cause I got a friend…”In this clip, Luke and Peyton are hosting the show. They do a bit called “Name that Tune.” Peyton messes up on the last song.” 1:00 OC…guessed three margiritas Laughter
Brothers Osborne acceptance speech for duo of the year
- IC…We're shocked every year…”In this clip, Borthers Osborne accept the duo of the year award on the CMA stage. They talk about how grateful they are for their family, friends and colleagues for allowing them to do what they love.” 1:09 OC…you thank you Laughter
Jelly Roll Wins the New Artist of the Year Award
- IC… I only got a second…”In this clip, Jelly Roll wins the New Artist of the Year award on the CMA stage. Jelly Tells Zach Brown that he's the hottest thing in Country Music and says that winning New artist at 39 means you should keep on going because success is on the other side.” 1:11 OC…Let's party Nashville Cheers and Applause
Jimmy Buffet Tribute w/ Alan Jackson
- IC…Adios my friend…”In this clip, Alan Jackson and Zac Brown Band collaborate together to sing a tribute to Jimmy Buffett singing 'Pirate and Parrots' and 'Margaritaville' 1:17 OC…my six string
Lainey Wilson wins Female Vocalist of the year.
- “IC…It's a good night…”In this clip, Lainey Wilson wins the Female Vocalist of the Year award on the CMA stage. She dedicates her speech to all of the hard warking ladies out there and she says she's always ready to prove someone wrong when they say she isn't capable.” :56 OC…of their life Cheers
Chris Stapleton wins the Male Vocalist of the Year
- IC….Thank you CMAs…”In this clip, Chris Stapleton wins the Male Vocalist of the Year award on the CMA stage. He takes the time to thanks some friends that he lost; them being Mike Henderson and Eric Broughs.” 1:27 OC…guys thank you Cheers
Lainey Wilson wins the Entertainer of the Year award
- IC….”In this clip, Lainey Wilson wins the Entertainer of the Year award. She cries, saying it's the only thing she knows how to do and the only thing she ever wanted to do. She says it feels finally feels like country music is starting to love her back.” 1:41 OC…god bless you Cheers