Lainey Wilson Hosted The 59th CMA Awards, While Also Taking Home Entertainer Of The Year
Lainey Wilson performing “Ring Finger” at the CMAs | Photo Credit: CMA/ Instagram
Played live on ABC and Hulu, the night was filled with heart and soul- of unmatched performances with the likes of Lil Wayne looking on from the audience
People have traveled from as far as Australia, the UK, and Sweden to attend the 59th annual Country Music Association (CMA) Awards. Held in Nashville at the Bridgestone Arena, it is the Watermelon Moonshine artist Lainey Wilson, who brought humor and straight-forward elegance, as she took over hosting duties for the evening- which is no small feat. Last year Wilson co-hosted with host regulars Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, but this year she graduated to a solo career.
Starting off the night, Wilson, who has risen through the cracks of trying to make it in Country Music expeditiously, sang a selection of songs by other country artists from Ella Langley, Shaboozey, and Little Big Town. Nominated for Female Artist of the Year was Ella Langley, who took home the award.
Sitting quietly in the audience but zeroed in on the talent on the stage performing, was Hip-Hop artist Lil Wayne. Zach Top performed and Brooks and Dunn took home the award for Duo of the Year, their sixteen win this category, and Chris Stapleton performed Bad As I Used To Be.
Shaboozey and Stephen Wilson, Jr.performing | Photo Credit: CMA/ Instagram
Stephen Wilson, Jr., and Shaboozey performed their song “Took A Walk.” For days leading up to the awards show, people expressed interest in hearing Ella Langley sing, which she did. Lainey Wilson sang Ring Finger, and also performing was Zach Top, Keith Urban, Tucker Wetmore, Brandi Carlile, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, Riley Green, and BigXthaPlug.
Ne-Yo and Gretchen Wilson took to the stage to present ad award, while The Only Murders In The Building actor, Steve Martin took to the stage with Allison Brown to play his banjo. The two presented the award for Album of the Year, of which Lainey Wilson’s Whirlwind album won.
Vince Gill received the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. Brandi Carlisle sang his song When I Call You Name, as a tribute and the King of Country Music, George Straight introduced Gill, calling his singing and guitar playing, “amazing.” Gill cracked his teeth in music as the lead singer for Pure Prairie League, and became a member of the Eagles in 2017. With humor, Gill said I’m probably the only one who hasn’t smoked weed- as a gentle jab to Willie Nelson.
Ella Langley performing | Photo Credit: CMA/ Instagram
Winning New Artist of the Year was Zach Top, Musician of the Year went to Paul Franklin, Song of the Year went to Ella Langley and Riley Green for You Look Like You Love Me, and Vocal Group of the Year went to the Red Clay Strays. Thanking Jesus twice, lead singer Brandon Coleman said, “work hard and trust God.” Female Vocalist of the Year went to Lainey Wilson. She spoke on how women in Country Music have poured into her, women like Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, and she shared how Jo Dee Messina texted her a 3-minute prayer text at the start of the day for emcee strength. Cody Johnson took home Male Vocalist of the Year.
Keith Urban presented the Entertainer of the Year award, of which he has won twice. Lainey Wilson won and gave recognition to Jesus, her family, and her finance- announcing they are getting married next year.
We were last at the CMAs in 2022, but this year had a lot of heart and soul with messages of faith, hope, empowerment, and love.
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