Luke Combs Wins Entertainer, Chris Stapleton Takes Home Four CMA Awards
Luke Combs was awarded Entertainer of the Year, but the night belonged to Chris Stapleton who won four awards at the 55th Annual CMA Awards held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
By the time Chris accepted Male Vocalist, he admitted he was running out of words and thanked his children. He also took home Album, Single, and Song of the Year for “Starting Over.” Chris also performed with Jennifer Hudson, singing an amazing rendition of “You Are My Sunshine.”
After three-time Entertainer of the Year Alan Jackson announced Luke Combs as the winner, first thing Luke said was, “Alan Jackson said my name, twice.” Seemingly stunned that he won, he added, “I don’t deserve to win it, but I’m sure as hell glad that I did.”
The show was packed with an array of star-studded performances.
Miranda Lambert kicked off the show with a long medley of her songs.
Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde sang their new song, “Never Wanted To Be That Girl.” Later, when Carly was announced as Female Vocalist of the Year, she was so overwhelmed with emotion that Ashley helped her onto the stage and (adding humour) spoke for her at the podium.
Just before singing, T.J. Osborne shared how, when he was younger, that he didn’t think he could have a career in country music because of his sexuality. He said that just minutes after Brothers Osborne won Duo of the Year.
Jimmie Allen won New Artist, and Old Dominion was awarded Best Vocal Group.
Before the show, it was announced that Kenny Chesney and Kelsea Ballerini won for Musical Event and Music Video for “Half of My Hometown.”
Although Luke Bryan was the solo host, he had several stars join him on stage. The running theme of the night was that he might need some help. Lionel Richie and Katy Perry even joined him twice for introductions.
WINNERS
Entertainer of the year
Luke Combs
Single of the year
“Starting Over” – Chris Stapleton (Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton; Mix Engineer: Vance Powell)
Album of the year
Starting Over – Chris Stapleton (Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton; Mix Engineer: Vance Powell)
Song of the year
“Starting Over” – Songwriters: Mike Henderson, Chris Stapleton
Female vocalist of the year
Carly Pearce
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
“Half of my hometown” – Kelsea Ballerini (featuring Kenny Chesney),
Music video of the year
“Half of my hometown” – Kelsea Ballerini (featuring Kenny Chesney),
New artist of the year
Jimmie Allen