CMA Awards 2023 : Full Winner Roster, Featuring Lainey Wilson as the New Entertainer of the Year

CMA Awards 2023

Luke Combs garnered two accolades for his rendition of Tracy Chapman’s iconic ‘Fast Car.’ Jelly Roll took home the title of best new artist. Wilson, however, stood out, securing the album of the year and female vocalist honors, in addition to a pair of awards for her joint effort with Hardy.

Lainey Wilson swiftly captured the esteemed entertainer of the year title at the CA Awards, achieving this feat in just her second year of nominations and her first for the premier award. The ascending talent triumphed, clinching the album of the year and female vocalist of the year, along with accolades for music video of the year and music event of the year, both in partnership with Hardy.

Initially, the spotlight at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena centered on Luke Combs’ rendition of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car,” which clinched the first two televised awards for single of the year and song of the year.

Chapman was absent, yet presenter Sara Evans conveyed a message from the artist, expressing regret for not being present and gratitude for the recognition of her song 35 years post-release. Combs, accepting the single of the year award, expressed his gratitude towards Tracy Chapman for creating what he considers one of the greatest songs ever, noting it was his earliest favorite.

Jelly Roll emerged as the new artist of the year in a fiercely contested category. During his speech, he acknowledged the commercially thriving Zach Bryan, declaring, “Zach Bryan, I believe you’re one of the most incredible phenomena, beyond just country music.” He continued with an almost sermon-like fervor, stating, “It’s quite poetic for a man of 39 to be named new artist of the year… The future holds more significance than the past. Let’s celebrate, Nashville!”

Chris Stapleton secured the male vocalist award for the seventh occasion, modestly remarking, “I’ve received a few of these,” and expressing his perennial humility at the wins. He gave a heartfelt thanks to his wife, Morgane Stapleton, stating, “None of this happens without her. And these awards wouldn’t come my way without her by my side.” Stapleton also paid tribute to two friends he lost this year, including Mike Henderson, his erstwhile colleague from the Steel Drivers, crediting Henderson with educating him in the craft of songwriting.

The Brothers Osborne claimed the vocal duo of the year title for the sixth instance, with T.J. Osborne humorously commenting, “It’s truly surprising, every time we win this. I was half-expecting Lainey Wilson and Hardy to take this one.” Likewise, Old Dominion maintained their stronghold on the group of the year category, securing the honor for the sixth year in a row.

The opening act of the show featured Jelly Roll, who surprised the audience with an unexpected appearance by Wynonna Judd. Together, they delivered a spirited rendition of “Need a Favor,” accompanied by a gospel choir. In another unanticipated performance, Wallen joined forces with Eric Church to perform their collaborative track “Man Made a Bar,” from Wallen’s hit album “One Thing at a Time.” Both Wallen and Jelly Roll are scheduled for additional performances within the three-hour broadcast; Wallen is set to pay tribute to Wynonna by performing “Love Can Build a Bridge,” a duet with K. Michelle, originally by the Judds.

Wilson entered the awards ceremony as the top nominee, boasting nine nominations. Jelly Roll followed as the second most-nominated artist, securing five nods. Both Combs and Hardy were also in contention with four nominations each.

The evening’s lineup features a blend of country staples performed by Post Malone and Morgan Wallen, along with a tribute to the recently passed Jimmy Buffett. This homage will see performances by Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Zac Brown, and Buffett’s long-time collaborator, Mac McAnally.

Individual performances from the CMAs are available on YouTube, with the full show set to be released on Hulu on Thursday.

Winners are highlighted in bold within their respective categories.

• “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
• “Wait in the Truck” – Hardy (feat. Lainey Wilson)
  Producers: Hardy, Joey Moi, Jordan Schmidt, Derek Wells
  Mix Engineer: Joey Moi
• “Fast Car” – Luke Combs
  Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton
  Mix Engineer: Chip Matthews
• “Next Thing You Know” – Jordan Davis
  Producer: Paul DiGiovanni
  Mix Engineer: Jim Cooley

Album of The Year

Award goes to Producers, Artists,  and Mix Engineers

• Bell Bottom Country – Lainey Wilson
  Producer: Jay Joyce
  Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
• Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville – Ashley McBryde
  Producers: John Osborne, John Peets
  Mix Engineers: Gena Johnson, John Osborne
• One Thing At A Time – Morgan Wallen
  Producers: Jacob Durrett, Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi, Cameron Montgomery
  Mix Engineers: Josh Ditty, Joey Moi, Eivind Nordland
• Gettin’ Old – Luke Combs
  Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton
  Mix Engineers: Michael H. Brauer, Jim Cooley, Chip Matthews
• 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 Songwriters

• “Wait in the Truck”
  Songwriters: Renee Blair, Michael Hardy, Hunter Phelps, Jordan Schmidt
• “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”
• “Fast Car”
  Songwriter: Tracy ChapmanSongwriters: David Fanning, Paul Jenkins, Megan Moroney, Ben Williams

Entertainer of The Year

Female Vocalist of The Year

• Miranda Lambert
• Lainey Wilson
• Ashley McBryde
• Carly Pearce
• Kelsea Ballerini