Country famous person Carrie Underwood, who has not been nominated for any Country Music Assn. Awards this 12 months, they nonetheless made a shock look on the Nashville ceremony to carry out with Cody Johnson.
The “Before He Cheats” hitmaker joined Johnson on stage to carry out their romantic duet “I’m Gonna Love You” in entrance of a cheering crowd contained in the Bridgestone Arena. COJO began the tune and Underwood appeared simply in time to sing the second verse. Then, about midway by means of, Johnson took a second to introduce her to viewers, saying, “Yes, that is Carrie Underwood,” to applause from the viewers.
It was the primary time in Underwood’s profession that she was overlooked of nominations on the CMA Awards, and the previous “American Idol” actress was not listed among the many performers forward of Wednesday’s present. So was the singer, who hosted the present a dozen occasions from 2008 to 2019 absent from last year’s holidays.
Meanwhile, Johnson’s “Leather” album gained album of the 12 months and the Texan singer took to the stage the awards ceremony to precise his shock at dropping to the evening’s large winner, Chris Stapleton.
“Tennessee Whiskey” singer Stapleton, who opened the ABC telecast with a efficiency of “California Sober” with pop-country crossover star Post Malone, gained probably the most awards Wednesday evening, taking dwelling three awards: tune of the 12 months and single of the 12 months. for “White Horse” and Male Vocalist of the Year.
The musician was additionally among the many few nation stars who introduced “King of Country” George Strait with the 2024 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.
Stapleton seemed poised to win the awards present, however in the end misplaced the highest prize – entertainer of the 12 months – to Morgan Wallen. The “Man Made a Bar” singer, who was nominated 4 occasions for his function on Malone’s “I Had Some Help,” was up for seven awards Wednesday however gained only one. However, he gained the primary prize of the CMA Awards for the primary time in his profession. With 19 whole CMA Awards, Stapleton tied with the duo Brooks & Dunn to turn out to be the winningest CMA workforce of all time.
Lainey Wilson, who co-hosted the awards present with Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, was named feminine vocalist of the 12 months and gained music video of the 12 months for “Wildflowers and Wild Horses.” Old Dominion gained Vocal Group of the Year for the seventh consecutive time, surpassing Little Big Town’s earlier six wins. “Tennessee Orange” singer Megan Moroney was named new artist of the 12 months.
