CMA Awards 2024: Stapleton Sweeps, Wallen Woos

CMA Awards 2024: Stapleton Sweeps, Wallen Woos

4 minute read
Published: 11/21/2024

At the 2024 CMA Awards in Nashville, Chris Stapleton took home four trophies including Male Vocalist of the Year, while Morgan Wallen celebrated his win for Entertainer of the Year from the comfort of his living room.

In a night that celebrated country music's glitterati, Chris Stapleton swept the CMA Awards with four wins, proving once again his prowess is no mere coincidence, while Morgan Wallen conveniently accepted his Entertainer of the Year award sans pants from his couch. Lainey Wilson also shone bright, snagging Female Vocalist of the Year, as the evening featured tributes and performances, reminding everyone why Nashville is the only city that can make you cry into your whiskey while tapping your toes.

Chris Stapleton's triumphs included the coveted Song of the Year and Single of the Year honors for his hit 'White Horse.' Fans and critics alike are left wondering if Stapleton might eventually retire from awards shows to pursue a career in negotiating with thoroughbreds, but for now, it seems he’s content to reign in the country music world.

Not to be overshadowed, Lainey Wilson also made waves by walking away with two shiny trophies of her own, celebrating her success for Female Vocalist of the Year and Music Video of the Year, both serious enough achievements to require both hands for carrying. Her victory is particularly sweet, considering it brought her one step closer to the coveted status of 'Most Winningest Person at CMA Awards'—a title that remains highly disputed among those who’ve mastered the art of country fame.

Cody Johnson’s win for Album of the Year for 'Leather' added a rugged touch to the evening. One can imagine the album’s cover featuring a very serious leather wallet or perhaps some well-crafted boots, hinting at the depth of thought that went into the recording process. Johnson's craftsmanship clearly paid off, and he likely had crowd favorites nodding along enthusiastically, perhaps even reaching out for their own wallets in solidarity.

Old Dominion celebrated their seventh consecutive win for Vocal Group of the Year, solidifying their position as the Brady Bunch of country music without any of the scripted drama. It’s clear they’ve got a good thing going, and one wonders if they’ve considered forming an impenetrable circle of harmony to keep the competition at bay. Somewhere backstage, one of their members likely suggested they should think about bringing their hard-earned trophies out on tour as a new era of 'Trophy Performances.'

In other surprising news, Brooks & Dunn won Vocal Duo of the Year for the 15th time, marking their first win since 2006. In a move that caught some off guard, they possibly left a wake of bewildered young duos questioning whether they’d be better off forming a group called 'Dunn & Dunn-er.' Witnesses claimed that when their names were called, they almost seemed as surprised as a squirrel crossing the road and finding a parked car instead of an oncoming one.

Emerging from the shadows with her new title, Megan Moroney nabbed New Artist of the Year, making her the must-see comic relief of the Country genre. Perhaps this means we can expect a wave of fresh faces in various cowboy hats attempting to catch up with Moroney’s musical prowess. If her stirring acceptance speech was any indication, her path is certainly clear: tap into the tried and true emotions of longing, love, and possibly a life spent just north of the Mason-Dixon line.

The event itself unfolded at the Bridgestone Arena, a venue that embodies the spirit of Nashville as efficiently as a cowboy boot fits a hardworking foot. With performances from a motley crew of artists, including a heartfelt tribute to the legendary George Strait, the night proved to be a harmonious blend of nostalgia and celebration. As the strength of the performances echoed off the auditorium walls, one could feel the vibrancy of country music draping over attendees like a well-fitted flannel shirt.

As the telecast rolled on, those at home watched with rapt attention, possibly questioning whether their living rooms could transform into their own little concert venues. With Wallen absent from the ceremony, one can only hope that at least one of his many 'fans' texted him the results live. In a night full of surprises, wins, and near misses, it’s clear that country music will continue to surprise and resonate long after the last applause has faded.