Chris Stapleton wins big at country music awards

Chris Stapleton emerged as a major winner at the 2024 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards in Nashville, taking home three prestigious prizes, including Male Vocalist of the Year. The awards, which celebrate the best in country music, were held on Wednesday night and drew a star-studded crowd to the Bridgestone Arena. Despite Stapleton’s success, the biggest accolade of the night, Entertainer of the Year, went to Morgan Wallen, continuing his dominance in the genre.

Stapleton’s victories came after a year of impressive achievements, as the singer-songwriter earned recognition for his exceptional vocal talent and songwriting abilities. In addition to Male Vocalist of the Year, he claimed Song of the Year and Single of the Year for his hit, “White Horse.” The song, known for its emotional depth and Stapleton’s soulful delivery, resonated deeply with fans, contributing to its critical and commercial success.

While Stapleton celebrated his triumphs, Morgan Wallen also had a major moment. Wallen, who led the nominations going into the event, was awarded Entertainer of the Year. This win came three years after his highly publicized suspension from his record label following the use of a racial slur, which caused significant controversy. Wallen later apologized and was reinstated by his label. Despite this rocky period in his career, Wallen’s musical journey continued to flourish. His double album One Thing At A Time dominated the charts, topping the US Billboard 200 for an impressive 16 weeks in 2023, solidifying his place as one of country music’s biggest stars.

While Wallen won big, he notably did not attend the ceremony, sparking curiosity among fans and media. Rumors about an appearance by legendary country star Dolly Parton also failed to materialize, but the show went on with a stellar lineup of performances. Among the highlights was Post Malone’s rendition of “California Sober,” in which he was joined by Chris Stapleton. The collaboration opened the night with a bang, offering fans a unique blend of Post Malone’s crossover appeal and Stapleton’s country roots.

The CMA Awards also featured some surprise moments. Lainey Wilson, who co-hosted the show, was a big winner, taking home the Female Vocalist of the Year award, as well as the Music Video of the Year for her song “Heart Like a Truck.” Wilson, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise in country music, also drew attention for her hosting skills, bringing energy and humor to the ceremony. Meanwhile, Megan Moroney was named Best New Artist, recognizing her breakout success in country music. Cody Johnson’s Leather won Album of the Year, while Brooks & Dunn claimed Best Vocal Duo, proving that the classic duo continues to hold a special place in the genre.

The night was also marked by a heartfelt tribute to George Strait, often referred to as the “King of Country.” Strait was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of contribution to country music. During the ceremony, Strait paid tribute to his late manager, Erv Woolsey, who passed away earlier this year, further emphasizing the deep connections and shared history within the country music community.

One notable point of controversy was the absence of Beyoncé from the nominations despite the immense success of her country-influenced song “Texas Hold ‘Em.” Fans had speculated that she could have been the first Black woman nominated for Album of the Year for Cowboy Carter, an album that blends country with other genres. However, the CMA overlooked her, leaving many fans disappointed and sparking debates about diversity in the country music industry.

In addition to the musical performances and awards, the event was also attended by a number of non-musical stars, including Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, who presented the Female Vocalist of the Year award to Lainey Wilson. Her appearance added a touch of glamour to the evening, drawing further attention to the diverse crowd that gathered for the highly anticipated awards show.

As the CMA Awards once again showcased the immense talent and influence of country music’s top artists, the night served as a reminder of the genre’s continued growth and transformation. While controversies surrounding diversity and artist nominations persist, the overwhelming celebration of talent and musical achievement remained the focal point of the evening. With rising stars like Lainey Wilson and established names like Chris Stapleton and Morgan Wallen continuing to dominate, the future of country music looks brighter than ever.