The CMA Awards: Chris Stapleton Dominates with Four Wins, Morgan Wallen Secures Top Prize Despite Near Shutout

The 57th Annual Country Music Association Awards, one of the most prestigious events in country music, witnessed Chris Stapleton taking center stage with four wins, while Morgan Wallen nabbed the night’s biggest honor—Entertainer of the Year—despite nearly being shut out.

Chris Stapleton Steals the Spotlight

Chris Stapleton solidified his legacy as a country music powerhouse at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. He claimed four awards, including Song of the Year and Single of the Year for his hit “White Horse.” Stapleton also extended his record as Male Vocalist of the Year with his eighth win in the category.

Known for his humble demeanor, Stapleton expressed heartfelt gratitude during the ABC telecast, which showcased his artistry with three live performances. Highlights included a captivating duet with Post Malone to open the show and a touching performance of “What Am I Gonna Do” alongside his wife, Morgane.

Morgan Wallen’s Last-Minute Triumph

For much of the night, it seemed leading nominee Morgan Wallen—who had seven nods—would go home empty-handed. However, the evening took a dramatic turn when Wallen was named Entertainer of the Year, despite presenter Jeff Bridges humorously mispronouncing his name as “Morgan Waylon.”

A Night of Unforgettable Performances

The CMA Awards celebrated a year of exciting collaborations and genre crossovers:

  • Post Malone, a first-time CMA nominee, joined Stapleton for a show-stopping duet of “California Sober,” donning full cowboy attire. He later delivered an emotional solo performance of “Yours,” dedicated to his young daughter.
  • Brooks & Dunn and Jelly Roll united for a gospel-inspired rendition of “Believe.” Later, Brooks & Dunn won Vocal Duo of the Year for a record 15th time—their first win in the category since 2006.
  • Rising star Shaboozey energized the crowd with his breakout hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”
  • Megan Moroney, who performed minutes earlier, won Best New Artist with an emotional acceptance speech: “Thank you, Jesus, for putting this dream in my heart.”

A Tribute to George Strait

Country legend George Strait received the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, a recognition of his profound contributions to the genre. An all-star lineup, including Lainey Wilson, Jamey Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Clint Black, and Chris Stapleton, performed his iconic hits like “Amarillo by Morning” and “Troubadour.”

Stapleton, who presented the award, called Strait “true country music royalty.” Strait, clearly moved, quipped, “I’m glad I got ‘em first” in appreciation of the stellar renditions of his songs.

Other Big Winners of the Night

  • Cody Johnson pulled off a surprise win for Album of the Year with Leather, beating out Stapleton and Jelly Roll.
  • Old Dominion continued their dominance, winning Vocal Group of the Year for the seventh consecutive time, setting a new record.
  • Last year’s Entertainer of the Year, Lainey Wilson, added to her accolades by winning Female Vocalist of the Year and Music Video of the Year for “Wildflowers and Wild Horses.”

CMA Awards Celebrate Country’s Evolving Landscape

The night underscored country music’s growing diversity and collaborative spirit, with performances bridging traditional roots and modern influences.

The telecast, now available for streaming on Hulu, was a celebration of country music’s rich history and its vibrant, evolving future.

Stapleton’s standout night affirmed his place as a country music icon, while Wallen’s surprise win ensured his presence remained a key moment of the evening. The CMA Awards once again proved to be a defining showcase of the genre’s best and brightest.