The Shocking 2024 CMA Awards Winners: 7 Major Moments & The Full List Of Who Took Home The Trophies

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The 58th Annual CMA Awards, held on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee, delivered a night of massive wins, surprising snubs, and unforgettable performances that cemented the current state of country music. The event, hosted by Luke Bryan, Peyton Manning, and Lainey Wilson, saw a mix of genre legends and rising stars claim the industry’s highest honors.

The biggest story of the night was the unexpected victory of Morgan Wallen for Entertainer of the Year, despite his notable absence from the ceremony. Meanwhile, Chris Stapleton dominated the major categories, proving his enduring influence with a sweep of three top awards, including Album of the Year.

The Complete List of 2024 CMA Awards Winners and Honorees

The 58th Annual Country Music Association Awards celebrated excellence across 12 categories. Here is the definitive list of every winner from the ceremony.

  • Entertainer of the Year: Morgan Wallen
  • Female Vocalist of the Year: Lainey Wilson
  • Male Vocalist of the Year: Chris Stapleton
  • Album of the Year: Higher – Chris Stapleton (Producers: Chris Stapleton, Dave Cobb, Morgane Stapleton; Mix Engineer: Vance Powell)
  • Single of the Year: "White Horse" – Chris Stapleton (Producers: Chris Stapleton, Dave Cobb; Mix Engineer: Vance Powell)
  • Song of the Year: "White Horse" – Chris Stapleton (Songwriters: Chris Stapleton, Dan Wilson)
  • New Artist of the Year: Megan Moroney
  • Vocal Group of the Year: Old Dominion
  • Vocal Duo of the Year: Brooks & Dunn
  • Musical Event of the Year: "Man Made a Bar" – Morgan Wallen ft. Eric Church
  • Music Video of the Year: "Take Me to Church" – Jelly Roll (Director: Patrick Tohill)
  • Musician of the Year: Jenee Fleenor (Fiddle)
  • The Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award: George Strait

The Biggest Winners and Shocking Snubs of the Night

While the full list of winners paints a picture of the night's success, the true drama lies in the artists who dominated and those who were surprisingly overlooked. This year’s CMA Awards had several high-stakes moments that left fans and critics talking.

The Chris Stapleton and Morgan Wallen Showdown

Chris Stapleton was the undisputed critical darling, walking away with three major trophies: Male Vocalist of the Year, Single of the Year for "White Horse," and Album of the Year for Higher. This hat trick underscored his status as a powerhouse vocalist and songwriter, reinforcing the traditional country sound at the heart of the genre. His Album of the Year win, in particular, was a major highlight, showcasing the depth of his songwriting and production.

In stark contrast, Morgan Wallen, who led the night with six nominations, secured two monumental wins: Entertainer of the Year (EOTY) and Musical Event of the Year for his collaboration "Man Made a Bar" with Eric Church. The EOTY victory was a massive surprise, not only because he beat out favorites like Luke Combs and Chris Stapleton, but because he was not in attendance to accept the award. This absence immediately became one of the most talked-about moments, highlighting the complex relationship between the industry and one of its biggest stars.

Lainey Wilson's Reign Continues and Megan Moroney's Ascent

Lainey Wilson, who co-hosted the ceremony, continued her incredible run by winning Female Vocalist of the Year. This win solidifies her position as the leading female voice in country music, following a string of major successes in recent years. Her presence as a host alongside Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning also marked a significant moment, showcasing her versatility and star power.

The New Artist of the Year category saw Megan Moroney take the prize, beating out a strong field that included Jelly Roll. Moroney’s success is a testament to the viral power of her music and her rapid rise to mainstream fame. Her victory signifies a fresh wave of talent breaking through the industry's ranks.

The Most Talked-About Performances and Emotional Tributes

Beyond the awards themselves, the CMA ceremony is always defined by its live performances, and 2024 was no exception. Several collaborations and tributes stole the show, adding a layer of emotional depth and star-studded spectacle.

Unforgettable Musical Moments

One of the night's most powerful performances came from Thomas Rhett and Teddy Swims, who joined forces for a powerhouse collaboration. This cross-genre pairing was a highlight, blending country and soul to a rapturous response from the audience. Other notable performances included sets from Jelly Roll, who also took home an award for Music Video of the Year, and the co-host, Lainey Wilson.

A Tribute to a Legend

The ceremony included a moving tribute to George Strait, who was honored with the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. The tribute featured stirring performances by Brandi Carlile and Patty Loveless, which brought the entire audience to its feet. Strait's acceptance of the award was a powerful reminder of his monumental and lasting impact on the genre, providing a moment of genuine reverence amidst the competitive nature of the awards.

What the 2024 CMA Awards Say About Country Music’s Future

The results of the 2024 CMA Awards offer a clear snapshot of the current landscape of country music: it is a genre simultaneously embracing its traditional roots and navigating the complexities of modern stardom.

The wins for Chris Stapleton and Brooks & Dunn (Vocal Duo of the Year) demonstrate the industry’s continued respect for established, traditional artists. Their victories ensure that the classic sound remains a cornerstone of the genre.

However, the Entertainer of the Year win by the absent Morgan Wallen and the rise of New Artist Megan Moroney signal a shift toward a new era of mainstream country. This new guard, which also includes Jelly Roll, is driven by massive streaming numbers and a blend of country, rock, and hip-hop influences, sometimes operating outside the traditional Nashville system.

Ultimately, the 58th Annual CMA Awards was a celebration of diversity and change, honoring both the timeless sound of artists like George Strait and the modern dominance of figures like Morgan Wallen, setting the stage for an exciting and unpredictable future for country music.

cma awards 2024 winners
cma awards 2024 winners

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