Hosted by American Idol’s Luke Bryan and NFL star Peyton Manning, the awards ceremony was not only attended by country music stars but also by The Good Nurse’s Jessica Chastain, Yellowstone’s Cole Hauser, the Napiers, and singer Lionel Richie.
The evening also featured stunning performances from Chris Stapleton and Patty Loveless, Kelsea Ballerini featuring Kelly Clarkson and Carly Pearce, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, and Elle King with The Black Keys, to name a few.
There were some big awards to hand out including the Lifetime Achievement Award, Entertainer of the Year, and Best New Artist.
Going into the ceremony, Lainey Wilson led the way with six nominations, including Album of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, New Artist of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Musical Event of the Year, and Song of the Year.
She is the fourth artist in history to debut on the CMA ballot with six nominations as a first-time nominee. Previous artists to hold the title include Glen Campbell, Brad Paisley, and Kacey Musgraves.
Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Chris Stapleton, and songwriter and producer Shane McAnally each had five nominations ahead of the ceremony.
Biggest CMA Awards 2022 Wins and Snubs
The biggest winner of the night was country singer and songwriter, Luke Combs.
He was named Entertainer of the Year at the CMA Awards, the second year in a row he has received the distinction. Not only that, Combs took home the award for Album of the Year for his album, Growin’ Up.
Accepting the award for Entertainer of the Year, Combs thanked his wife, Nicole.
He said: “I want to thank country music for making my dreams come true, my beautiful, beautiful wife Nicole, and our beautiful 4-and-a-half-month-old son Tex at home right now. This is a dream come true.”
Combs’s competition for the prestigious award were Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Carrie Underwood, and Morgan Wallen.
Acknowledging his competition, Combs, 32, said: “There is nobody in this category that doesn’t deserve to be standing up here.”
It was also a great evening for newcomer Lainey Wilson, 30, who took home the award for New Artist of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year.
Accepting her awards, Wilson said: “I know I’m new to a lot of folks, but I won’t let y’all all down. I promise you.”
Cody Johnson, 35, took home the prize for Single of the Year and Music Video of the Year for his song, “‘Til You Can’t.”
It was also a great evening for Chris Stapleton, who won Male Vocalist of the Year. Brothers Osborne won Vocal Duo of the Year, and Old Dominion was awarded Vocal Group of the Year.
Sadly, some music lovers’ favorite artists were snubbed at the ceremony.
Fans have been sharing their sadness for Carrie Underwood, 39, who, despite being up for Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, and Musical Event of the Year did not take home one award.
One fan tweeted: “Carrie Underwood should just stop going to the #CMAAwards. It’s the same ol’ every year. Invite her to sing, host, or whatever will drive ratings up then snub her on every single award for another male who sounds exactly like all the others. She’s too good for that show.”
A second fan added: “Another year another snub for Carrie Underwood. #CMAawards.”
A third Underwood fan tweeted: “My heart hurts for @carrieunderwood. The #CMAawards continue to snub her efforts, talents, and musicianship. Don’t worry, Carrie, we all see your hard work. It doesn’t go unnoticed. Your fans have your back and we love you.”
The CMA Awards Full Winners List
Entertainer of the Year
Luke Combs
New Artist of the Year
Lainey Wilson
Female Vocalist of the Year
Lainey Wilson
Male Vocalist of the Year
Chris Stapleton
Album of the Year
Growin’ Up by Luke Combs
Single of the Year
“Til You Can’t” by Cody Johnson
Song of the Year
“Buy Dirt” by songwriters: Jacob Davis, Jordan Davis, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins
Vocal Duo of the Year
Brothers Osborne
Music Video of the Year
“‘Til You Can’t” by Cody Johnson
Musical Event of the Year
“Never Wanted to Be That Girl” by Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde
Vocal Group of the Year
Old Dominion
Musician of the Year
Jenee Fleenor, fiddle
