Country music set up a party on Wednesday night as the CMA Awards were presented.
First-time candidate Lainey Wilson topped the list of nominees going into the show and finished the night with significant successes, including the new artist of the year and female vocalist of the year.
The emotional Wilson proclaimed in one acknowledgment discourse: “I know I’m new to a lot of folks, but I won’t let y’all all down. I promise you”.
Luke combs likewise had a major evening, making that big appearance both as a performer and winner. Combs won the coveted entertainer of the year award and album of the year.
The night started off with a moving tribute to the late Loretta Lynn, with Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, and Carrie Underwood making that big appearance together. Jerry Lee Lewis, who passed on last month at age 87, was likewise regarded in a presentation by Elle Ruler and The Dark Keys.
Different performers included Kelly Clarkson, who performed with Kelsea Ballerini and Carly Pearce, and Luke Bryan, who pulled double duty as host alongside Peyton Monitoring.
Dierks Bentley and Wilson were likewise among a group of artists who made that big appearance to honor Alan Jackson, the recipient of the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.
WATCH: PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS 2022
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs *WINNER
Miranda Lambert
Chris Stapleton
Carrie Underwood
Morgan Wallen
READ MORE: MTV EMA’S AWARDS 2022
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
“Buy Dirt” – Jordan Davis featuring Luke Bryan
“half of my hometown” – Kelsea Ballerini featuring Kenny Chesney
“Never Wanted To Be That Girl” – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde
“‘Til You Can’t” – Cody Johnson *WINNER
“You Should Probably Leave” – Chris Stapleton
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
“Growin’ Up” – Luke Combs *WINNER
“Humble Quest” – Maren Morris
“Palomino” – Miranda Lambert
“Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’” – Lainey Wilson
“Time, Tequila & Therapy” – Old Dominion
SONG OF THE YEAR
“Buy Dirt” – Jordan Davis featuring Luke Bryan *WINNER
“Never Wanted To Be That Girl” – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde
“Sand In My Boots” – Morgan Wallen
“Things A Man Oughta Know” – Lainey Wilson
“You Should Probably Leave” – Chris Stapleton
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Miranda Lambert
Ashley McBryde
Carly Pearce
Carrie Underwood
Lainey Wilson *WINNER
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Eric Church
Luke Combs
Cody Johnson
Chris Stapleton *WINNER
Morgan Wallen
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Lady A
Little Big Town
Midland
Old Dominion *WINNER
Zac Brown Band
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne *WINNER
Dan + Shay
LOCASH
Maddie & Tae
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
“Beers On Me” – Dierks Bentley with BRELAND & HARDY
“If I Didn’t Love You” – Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood
“Longneck Way To Go” – Midland featuring Jon Pardi
“Never Say Never” – Cole Swindell with Lainey Wilson
“Never Wanted To Be That Girl” – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde *WINNER
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Jenee Fleenor, Fiddle *WINNER
Paul Franklin, Steel guitar
Brent Mason, Guitar
Ilya Toshinskiy, Banjo
Derek Wells, Guitar
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
“I Bet You Think About Me” (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault) – Taylor Swift featuring Chris Stapleton
“Longneck Way To Go” – Midland featuring Jon Pardi
“Never Say Never” – Cole Swindell with Lainey Wilson
“Never Wanted To Be That Girl” – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde
“‘Til You Can’t” – Cody Johnson *WINNER
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
HARDY
Walker Hayes
Cody Johnson
Parker McCollum
Lainey Wilson *WINNER