The Country Music Association's 49th annual CMA Awards were held last night and aired live on ABC. It was a big coming out party for Chris Stapleton, but Luke Bryan ultimately came home with the top prize.
Stapleton won all three awards he was competing for, even beating Bryan for Male Vocalist of the Year. He also won New Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for Traveler, his debut album.
Despite those wins, Stapleton wasn’t even up for Entertainer of the Year, the top prize on the night. Bryan came out victorious, beating Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church and Miranda Lambert. Amazingly, it was the only win for Bryan all night. The only other nomination he received was for Male Vocalist.
Lambert won Female Vocalist of the Year, her only award on the night. Little Big Town won Vocal Group of the Year and Single of the Year for “Girl Crush.”
Florida Georgia Line picked up Vocal Duo of the Year. Song of the Year went to the writers of “Girl Crush,” Liz Rose, Lori McKenna and Hillary Lindsey. Keith Urban and Eric Church’s “Raise ‘Em Up” won Musical Event of the Year.
Music Video of the Year went to Maddie & Tae’s “Girl in a Country Song.” Guitarist Mac McAnally won Musician of the Year.