The 2024 CMA Awards Recap: 5 Biggest Moments And The Full List Of Winners

The 58th Annual Country Music Association Awards, held on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, delivered a night of monumental wins and unforgettable performances, solidifying the current landscape of country music. This year's ceremony, broadcast live on ABC and available the next day on Hulu, was a powerful showcase of both established legends and the genre's newest superstars, with a trio of dynamic hosts—Luke Bryan, Lainey Wilson, and Peyton Manning—keeping the energy high from start to finish. The evening was defined by a handful of artists who dominated the major categories, signaling a significant shift in the industry's top tier.

The 2024 CMA Awards will be remembered as the night Morgan Wallen finally claimed the industry's highest honor, while Chris Stapleton swept the major song and album categories, and Lainey Wilson continued her reign as the genre's leading female voice. From the surprise collaborations to the emotional acceptance speeches, the event provided a definitive capstone to the year in country music, honoring the best songs, albums, and artists of the past twelve months. This in-depth recap covers the most crucial moments and the complete list of winners from "Country Music's Biggest Night."

The Definitive 2024 CMA Awards Winners List

The nominations, announced on September 9, 2024, were led by Morgan Wallen with seven nods, closely followed by Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson, and Jelly Roll. The ceremony saw a mix of expected wins and a few notable upsets, with several artists taking home multiple trophies. The results below represent the artists and works that defined the 2024 country music calendar.

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• Entertainer of the Year: Morgan Wallen (WINNER)
• Female Vocalist of the Year: Lainey Wilson (WINNER)
• Male Vocalist of the Year: Chris Stapleton (WINNER)
• Single of the Year (Awarded to Artist, Producer, and Mix Engineer): "White Horse" – Chris Stapleton (WINNER)
  • Producer: Chris Stapleton, Dave Cobb
  • Mix Engineer: Vance Powell
• Album of the Year (Awarded to Artist, Producer, and Mix Engineer): Higher – Chris Stapleton (WINNER)
  • Producers: Chris Stapleton, Dave Cobb, Morgane Stapleton
  • Mix Engineer: Vance Powell
• Song of the Year (Awarded to Songwriters): "Next Thing You Know" – Jordan Davis (WINNER)
  • Songwriters: Jordan Davis, Greylan James, Chase McGill, Josh Osborne
• Vocal Group of the Year: Old Dominion (WINNER)
• Vocal Duo of the Year: Brooks & Dunn (WINNER)
• New Artist of the Year: Megan Moroney (WINNER)
• Musical Event of the Year (Awarded to Artists and Producer): "Different 'Round Here" – Riley Green ft. Luke Combs (WINNER)
  • Producers: Dann Huff
• Musician of the Year: Derek Wells (WINNER)

The Top 5 Must-See Moments From Country Music's Biggest Night

Beyond the trophy haul, the 58th Annual CMA Awards were packed with high-octane performances, emotional tributes, and comedic gold from the hosting trio. The atmosphere inside the Bridgestone Arena was electric, celebrating the genre's continued mainstream dominance.

1. Morgan Wallen's Emotional Entertainer of the Year Victory

The biggest award of the night, Entertainer of the Year, went to Morgan Wallen, marking a monumental achievement for the artist who has become a cultural phenomenon. Wallen, who led the nominations with seven nods, ended a four-year winning drought in this category, beating out formidable contenders like Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, and Lainey Wilson. His acceptance speech was a heartfelt moment, thanking his fans and collaborators for their unwavering support. The win cemented his status as the undisputed commercial king of country music in 2024, acknowledging his record-breaking *One Thing at a Time* album and massive stadium tour. His victory was a major talking point, given the immense competition in the category.

2. Chris Stapleton's Dominant Sweep in Major Categories

While Wallen took the top prize, Chris Stapleton was the most decorated artist of the evening, walking away with three major awards: Male Vocalist of the Year, Single of the Year for "White Horse," and Album of the Year for *Higher*. Stapleton’s triple win underscored his consistent critical acclaim and artistic integrity. "White Horse," a signature blend of country, rock, and blues, proved irresistible to voters, while *Higher* demonstrated his masterful songwriting and production chops. His success in the Male Vocalist category, a title he has claimed multiple times, further solidifies his standing as one of the most respected vocalists in country music history.

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3. George Strait Honored with the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award

A truly special moment of the night was the presentation of the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award to the legendary "King of Country," George Strait. This prestigious honor recognizes an artist who has achieved the highest degree of recognition in country music, both creatively and commercially. The segment included a moving tribute performance by several major artists and highlighted Strait's unparalleled career, which includes over 60 number one hits. His presence and acceptance speech brought a moment of reverence and history to the modern awards show, reminding everyone of the genre's rich heritage.

4. The Hosting Trio's Chemistry and Lainey Wilson's Female Vocalist Win

The hosting duties, shared by returning favorites Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, were elevated by the addition of reigning Female Vocalist of the Year, Lainey Wilson. The trio’s chemistry—combining Bryan's charm, Manning's comedic timing, and Wilson's authentic energy—was a highlight of the broadcast. Wilson’s own win for Female Vocalist of the Year was a powerful moment, confirming her back-to-back success in the category and reinforcing her as a leading voice for women in country music. Her continued popularity, driven by her "Bell Bottom Country" style, was a central theme of the 2024 ceremony.

5. Unexpected and High-Impact Collaborations

The CMA Awards are always a stage for unique musical pairings, and 2024 was no exception. One of the most talked-about performances was the collaboration between Thomas Rhett and R&B/soul sensation Teddy Swims. Their powerful joint performance crossed genre lines and delivered a vocal powerhouse moment that captivated the audience. Additionally, a stunning acoustic set by Dierks Bentley, joined by bluegrass and Americana virtuosos Sierra Hull, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, and Molly Tuttle, provided a beautiful, roots-focused contrast to the night's pop-country energy, showcasing the diverse musical landscape of the genre.

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The 2024 CMA Awards Legacy and Topical Authority

The 58th Annual CMA Awards were a definitive statement on the state of country music, balancing tradition with explosive commercial success. The major winners—Morgan Wallen, Chris Stapleton, and Lainey Wilson—represent the three pillars of the contemporary genre: the massive, streaming-driven superstar; the critically acclaimed, genre-bending songwriter; and the authentic, female powerhouse. Their collective dominance provides significant topical authority for the year 2024.

The ceremony also highlighted the enduring careers of artists like Brooks & Dunn and Old Dominion, who continue to win in the Vocal Duo and Vocal Group categories, respectively. New Artist of the Year Megan Moroney, with her breakout hit "Tennessee Orange," signaled a bright future for the genre, proving that fresh voices can still break through the crowded field. The evening's focus on both the platinum-selling albums (*Higher*) and the chart-topping singles ("White Horse") ensures that the 2024 CMA Awards will be remembered as a night of artistic and commercial validation for country music's elite.