Country music’s biggest night, the 2024 CMA Awards, kicked off on Wednesday at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.
Miranda Lambert, 41, commanded the star-studded red carpet in a timeless, floor-length black gown with off-the-shoulder sleeves, which she paired with a number of silver turquoise accents.
Kacey Musgraves, 36, was a vision of country glam in a form-fitting denim dress that was adorned with countless crystals and feather sleeves.
Lainey Wilson, 32, rocked a cool look featuring a bedazzled black blazer, sheer pants, a wide-brim hat, and a bolo tie.
The awards show will be hosted by Lainey, Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, and air live on ABC, before streaming the next day on Hulu.
Country music legend George Straight will receive the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. Performers of the night will include Chris Stapleton, Post Malone, Eric Church, Kelsea Ballerini, Jelly Roll, Keith Urban, Kacey Musgraves, and Shaboozey.
Kelsea Ballerini, 31, made a dazzling appearance in a magnificent silver sequin gown.
She was joined by boyfriend Chase Stokes, 32, who sported a black suit and white button up shirt. The singer and the Outer Banks actor shared a sweet moment on the red carpet as they leaned into each other and laughed.
Megan Moroney, 27, was the belle of the ball, sashaying down the red carpet in an electric blue mermaid gown.
The Tennessee Orange hitmaker’s long platinum blonde strands were styled in glamorous locks for the evening.
Megan is competing for Female Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year award.
Dasha, 24, had all eyes on her in an iridescent lavender gown with cut-outs in the front.
The Austin hitmaker accessorized with strappy silver heels and sparkling silver jewelry. Her hair was styled in bohemian waves.
Colbie Caillat, 39, was among the early arrivals and wowed in a black and silver asymmetrical gown with a sizzling thigh-high slit.
The beauty accessorized the ensemble with pointed-toe black heels and wore her blonde hair in cascading waves.
Ella Langley, 25, opted for a high-collar gothic black lace gown with black boots.
MacKenzie Porter, 34, shimmered in a metallic golden gown, her blonde hair styled in sleek, wet waves.
Miranda showed off her effortlessly chic Western style in a timeless, floor-length black gown with off-the-shoulder sleeves
She was joined by her husband Brendan McLoughlin, 33, who looked classy in a black suit
The duo have been married since 2019
Kacey was a vision in a form-fitting denim dress that was adorned with countless crystals
She completed the look with nude heels
Her raven tresses cascaded in a straight style down her back
Lainey thrilled in a bedazzled black blazer and sheer black pants
She wore a wide-brim black hat atop her long blonde tresses, and accessorized with a bolo tie
Kelsea Ballerini, 31, made a dazzling appearance in a magnificent silver sequin gown
The Cowboys Cry Too hitmaker highlighted her toned arms with the sleeveless ensemble
She showed off the gown from behind
She was joined by boyfriend Chase Stokes, 32, who sported a black suit and white button up shirt
The singer and the Outer Banks actor shared a sweet moment on the red carpet
Megan Moroney, 27, was the belle of the ball, sashaying down the red carpet in an electric blue mermaid gown
The Tennessee Orange hitmaker’s long platinum blonde strands were styled in glamorous locks for the evening
She matched her blue nail polish to her gown
Megan is competing for Female Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year award
Dasha, 24, had all eyes on her in an iridescent lavender gown with cut-outs in the front
She wore highlighted her stunning features with a touch of pink blush
Colbie Caillat, 39, sizzled as she kicked off the red carpet at the awards show earlier in the day
Colbie wowed in a black and silver asymmetrical gown with a sizzling thigh-high slit
She wore her blonde hair in cascading waves
She showed off her gown from the side
Ella Langley, 25, opted for a high-collar gothic black lace gown with black boots
The brunette beauty wore picture perfect glam for the occaion
She showed off the dramatic sleeves of her dress
MacKenzie Porter, 34, shimmered in a metallic golden gown, her blonde hair styled in sleek, wet waves
Country superstar Chris Stapleton, 46, was joined by stunning wife Morgan Stapleton, 41
The two have been married since 2007
Chris rocked his signature look which included a black suit with a stylishly distressed brown cowboy hat
Alana Springsteen rocked a form-fitting black sequin gown with a saucy thigh split and matching black heels.
Canadian singer-songwriter Meghan Patrick channeled Western glam in a brown leather mini dress paired with a suede fringe coat and matching fringe boots. Rounding out her cowgirl look was a brown cowboy hat and a number of turquoise jewels pieces.
She was joined by husband Mitchell Tenpenny, 35, who sported a dark green suit as well as a bolo tie and a cowboy hat.
Next Girl hitmaker Carly Pearce, 34, opted for a simple but chic white halter neck dress.
Ashley McBryde, 41, put on a busty display in a plunging violet caped gown.
Big Lebowski star Jeff Bridges, 74, looked cool as ever in an all-black look and a Western silver belt.
Country superstar Chris Stapleton, 46, was joined by stunning wife Morgan Stapleton, 41.
Chris rocked his signature look which included a black suit with a stylishly distressed brown cowboy hat. Meanwhile Morgan wowed in a black mini dress with a long train.
Katharine McPhee, 40, looked business chic in a black suit and black cowboy boots.
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Paul, 30, shimmered in a sequin golden gown.
Luke Bryan was joined by his wife Caroline, who stunned in a sparkling blue gown. Meanwhile Luke rocked a shimmering black suit.
Next Girl hitmaker Carly Pearce, 34, opted for a simple but chic white halter neck dress
She accessorized with dangling earrings
Ashley McBryde, 41, put on a busty display in a plunging violet caped gown
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Paul, 30, shimmered in a sequin golden gown
The reality TV star accessorized with gold hoops
Alana Springsteen rocked a form-fitting black sequin gown with a saucy thigh split
The blonde beauty wore a delicate gold ankle bracelet and a cross necklace
Her blonde hair was styled in bouncy locks
Katharine McPhee, 40, looked business chic in a black suit
She accessorized with green earrings
Big Lebowski star Jeff Bridges, 74, looked cool as ever in an all-black look and a Western silver belt
His silver tresses were slicked back
One of the night’s hosts, Luke Bryan, was joined by his wife Caroline, who stunned in a sparkling blue gown
Marcus King, 28, was joined by wife Briley who made a dramatic entrance on the red carpet in a feather yellow gown
Burn It Down hitmaker Parker McCollum, 32, looked handsome as ever in a black blazer and jeans, and was joined by his wife Hallie Ray Light McCollum, who thrilled in a black halter neck gown
Canadian singer-songwriter Meghan Patrick channeled Western glam in a brown leather mini dress paired with a suede fringe coat and matching fringe boots
She was joined by husband Mitchell Tenpenny, 35, who sported a dark green suit as well as a bolo tie and a cowboy hat
Molly Tuttle, 31, looked chic in an iridescent sleeveless dress
She wore large moon shaped earrings
Keith Urban, 57, sported a laid-back look, wearing a sherpa collar jacket with a black t-shirt and jeans
He accessorized with silver jewelry
Angelina Jolie’s ex-husband Billy Bob Thornton, 69, made a fashion statement in a unique black hat paired with a layer of silver necklaces
He was one of the night’s presenters
Shaboozey, 29, showed off his trendy style in a unique mint green suit
Actor Daniel Sunjata, 52, showed off his distinctive style in a fuzzy blue and white coat while Caleb Pressley, 32, rocked a Western inspired look which included a turquoise bolo tie.
Tucker Wetmore, 25, cut a handsome figure in an olive green velvet suit and a black cowboy hat.
Shaboozey, 29, showed off his trendy style in a unique mint green suit, while Keith Urban, 57, sported a laid-back look, wearing a sherpa collar jacket with a black t-shirt and jeans.
Angelina Jolie’s ex-husband Billy Bob Thornton, 69, made a fashion statement in a unique black hat paired with a layer of silver necklaces.
Marcus King, 28, was joined by wife Briley who made a dramatic entrance on the red carpet in a feather yellow gown.
Burn It Down hitmaker Parker McCollum, 32, looked handsome as ever in a black blazer and jeans, and was joined by his wife Hallie Ray Light McCollum, who thrilled in a black halter neck gown.
Brad Tursi, Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen and Geoff Sprung of Old Dominion looked dapper in suits for the night.
Nate Smith, 39, exuded a rugged charm in a black leather jacket.
Dustin Lynch and Patti Lynch flashed bright smiles on the red carpet
Jordan Reid Phillips and Josh Phillips made a glamorous pair
Tucker Wetmore, 25, cut a handsome figure in an olive green velvet suit and a black cowboy hat
He accessorized with two silver chains
He sported a well-groomed mustache
Morgan Wallen is this year’s most-nominated artist at the upcoming 2024 CMA Awards.
The musician, 31, has scored an impressive seven nominations at the Country Music Association Awards.
For a third year in a row, Wallen is up for both the top prize – entertainer of the year – and the male vocalist categories.
Following in second place are Cody Johnson and Chris Stapleton, who both nabbed five nominations.
Lainey Wilson and Post Malone are also both up for four nominations. Malone’s nominations all come from his collaboration with Wallen, I Had Some Help.
I Had Some Help has been nominated for for single, song, musical event and music video of the year.
Louis Bell, Luke Combs, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins, Jelly Roll, and Kacey Musgraves are all up for three awards.
Beyonce, who released her full-length country album Country Carter this year, notably did not receive any nominations.
Earlier this year, the album hit No. 1 on the Billboard country albums chart, making her the first Black woman to top the chart since its 1964 inception.
Nate Smith, 39, exuded a rugged charm in a black leather jacket
Caleb Pressley, 32, rocked a Western inspired look which included a turquoise bolo tie
Actor Daniel Sunjata, 52, showed off his distinctive style in a fuzzy blue and white coat
Brad Tursi, Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen and Geoff Sprung of Old Dominion looked dapper in suits for the night
Host Luke Bryan recently hit back at backlash over his ‘negative’ comments on Beyonce’s country album being snubbed at the CMA Awards.
The musician ruffled feathers when he revealed he wanted Beyonce to ‘get in the family’ of country music after she failed to receive a single nomination at the awards – during an appearance on Andy Cohen Live on SiriusXM.
Bryan spoke out about Beyonce’s foray into country days before news broke that she has submitted her album Cowboy Carter to the Grammy Awards in the country category.
Later Bryan took to X to clarify his remarks, saying he ‘wants everyone to win’ and ‘loves’ Beyonce.
Beyonce also went winless amid 12 nominations at the recent People’s Choice Country Awards.
Beyoncé’s history with the CMAs prior to the nominations being announced to controversy earlier this month included a 2016 collaboration with The Chicks of the track Daddy Lessons, which garnered a number of racist reactions online.
Post Malone thrilled the crowd with a performance
He rocked a Western inspired look
Beyoncé on March 19 said in an Instagram post that that her country album ‘was born out of an experience that I had years ago where I did not feel welcomed…and it was very clear that I wasn’t.’
She added, ‘But, because of that experience, I did a deeper dive into the history of Country music and studied our rich musical archive.
‘It feels good to see how music can unite so many people around the world, while also amplifying the voices of some of the people who have dedicated so much of their lives educating on our musical history.’
Beyoncé’s father Mathew Knowles told TMZ on September 9 that the CMAs snubbing of his daughter’s record, released March 29, ‘speaks for itself.’
2024 CMA Award Nominations
Entertainer of the Year
Luke Combs
Jelly Roll
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
Lainey Wilson
Album of the Year
Deeper Well – Kacey Musgraves; Producers: Ian Fitchuk, Kacey Musgraves, Daniel Tashian; Mix engineers: Shawn Everett, Konrad Snyder
Fathers & Sons – Luke Combs; Producers: Luke Combs, Chase Matthews, Jonathan Singleton; Mix engineer: Chip Matthews
Higher – Chris Stapleton; Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton, Morgane Stapleton; Mix engineer: Vance Powell
Leather – Cody Johnson; Producer: Trent Willmon; Mix engineer: Jack Clarke
Whitsitt Chapel – Jelly Roll; Producers: Andrew Baylis, Brock Berryhill, Zach Crowell, Jesse Frasure, David Garcia, Kevin “Thrasher” Gruft, Austin Nivarel, David Ray Stevens; Mix engineers: Jeff Braun, Jim Cooley
Morgan Wallen is the most-nominated artist this year with seven nods
Female Vocalist of the Year
Kelsea Ballerini
Ashley McBryde
Megan Moroney
Kacey Musgraves
Lainey Wilson
Male Vocalist of the Year
Luke Combs
Jelly Roll
Cody Johnson
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
Vocal Group of the Year
Lady A
Little Big Town
Old Dominion
The Red Clay Strays
Zac Brown Band
Vocal Duo of the Year
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Maddie & Tae
The War And Treaty
New Artist of the Year
Megan Moroney
Shaboozey
Nate Smith
Mitchell Tenpenny
Zach Top
Bailey Zimmerman
Single of the Year
A Bar Song (Tipsy) – Shaboozey; Producers: Sean Cook, Nevin Sastry; Mix engineer: Raul Lopez
Dirt Cheap – Cody Johnson; Producer: Trent Willmon; Mix engineer: Jack Clarke
I Had Some Help – Post Malone (Feat. Morgan Wallen); Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins; Mix engineer: Ryan Gore
Watermelon Moonshine – Lainey Wilson; Producer: Jay Joyce; Mix engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
White Horse – Chris Stapleton; Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton, Morgane Stapleton; Mix engineer: Vance Powell (WINNER)
Song of the Year
Burn It Down – Hillary Lindsey, Parker McCollum, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose
Dirt Cheap – Josh Phillips
I Had Some Help – Louis Bell, Ashley Gorley, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins, Austin Post, Ernest Keith Smith, Morgan Wallen, Chandler Paul Walters
The Painter – Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins, Ryan Larkins
White Horse – Chris Stapleton, Dan Wilson (WINNER)
Musical Event of the Year
Cowboys Cry Too – Kelsea Ballerini (with Noah Kahan); Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Alysa Vanderheym
I Had Some Help – Post Malone (Feat. Morgan Wallen); Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins
I Remember Everything – Zach Bryan (ft. Kacey Musgraves); Producer: Zach Bryan
Man Made A Bar – Zach Bryan (ft. Kacey Musgraves); Producer: Joey Moi
you look like you love me – Ella Langley (feat. Riley Green); Producer: Will Bundy
Music Video of the Year
Dirt Cheap – Cody Johnson, directed by Dustin Haney
I Had Some Help – Post Malone (Feat. Morgan Wallen), directed by Chris Villa
I’m Not Pretty – Megan Moroney, directed by Jeff Johnson and Megan Moroney
The Painter – Cody Johnson, directed by Dustin Haney
Wildflowers and Wild Horses – Lainey Wilson, directed by Patrick Tracy
Musician of the Year
Tom Bukovac
Jenee Fleenor
Paul Franklin
Rob McNelley
Charlie Worsham
