Country music’s biggest night is shaping up to be one exciting event!
The occasion marks Bryan’sfirst time hostingthe ceremony. The last person to host the awards show on their own wasVince Gillin 2003 — the last year he hosted the awards show during a 10-year solo hosting streak. (He also hosted the 1992 and 1993 ceremonies withReba McEntireandClint Black, respectively.)
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Audience members in attendance were required to prove their full vaccination status againstCOVID-19and wear appropriate face coverings throughout the evening, asBillboardpreviously reported.
Check out PEOPLE’sfull CMA Awards coverageto get the latest news on country music’s biggest night.
Chris Stapleton; Jimmie Allen; Brothers Osborne.ABC (3)
Kelsea Balleriniand Kenny Chesney picked up the first two awards ahead of the show, winning musical event of the year and music video of the year for “half of my hometown.”
Ballerini — who posted tearful Instagram stories upon hearing the news Wednesday morning — said in a statement, “I’m so proud that my first two CMAs are for a song that represents my roots and also celebrates the dream that made me leave to chase it down. I remember growing up in Knoxville watching the CMAs…So this feels surreal and special to share this with so many of my songwriting friends, and my hometown hero Kenny Chesney. I can’t think of a better moment to keep on my shelf forever.”
“Growing up in East Tennessee, it’s a deeper kind of home. You have to have lived it to really understand,” added Chesney. “Kelsea knows that, knows how hard it is to leave to chase a dream like music. It’s what made being part of “half of my hometown” so special! I know that feeling of everyone having an opinion, hating leaving all that love and needing to go out and find your place in the songs.”
Kelsea Ballerini.kelsea ballerini/instagram
Looking to see who won in each category? Check out the complete list of CMA Awards winners below, which will be updated through the evening:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
SONG OF THE YEARAward goes to Songwriter(s)
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEARAward goes to Artist(s) and Director(s)
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
CMA MEDIA ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
The CMA Awards are broadcasting live from Nashville on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
source: people.com
