CMA Awards 2023 recap: All the biggest wins and epic performances

Tracy Chapman won the CMA Award for song of the year for "Fast Car," which was originally released back in 1988 on Chapman's self-titled debut studio album, and re-recorded as a cover by Luke Combs for his 2023 album, "Gettin' Old."

Presenter and country singer Sara Evans read a message on behalf of Chapman, who was not in attendance at the awards show. "I'm sorry I couldn't join you all tonight," Chapman said in her message. "It's truly an honor for my song to be newly recognized after 35 years of its debut. Thank you to the CMAs and a special thanks to Luke and all of the fans of 'Fast Car.'"

Other nominees in the category included Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson and Lainey Wilson for "Heart Like a Truck"; Jordan Davis, Greylan James, Chase McGill and Josh Osborne for "Next Thing You Know"; David Fanning, Paul Jenkins, Megan Moroney and Ben Williams for "Tennessee Orange"; and Renee Blair, Michael Hardy, Hunter Phelps and Jordan Schmidt for "Wait in the Truck."

Luke Combs, along with Chip Matthews and Jonathan Singleton, won the CMA Award for single of the year for his cover of "Fast Car.”

"First and foremost, I wanna thank Tracy Chapman for writing one of the best songs of all time," Combs said while accepting the award. "I just recorded it because I love the song so much. It's just meant so much to me in my entire life."

Other nominees in the category included Lainey Wilson for "Heart Like a Truck," Jelly Roll for "Need a Favor," Jordan Davis for "Next Thing You Know" and HARDY for "Wait in the Truck" featuring Wilson.

Singer Jelly Roll kicked off the CMA Awards with a performance of his hit song. "Need a Favor," alongside country music legend Wynonna Judd.

Jelly Roll is nominated for five awards tonight.

Some of country music's biggest stars walked the CMA Awards red carpet before the show.

Kelsea Ballerini stepped out in a pink, one-shoulder gown with her boyfriend, actor Chase Stokes, by her side. Mickey Guyton stepped out in a yellow minidress, and Nicole Kidman walked the red carpet with her husband Keith Urban, both of them in black ensembles.

Red was the color of the night, with several artists, including Ashley McBryde and Megan Moroney, opting for red gowns. Michael Trotter Jr. of the duo The War and Treaty also wore a unique red blazer with music details.