CMA Awards 2024 recap: All the biggest wins and epic performances

Morgan Wallen won the coveted entertainer of the year award.

ByHayley FitzPatrick, Carson Blackwelder, Angeline Jane Bernabe, and Mason Leib via GMA logo
Last Updated: November 20, 2024, 11:18 PM EST

The biggest names in country music were honored at the 2024 CMA Awards Wednesday night.

Morgan Wallen, who had the most nominations going into the evening, took home the coveted entertainer of the year award. He was not in attendance to accept the award.

Chris Stapleton and Lainey Wilson took home best male and female vocalist of the year, respectively. Stapleton also took home song of the year and single of the year for his hit "White Horse."

Cody Johnson brought home the award for album of the year for "Leather."

Music video of the year went to Wilson for her "Wildflowers and Wild Horses" video.

Megan Moroney was honored with the new artist of the year award.

The star-studded show was co-hosted by Wilson, Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning.

See a recap of the night's biggest moments below.

Key moments:

Here's how the night unfolded. All times Eastern.
Nov 20, 2024, 10:50 PM EST

Lainey Wilson wins female vocalist of the year

Lainey Wilson took home the CMA Award for female vocalist of the year.

During her acceptance speech, Wilson thanked her mom and dad, as well as the broader country music community.

"Man, this community has wrapped its arms around me and lifted me up from the get-go," she said.

Lainey Wilson accepts the Female Vocalist of the Year Award onstage during The 58th Annual CMA Awards, Nov. 20, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
Theo Wargo/Getty Images

"I've always been told that if you feel like you got a gift, you're supposed to share it," she continued, "and I think that means whether you drive a tractor or pour coffee, make people smile or laugh, whatever that is, I think you're supposed to share that gift. And I just want to say thank y'all so much for letting me share mine."

Other nominees in the category included Kelsea Ballerini, Ashley McBryde, Megan Moroney and Kacey Musgraves.

Nov 20, 2024, 10:39 PM EST

Eric Church performs his song 'Darkest Hour'

Eric Church performed his song "Darkest Hour" at the 2024 CMA Awards.

Church released the song in October and donated all of his publishing royalties from the song in perpetuity to providing relief for those affected by Hurricane Helene.

Eric Church performs onstage during The 58th Annual CMA Awards, Nov. 20, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
Theo Wargo/Getty Images
Nov 20, 2024, 10:31 PM EST

Luke Bryan performs his song 'Love You, Miss You, Mean It'

CMA Awards co-host Luke Bryan took the stage to perform his song "Love You, Miss You, Mean It."

The song, which was released in April, is featured on the "American Idol" host's album "Mind of a Country Boy," which was released in September.

Luke Bryan performs onstage during The 58th Annual CMA Awards, Nov. 20, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
Theo Wargo/Getty Images

Nov 20, 2024, 10:31 PM EST

Chris Stapleton wins male vocalist of the year

Chris Stapleton took home the CMA Award for male vocalist of the year on Wednesday. This is his eighth win in the category.

"I love all of y'all so much," Stapleton said in his acceptance speech, adding that it was an honor to be nominated in the category. He also gave a shoutout to his kids, telling them they could "go to bed now."

Other nominees in the category included Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson and Morgan Wallen.

Chris Stapleton accepts the Male Vocalist of the Year Award during the 58th Annual CMA Awards, Nov. 20, 2024, in Nashville.
Theo Wargo/Getty Images

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