CMA Awards Recap — Morgan Wallen, Chris Stapleton Wins

The 58th annual Country Music Association Awards kicked off in Nashville on Wednesday, recognizing the year's biggest talent across the genre.

The 58th annual Country Music Association Awards kicked off in Nashville on Wednesday night, with winners including Morgan Wallen, who earned the night's most coveted prize — although he unfortunately wasn't in attendance to claim it personally. The awards show was broadcast live on ABC and is available to stream today on Hulu, hosted by Lainey Wilson, Luke Bryanoath Peyton Manning at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena.

It's not clear why Morgan Wallen was absent from the night's event, having wrapped his One Night at a Time Tour last month. He was the most nominated artist this year, with nods for entertainer, single of the year, song of the year, male vocalist of the year, music video of the year, and musical event of the year.

The 31-year-old Wallen was honored with Entertainer of the Year, accepted on his behalf by presenter Jeff Bridges, while Megan Moroney took home New Artist of the Year. Cody Johnson won Album of the Year with Leather, and Chris Stapleton's “White Horse” won both Single of the Year and Song of the Year. The evening also honored George Strait with the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.

Here's a full list of winners at the 2024 Country Music Association Awards.

Entertainer of the Year

Album of the Year

Male Vocalist of the Year

Female Vocalist of the Year

Vocal Group of the Year

Vocal Duo of the Year

Single of the Year

• “White Horse” — Chris Stapleton

Song of the Year

• “White Horse” — Chris Stapleton

New Artist of the Year

Musician of the Year

Music Video of the Year

• “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” — Lainey Wilson

Musical Event of the Year

• “You Look Like You Love Me” — Ella Langley (ft. Riley Green)

Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement of the Year