CMA Awards 2024: Hosts Toast to Toby Keith, Jelly Roll Brings Crowd to Tears and More Highlights

Mar. 15, 2025

Luke Bryan, Peyton Manning and Lainey Wilson.Photo:CMA/ABC

CMA/ABC

The2024 CMA Awardswere a big ole party!

“I could not be more excited to host the CMA Awards this year with Luke and Peyton. It’s such an incredible honor and something I’ve always dreamed of doing. We’re planning a really great show for y’all, so make sure to watch on Nov. 20,” said Wilson in a press release.

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Performers include Bryan, Wilson,Dierks Bentley, Sierra Hull, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes,Ashley McBryde, Post Malone, Shaboozey,Chris Stapleton, Teddy Swims,Thomas Rhett, Molly Tuttle,Brooks & Dunn, Musgraves,Eric Church, Riley Green,Cody Johnson,Ella Langley,Noah Kahan,Megan Moroney, andBailey Zimmerman.

From red carpet looks to major performance moments, PEOPLE has all the highlights you need to see from the 2024 CMA Awards.

PEOPLE Has the Complete 2024 CMA Awards Winners ListNovember 20, 2024 11:28 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostMegan Moroney, Chris Stapleton and Lainey Wilson.Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty; Theo Wargo/Getty (2)The 2024 CMA Awards have concluded, and the stars are off to polish their trophies.PEOPLE has everything you need to know about who took home awards — from Morgan Wallen to Lainey Wilson — in ourcomprehensive winners list here.

PEOPLE Has the Complete 2024 CMA Awards Winners List

November 20, 2024 11:28 PM EST

Megan Moroney, Chris Stapleton and Lainey Wilson.Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty; Theo Wargo/Getty (2)

Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty; Theo Wargo/Getty (2)

The 2024 CMA Awards have concluded, and the stars are off to polish their trophies.

PEOPLE has everything you need to know about who took home awards — from Morgan Wallen to Lainey Wilson — in ourcomprehensive winners list here.

Keith Urban Throws Guitar Offstage — and Crew Member Catches It! — During ‘Liar’ Performance with Jelly RollNovember 20, 2024 11:25 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostKeith Urban and Jelly Roll in Nashville in November 2024.Theo Wargo/GettyJelly Roll belted out a rousing version of his latest single, “Liar,” withKeith Urbanon acoustic guitar — with an electric guitar behind his back.Midway through the performance, Urban took off his acoustic guitar and chucked it offstage to a crew member, who impressively caught the instrument. The camera then immediately panned back to Urban, who was already strumming his electric guitar.“Liar” appears on Jelly’sBeautifully Brokenalbum. He recently released a deluxe version of the project featuring a collaboration with Urban titled “Don’t Want To.”

Keith Urban Throws Guitar Offstage — and Crew Member Catches It! — During ‘Liar’ Performance with Jelly Roll

November 20, 2024 11:25 PM EST

Keith Urban and Jelly Roll in Nashville in November 2024.Theo Wargo/Getty

Theo Wargo/Getty

Jelly Roll belted out a rousing version of his latest single, “Liar,” withKeith Urbanon acoustic guitar — with an electric guitar behind his back.

Midway through the performance, Urban took off his acoustic guitar and chucked it offstage to a crew member, who impressively caught the instrument. The camera then immediately panned back to Urban, who was already strumming his electric guitar.

“Liar” appears on Jelly’sBeautifully Brokenalbum. He recently released a deluxe version of the project featuring a collaboration with Urban titled “Don’t Want To.”

November 20, 2024 10:41 PM EST

Luke Combs in Nashville in November 2024.Theo Wargo/Getty

“We all know about the natural disaster that struck my home state of North Carolina and my now-home state of Tennessee in the last week of September,” said Combs.

“When I saw the devastation and saw how many people were suffering, the first person I called to help was my friend and fellow Tar Heel nativeEric Church,” added the singer, who held abenefit concert with Church and other musicians last month.

Church then entered the stage to perform an emotional rendition of “Darkest Hour.”

Bailey Zimmerman Plays Beer Pong on Stage While Performing ‘New to Country’November 20, 2024 10:16 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostBailey Zimmerman in Nashville in November 2024.ABCBailey Zimmermandelivered a raucous performance of his single “New to Country.” The star descended onto the stage from above alongside a large set piece of his initials, “BZ.”The stage itself was essentially a frat party filled with guys, and Zimmerman himself joined in on the fun, walking up to a beer pong table and throwing a ball. He finished the performance with a celebratory pose on someone else’s shoulders.

Bailey Zimmerman Plays Beer Pong on Stage While Performing ‘New to Country’

November 20, 2024 10:16 PM EST

Bailey Zimmerman in Nashville in November 2024.ABC

ABC

Bailey Zimmermandelivered a raucous performance of his single “New to Country.” The star descended onto the stage from above alongside a large set piece of his initials, “BZ.”

The stage itself was essentially a frat party filled with guys, and Zimmerman himself joined in on the fun, walking up to a beer pong table and throwing a ball. He finished the performance with a celebratory pose on someone else’s shoulders.

Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan Pose for Fun Photos Backstage After Performing ‘Cowboys Cry Too’November 20, 2024 10:01 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostKelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan in Nashville in November 2024.John Shearer/GettyKelsea BalleriniandNoah Kahanscored a hit earlier this year with “Cowboys Cry Too,” which they performed together on the awards show.Later in the evening, the two musicians posed for photos backstage, serving up some goofy poses and clearly enjoying themselves.“Cowboys Cry Too” appears on Ballerini’s latest album,Patterns, and the song earned a 2024 CMA Award nomination for musical event of the year. She also earned a nod for female vocalist of the year.

Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan Pose for Fun Photos Backstage After Performing ‘Cowboys Cry Too’

November 20, 2024 10:01 PM EST

Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan in Nashville in November 2024.John Shearer/Getty

John Shearer/Getty

Kelsea BalleriniandNoah Kahanscored a hit earlier this year with “Cowboys Cry Too,” which they performed together on the awards show.

Later in the evening, the two musicians posed for photos backstage, serving up some goofy poses and clearly enjoying themselves.

“Cowboys Cry Too” appears on Ballerini’s latest album,Patterns, and the song earned a 2024 CMA Award nomination for musical event of the year. She also earned a nod for female vocalist of the year.

Lainey Wilson Lights Up the Stage with a Campfire for ‘4x4xU’ PerformanceNovember 20, 2024 09:49 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostLainey Wilson in Nashville in November 2024.Theo Wargo/GettyIn a break from her hosting duties, Lainey Wilson transformed the stage into a campground for a performance of her latest single, “4x4xU.”She began the performance sitting in the bed of a pickup truck next to a campfire before standing up and singing the rest of the song under an artificial sky of stars.“4x4xU” was released on Wilson’sWhirlwindalbum earlier this year, and the track debuted on theBillboardHot 100 this week.

Lainey Wilson Lights Up the Stage with a Campfire for ‘4x4xU’ Performance

November 20, 2024 09:49 PM EST

Lainey Wilson in Nashville in November 2024.Theo Wargo/Getty

In a break from her hosting duties, Lainey Wilson transformed the stage into a campground for a performance of her latest single, “4x4xU.”

She began the performance sitting in the bed of a pickup truck next to a campfire before standing up and singing the rest of the song under an artificial sky of stars.

“4x4xU” was released on Wilson’sWhirlwindalbum earlier this year, and the track debuted on theBillboardHot 100 this week.

Brooks & Dunn and Jelly Roll Bring the Crowd to Tears with ‘Believe’ Performance

November 20, 2024 09:35 PM EST

Kix Brooks and Jelly Roll in Nashville in November 2024.Theo Wargo/Getty

Fresh off the release of theirReboot 2album,Brooks & Dunnperformed a rendition of their 2005 hit “Believe” with Jelly Roll, who sang the first verse while Kix Brooks accompanied him on piano. Ronnie Dunn then entered the stage for the song’s second half, standing beside Jelly as they belted out its lyrics.

Toward the end of the performance, several individuals could be seen wiping tears from their eyes in the audience — and they received a standing ovation.

Carrie Underwood Joins Cody Johnson for Surprise Duet Performance of ‘I’m Gonna Love You’

November 20, 2024 09:14 PM EST

Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood.Theo Wargo/Getty

Megan Moroney Shouts Out Fans and Sugarland’s Kristian Bush in New Artist of the Year SpeechNovember 20, 2024 09:07 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostMegan Moroney in Nashville in November 2024.Theo Wargo/GettyAfter performing “Am I Okay?” earlier in the show, Megan Moroney won new artist of the year. “Thank you Jesus for putting this dream on my heart, and thank you for the gift of songwriting,” she said while accepting the award.Moroney also thanked her fans for “the way they care about my songs” and “wait outside the venue” for hours at her concerts, adding, “It’s really insane to me.“She shouted out her record label, management and agent before praising Sugarland’s Kristian Bush, who produced her albumsLuckyandAm I Okay?“Kristian Bush, my producer, thank you for letting me be your intern at the University of Georgia so many years ago,” concluded Moroney’s speech.

Megan Moroney Shouts Out Fans and Sugarland’s Kristian Bush in New Artist of the Year Speech

November 20, 2024 09:07 PM EST

Megan Moroney in Nashville in November 2024.Theo Wargo/Getty

After performing “Am I Okay?” earlier in the show, Megan Moroney won new artist of the year. “Thank you Jesus for putting this dream on my heart, and thank you for the gift of songwriting,” she said while accepting the award.

Moroney also thanked her fans for “the way they care about my songs” and “wait outside the venue” for hours at her concerts, adding, “It’s really insane to me.”

She shouted out her record label, management and agent before praising Sugarland’s Kristian Bush, who produced her albumsLuckyandAm I Okay?

“Kristian Bush, my producer, thank you for letting me be your intern at the University of Georgia so many years ago,” concluded Moroney’s speech.

Thomas Rhett and Teddy Swims Perform Together and Show Off Impressive Vocal ChopsNovember 20, 2024 08:50 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostThomas Rhett and Teddy Swims in Nashville in November 2024.Theo Wargo/GettyThomas RhettandTeddy Swimsshowed off some serious vocals as they performed their collaboration “Somethin' ‘Bout a Woman” as well as Swims’ chart-topping hit “Lose Control.”Both singers wore black leather looks for the performance, which saw them begin with “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Woman” as they walked through the backstage area. Then, they emerged onto the stage to wrap the song and go into “Lose Control” — delivering some impressive vocal runs throughout.

Thomas Rhett and Teddy Swims Perform Together and Show Off Impressive Vocal Chops

November 20, 2024 08:50 PM EST

Thomas Rhett and Teddy Swims in Nashville in November 2024.Theo Wargo/Getty

Thomas RhettandTeddy Swimsshowed off some serious vocals as they performed their collaboration “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Woman” as well as Swims’ chart-topping hit “Lose Control.”

Both singers wore black leather looks for the performance, which saw them begin with “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Woman” as they walked through the backstage area. Then, they emerged onto the stage to wrap the song and go into “Lose Control” — delivering some impressive vocal runs throughout.

November 20, 2024 08:34 PM EST

Luke Bryan, Lainey Wilson and Peyton Manning in Nashville in November 2024.Theo Wargo/Getty

Post Malone and Chris Stapleton Open the Show with ‘California Sober’November 20, 2024 08:13 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostChris Stapleton and Post Malone perform at the 2024 CMA Awards in November 2024.Theo Wargo/GettyPost Malone teamed up with Chris Stapleton to open the show with a performance of their “California Sober” collaboration from Malone’s latest album,F-1 Trillion. Both stars sported cowboy hats as they strummed acoustic guitars and got the crowd moving with a rowdy kick-off to country’s biggest night.Stapleton is nominated for entertainer of the year, single of the year and song of the year for “White Horse,” album of the year forHigherand male vocalist of the year. Malone is up for single of the year, song of the year, music video of the year and musical event of the year for “I Had Some Help” with Morgan Wallen.

Post Malone and Chris Stapleton Open the Show with ‘California Sober’

November 20, 2024 08:13 PM EST

Chris Stapleton and Post Malone perform at the 2024 CMA Awards in November 2024.Theo Wargo/Getty

Post Malone teamed up with Chris Stapleton to open the show with a performance of their “California Sober” collaboration from Malone’s latest album,F-1 Trillion. Both stars sported cowboy hats as they strummed acoustic guitars and got the crowd moving with a rowdy kick-off to country’s biggest night.

Stapleton is nominated for entertainer of the year, single of the year and song of the year for “White Horse,” album of the year forHigherand male vocalist of the year. Malone is up for single of the year, song of the year, music video of the year and musical event of the year for “I Had Some Help” with Morgan Wallen.

Jelly Roll Says He’s ‘Not Carrying’ Any CMA Award Trophies This Year After Breaking One in 2023

Jelly Roll.

Shortly after winning new artist of the year at the 2023 CMA Awards, Jelly Rollaccidentally dropped and shattered the trophy. With three nominations this time around, the “I Am Not Okay” singer could very well win another one — and hopefully he’ll keep it intact.

“They did send me a new one, but I still wish they’d sent me the broken one too. That describes my whole life right there. That’s beautifully broken,” Jelly told ABC on the red carpet, referencing the title of his latest album.

Miranda Lambert Says the CMA Awards ‘Feels Like a Family Reunion’November 20, 2024 07:36 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostMiranda Lambert and Brendan McLoughlin in Nashville in November 2024.Jason Kempin/GettyMiranda Lambert, who’s performing with Parker McCollum at the ceremony in tribute toGeorge Strait, opened up to ABC on the red carpet about how it feels to see so many fellow musicians at the 2024 CMA Awards.“It feels like a family reunion at this point,” she told the outlet. “You get to see a lot of friends you have made over the years and don’t get to see all the time because of schedule, so it’s really fun.“Lambert — who walked the carpet with husbandBrendan McLoughlin— then said she’s looking forward to seeing Brooks & Dunn the most: “I love them so much.”

Miranda Lambert Says the CMA Awards ‘Feels Like a Family Reunion’

November 20, 2024 07:36 PM EST

Miranda Lambert and Brendan McLoughlin in Nashville in November 2024.Jason Kempin/Getty

Jason Kempin/Getty

Miranda Lambert, who’s performing with Parker McCollum at the ceremony in tribute toGeorge Strait, opened up to ABC on the red carpet about how it feels to see so many fellow musicians at the 2024 CMA Awards.

“It feels like a family reunion at this point,” she told the outlet. “You get to see a lot of friends you have made over the years and don’t get to see all the time because of schedule, so it’s really fun.”

Lambert — who walked the carpet with husbandBrendan McLoughlin— then said she’s looking forward to seeing Brooks & Dunn the most: “I love them so much.”

PEOPLE Has All the Red Carpet Arrivals You Need to SeeNovember 20, 2024 07:18 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostCaroline Bryan and Luke Bryan in Nashville in November 2024.Jason Kempin/GettyThe 2024 CMA Awards red carpet is open and full of stars wearing eye-catching looks. PEOPLE has all the outfits you need to see inour arrivals gallery here.Luke and Caroline Bryan, Chris and Morgane Stapleton, Luke Combs, Jeff Bridges, Billy Bob Thornton, Katharine McPhee, Megan Moroney, The War and Treaty, Colbie Callait, Dasha and more have already strutted down the carpet — and it’s just the beginning!

PEOPLE Has All the Red Carpet Arrivals You Need to See

November 20, 2024 07:18 PM EST

Caroline Bryan and Luke Bryan in Nashville in November 2024.Jason Kempin/Getty

The 2024 CMA Awards red carpet is open and full of stars wearing eye-catching looks. PEOPLE has all the outfits you need to see inour arrivals gallery here.

Luke and Caroline Bryan, Chris and Morgane Stapleton, Luke Combs, Jeff Bridges, Billy Bob Thornton, Katharine McPhee, Megan Moroney, The War and Treaty, Colbie Callait, Dasha and more have already strutted down the carpet — and it’s just the beginning!

Katharine McPhee Reveals She’s Working on a New Album in NashvilleNovember 20, 2024 07:11 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostKatharine McPhee in Nashville in November 2024.Jason Kempin/GettyIn an interview with ABC on the red carpet,Katharine McPhee— who’s presenting album of the year at the ceremony — revealed she’s working on a new album in Nashville.“I came here for the second album that I made years and years ago, and I worked with all of the Nashville writers and had an amazing time,” she said, referring to herUnbrokenalbum, released in 2010.“I’m here back again working on another album with all the Nashville writers again, and so I’ve had years of experience of being welcomed here in this town,” added theAmerican Idolalum. “It’s a tough town, but it’s also a very lovely, kind town, so I’m excited to be here for their biggest night.”

Katharine McPhee Reveals She’s Working on a New Album in Nashville

November 20, 2024 07:11 PM EST

Katharine McPhee in Nashville in November 2024.Jason Kempin/Getty

In an interview with ABC on the red carpet,Katharine McPhee— who’s presenting album of the year at the ceremony — revealed she’s working on a new album in Nashville.

“I came here for the second album that I made years and years ago, and I worked with all of the Nashville writers and had an amazing time,” she said, referring to herUnbrokenalbum, released in 2010.

“I’m here back again working on another album with all the Nashville writers again, and so I’ve had years of experience of being welcomed here in this town,” added theAmerican Idolalum. “It’s a tough town, but it’s also a very lovely, kind town, so I’m excited to be here for their biggest night.”

November 20, 2024 06:55 PM EST

Morgan Wallen, Chris Stapleton, Cody Johnson.Taylor Hill/WireImage; Terry Wyatt/Getty; Tibrina Hobson/Getty

Taylor Hill/WireImage; Terry Wyatt/Getty; Tibrina Hobson/Getty

Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Megan Moroney, Kacey Musgraves, as well as producer/songwriters Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome and Hoskins each earned three nods.

Up for the coveted CMA Entertainer of the Year award are Combs, Stapleton, Wallen, Wilson and Jelly.

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source: people.com