2024 CMA Awards ends with Morgan Wallen named entertainer of the year

Chris Stapleton (Getty Images)

The 2024 CMA Awards concluded at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.

Chris Stapleton was the big winner of the night at the 58th Annual Country Music Association Awards, taking home three of his five nominations, including male vocalist of the year, as well as both single of the year and song of the year for his song, "White Horse."

Morgan Wallen was nominated in seven categories, the most of any artist this year, but only took home one award, entertainer of the year.

Despite winning the top award of the night, the "Whiskey Glasses" singer was absent from the ceremony.

Megan Moroney took home new artist of the year, while Lainey Wilson won music video of the year for her "Wildflowers and Wild Horses."

Read more about country music's biggest night.

Jeff Bridges presenting onstage

Social media users quickly took to the internet Wednesday evening when they noticed that Jeff Bridges appeared to accidentally announce Morgan "Waylon" while handing out the entertainer of the year award to Morgan Wallen (pronounced Wall-en).

Wallen wasn't in attendance to accept the award, and Bridges accepted it on his behalf.

"I am shocked. Morgan Waylon is certainly a choice for EotY. #CMAawards," one user wrote.

"I love that Jeff Bridges just mispronounced Morgan Wallen’s name. #CMAawards," another added.

Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Chris Stapleton and Lainey Wilson were nominated for the most coveted award of the night.

In the 10 years since he released his debut EP and became a professional singer and songwriter, Wallen has broken records left and right and earned acclaim among his peers in the country music community.

Wallen, 31, hit his stride in 2024 and topped the Country Music Association Awards nominations with seven nods, including entertainer of the year, single of the year and male vocalist of the year.

Despite success on the stage, Wallen personally faced an uphill battle after an arrest in April in which he was accused of throwing a chair off a rooftop bar in Nashville.

On April 7, Wallen was charged with three felony counts by the Metro Nashville Police Department after a chair he allegedly threw off the roof of the six-story Chief's bar landed on Broadway near two police officers.

The "Last Night" singer was "cooperating fully" with the investigation, a rep for the musician told Fox News Digital at the time.

Cody Johnson after the CMA awards

Cody Johnson has his wife Brandi to thank for "saving" him.

After the CMA awards, Johnson shared in the press room that his wife is to thank for keeping him alive and out of jail.

"I asked to her to come up here, she's hidden behind, oh there she is," Johnson said, pointing to his wife. "She was the first one out of her seat, maybe besides Jelly Roll.

"If it wasn't for Brandi, I wouldn't be here. I'm being dead serious when I say this, if it wasn't for Brandi, I would probably be dead or in jail," Johnson said. "She's the woman that encouraged me to be the man I am. As a husband, as a father, as a CEO of company. As a leader. And I owe everything I have to that woman sitting right there."

Johnson proceeded to point to his wife, Brandi.

The country music artist took home the album of the year award on Wednesday night for "Leather."

Eric Church performing "Darkest Hour" at CMAs

Luke Combs took the stage on Wednesday night to announce he and Eric Church have helped raise $24 million for Hurricane Helene victims, referring to their Concert for Carolina event last month.

Combs introduced Eric Church, who took the stage at the 2024 CMA awards to sing his song "Darkest Hour (Helene Edition)." Church previously announced that all rights and royalties from the song will be donated to people in his home state of North Carolina affected by the hurricane.

In October, Combs and Church led the star-studded Concert for Carolina, which raised over $24.5 million for relief efforts in the Carolina region following the devastation of Hurricane Helene. 

Attended by over 82,000 concert-goers, the event featured performances by James Taylor, Keith Urban, Sheryl Crow, Billy Strings, Bailey Zimmerman, Scotty McCreery, Chase Rice, The Avett Brothers and Parmalee as well as surprise appearances by Nicole Kidman and Randy Travis.

Hosted by ESPN’s Marty Smith and Barstool Sports’ Caleb Pressley, the benefit show – organized by Combs and Church in less than a month – took place at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

At the event, Church announced his organization would build 100 homes for the victims.

Megan Moroney (Getty Images)

Megan Moroney admitted that even being able to attend the Country Music Association Awards was an honor in and of itself, let alone winning a prestigious trophy.

Moroney, 27, celebrated her win for new artist of the year backstage at the 2024 CMAs at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn.

"It means the world to me," she told Fox News Digital. "I don't make music to win awards, but when you are recognized – it feels good. I'm just so appreciative – to the CMAs, to my fans."

She added, "I feel like my band, my team ... everybody has put in a lot of work, and we've worked our a**es off the past few years, and it's nights like tonight where it feels like its starting to pay off."

Moroney was up against Shaboozey, Nate Smith, Bailey Zimmerman, Zach Top and Mitchell Tenpenny.

Fox News Digital's Larry Fink contributed to this report.

Keith Urban, Jelly Roll (Getty Images)

Keith Urban picked up the guitar to strum alongside Jelly Roll to perform an electric rendition of his hit song, "Liar," at the 58th Annual CMA Awards Wednesday.

Jelly Roll took the stage at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. to sing for the second time at the star-studded show.

The "Wild Ones" singer was nominated for entertainer of the year, but lost out on the award to Morgan Wallen.

Chris Stapleton accepting an award at the 2024 CMA awards

Chris Stapleton was given his third award of the night for male vocalist of the year. He has previously won single and song of the year for "White Horse."

During his acceptance speech, Stapleton gave a shoutout to his wife, Morgane, and the couple's five kids: Waylon, Ada, Macon, Samuel and a son whose name hasn't been shared.

Earlier in the award show, Stapleton apologized for not giving his wife credit when accepting song of the year.

“I owe my wife an apology. That last award belonged to her too and she didn’t come up. It all happened so quick,” he said.

Stapleton noted that his wife was backstage at the time and continued, “I love you honey. All of my music I really owe a lot to her, so I want to say thank you to her for always supporting me.”

Prior to be awarded song of the year, Stapleton took the stage to accept the single of the year award.

“Well, amazing,” the country music star said. “ So many great and very very popular songs in this category. I’m very humbled to win this award.”

George Strait, Chris Stapleton (Getty Images)

George Strait picked up a guitar and sang a few verses with Chris Stapleton during his own lifetime achievement award ceremony at the 58th Annual CMA Awards Wednesday.

The country music icon performed "Honky Tonk Hall of Fame" alongside Stapleton before accepting the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.

While on stage, Strait thanked his friends and family, including his wife of almost 54 years, Norma.

Lainey Wilson, Jamey Johnson, Miranda Lambert and Parker McCollum also performed for the legendary singer.

Mitchell Tenpenny and Taylor Frankie Paul at 2024 CMA awards

"The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" star Taylor Frankie Paul and Mitchell Tenpenny presented the duo of the year award at the 2024 CMA awards.

Paul awarded Brooks & Dunn on Wednesday night, which marked the duo's 15th win in this category. Earlier in the evening, Brooks & Dunn performed with Jelly Roll, who showed off his over 100-lb weight loss for the first time since reaching the half-way mark on his fitness journey.

The reality television show has sky-rocketed to success in 2022 after a group of wives and mothers took to TikTok, and took their own spin on lip-syncing videos. This introduced what is now known as Mormon MomTok.

There is currently one season of "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," with season two slated to be released in 2025.

Paul was arrested on domestic violence charges after her infamous swingers sex scandal. The now 30-year-old sent shock waves through the internet in a 2022 TikTok livestream when she announced her divorce from now ex-husband Tate Paul and shared more of their "soft swinging" lifestyle, which included some of the friends featured in her videos.

Lainey Wilson performing at the 2024 CMA Awards

2024 CMA host Lainey Wilson took the stage on Wednesday night to perform her new song, "4x4xu."

Sticking to her signature look, Wilson wore black bell bottoms with a black cowboy hat. She also paired the look with a black crochet shawl and some silver jewelry.

Prior to her performance, "Miami Vice" star Don Johnson and Katharine McPhee presented the album of the year award to Cody Johnson for "Leather."

Johnson was shocked that he took home his first CMA award for album of the year, beating out Jelly Roll and Chris Stapleton.

"I looked at my wife, Brandi, and said, 'Jelly Roll's got that.'"

Johnson hit his best WWE hall of famer, Ric Flair, impersonation while accepting his award on Wednesday night. "There's very few moments in your career and in your life when Ric Flair feels appropriate, but WOO!"

Post Malone (Getty Images)

Post Malone proved country music is in his bones as he took the stage at the 58th Annual CMA Awards Wednesday in Nashville.

Malone, 29, wore a light blue suit embellished with sparkling patches, to sing "Yours" from his latest "F1 Trillion" album, which is entirely focused on country music.

The "I Had Some Help" singer is nominated for four CMA awards this year, his first-ever nominations for the awards ceremony.

His nominations include music video of the year, musical event of the year, single of the year and song of the year.

Earlier in the show, Malone, who's full name is Austin Richard Post, performed "California Sober" with CMAs winner Chris Stapleton.

Cody Johnson, Carrie Underwood (Getty Images)

Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood joined forces on the CMAs stage for an emotional duet of their romantic song, "I'm Gonna Love You."

Johnson, who walked into the 58th Annual CMA awards with five nominations, wore a black cowboy hat while Carrie Underwood looked ethereal in a white flowing gown.

While Underwood isn't nominated for any CMAs this year, the new "American Idol" host has her fair share of awards back at home.

The "Jesus, Take the Wheel" singer has earned seven CMA awards throughout her career, including the coveted entertainer of the year award.

This year, Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson, Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs and Jelly Roll are each nominated for the coveted title.

Lainey Wilson, Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning cleared the air during their opening monologue at the 58th Annual CMA Awards Wednesday.

The trio initially made it seem like they were about to make a joke about the recent US elections.

The "Heart Like A Truck" singer told the audience that “whether the candidate you voted for won or lost, we all need to get together behind the winner.”

Manning responded to Wilson, saying they agreed not to get into “politics tonight.”

“No, babe I’m talking about the vote for People’s Sexiest Man Alive!” Wilson responded.

Bryan added that he doesn’t know how he got “left out” of this year’s competition and joked that it’s “not easy” to fit the title.

“The Office” star John Krasinski was given People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” title this year, but faced online backlash from trolls who questioned the magazine’s choice.

Past honorees have included Patrick Dempsey, Chris Evans, Paul Rudd, Michael B. Jordan, Idris Elba, and Blake Shelton.

Luke Combs on the 2024 CMAs red carpet

Luke Combs took the stage on Wednesday night to perform his song from the film, "Twisters," -- "Ain't No Love in Oklahoma."

Prior to Combs taking the stage, Lainey Wilson, Peyton Manning and Luke Bryan prepped the audience as wind blew in their faces that they were going to be "blown away" by Combs' performance.

The entire audience were on their feet for Combs' performance.

The film "Twisters" starred Glen Powell, Kiernan Shipka and Anthony Ramos.

Every year since the 2017 award show, Combs has earned at least one nomination. For the last six years, Combs has not left the CMA awards without winning.

This year, he has the opportunity to extend his winning streak to seven years. Combs is nominated for entertainer of the year, male vocalist of the year and album of the year for "Father & Sons."

Lainey Wilson, Kelsea Ballerini, Kacey Musgraves

Country style met red carpet glamour at the 58th Annual CMA Awards.

Lainey Wilson, one of three hosts for the evening as well as a nominee in four categories, added a twist to her traditional cowgirl look.

The "Heart Like A Truck" singer paired her sparkling black blazer and hat with sheer pants as she walked the red carpet at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn.

Fellow nominees Kelsea Ballerini and Kacey Musgraves went for glittering glamour, with Ballerini wearing a shining silver gown, and Musgraves sporting a light blue crystal studded dress with fun, feathery sleeves.

Katharine McPhee opted for a chic black pantsuit, while Alana Springsteen sparkled in black sequins, and female vocalist of the year nominee Ashley McBryde went with a deep maroon gown that featured a flowing cape.

Check out more red carpet fashion from the CMAs.

Chris Stapleton and Billy Bob Thornton on the CMA awards' red carpet

Billy Bob Thornton and Mark Collie presented single of the year to Chris Stapleton on Wednesday night for his song "White Horse."

Stapleton said he was "very humbled" to win his third CMA for single of the year. The country music star was also awarded song of the year for "White Horse." When accepting the award, Stapleton thanked his wife, Morgane, who was back stage.

"I owe my wife an apology. That last award belonged to her too and she didn't come up here. It all happened so quickly," he said.

Although this was only his third award for single of the year, Stapleton has taken home 16 CMA awards during his country music career.

Brooks & Dunn and Vince Gill currently hold the all time record for most CMA awards, with 18 nods each. George Strait, who will be honored during the 2024 ceremony, is in a close second with 17 CMAs.

Aside from Thornton as a presenter on Wednesday night, gymnastic legend Simone Biles, Jeff Bridges and Katharine McPhee will also be handing out awards.

Country star Tucker Wetmore at the 2024 CMA awards

Tucker Wetmore finds being at his first-ever CMA awards to be an "unreal" expierence.

Prior to the award show, Wetmore told Fox News Digital on the red carpet that this is "a moment I've been looking forward to since before I moved to Nashville."

"It's just another check mark that I'm checking off. I'm blessed man, truly," he continued.

Wetmore, 25, released his first country music album, "Waves on a Sunset," last month. He's currently touring, with his last stop being in the United Kingdom in March.

Being Wetmore's first CMA award show appearance on Wednesday night, he was over the moon to meet Parker McCollum and Luke Combs.

"I'm such a big Parker fan," he told Fox News Digital. "He knew my name, which is nuts. I met Luke Combs last night, which was super cool. I'm a huge Luke fan. He's super nice. and he's a super good guy."

Lainey Wilson (Getty Images)

Like other big award shows, including the Oscars and the Grammy Awards, the voting body of the CMA Awards is made up of others in the music industry, more specifically in this case, the Country Music Association.

A key difference in the nomination process for the CMA Awards however is instead of an artist’s team or label submitting a bid for nomination on their behalf, each member of the roughly 6,600 members in the Country Music Association receives a write-in ballot to submit their choices.

During this round in the process, each member can only nominate one artist in each category.

The top 20 eligible artists from round one are then placed on the second ballot which is sent out to all members of the voting body, who can then vote for five candidates in each category.

The second ballot for entertainer of the year includes only the top 15, and the ballot for musician of the year only includes the top 20 qualified nominees that have received a minimum of 5 votes.

All nominees which land on the second ballot are vetted to ensure they are eligible for that year's award show, meaning they were first released or peaked in national prominence during the eligibility period. For the 2024 show, that period is July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.

The top five artists, songs and albums from the second ballot are the ones that make it onto the final ballot.

"Yellowstone" star Ian Bohen at the 2024 CMA Awards

"Yellowstone" star Ian Bohen attended the 2024 CMA Awards on Wednesday night in support of the award show host, who played his love interest on the hit Western, Lainey Wilson.

Ahead of the show, Bohen praised Wilson as an artist and as an actress.

“Lainey is someone who came into acting without any background. And it’s a terrifying thing to come on to our sets knowing, at that point I think it was season three, knowing what the show was and what’s expected of you so walking into that is daunting but she was calm and she listened she prepared she took direction from the bosses," Bohen told Fox News Digital. "We hopefully made her feel very comfortable and she succeeded and we wanted her to come back and do more.”

Bohen would love for Wilson to return to "Yellowstone."

“I’m just softly getting a pitch together for us to see one if she has enough time or enough interest to make it happen," he said.

Bohen compared wrapping up the final "Yellowstone" episodes without Kevin Costner with a football reference.

"I’ve been telling the story that in a football game when your quarterback goes down in the first play of the game. Everybody’s still there. You’ve gotta finish the game…You keep going, you find a way to win and that’s what we did," Bohen said.

Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton (Getty Images)

Luke Bryan stepped out in style to walk the red carpet with wife Caroline Bryan ahead of his hosting duties at the 58th Annual CMA Awards Wednesday.

Bryan, 48, sported a black pinstripe suit, while his wife sparkled wearing a glittering blue dress with floral appliques.

A regular host of the CMAs, Bryan will co-host with Peyton Manning for the third year in a row, with newcomer Lainey Wilson joining the team.

"I could not be more excited to host the CMA Awards this year with Luke and Peyton," Wilson said in a press release.

Chris Stapleton walked the red carpet at the Bridgestone Arena alongside his wife, Morgane Stapleton.

The "White Horse" singer is nominated for five CMAs including entertainer of the year, single of the year, album of the year, song of the year and male vocalist of the year.

Stapleton is expected to sing his hit song, "What Am I Gonna Do." The Grammy-winning artist is also set to take the stage with Post Malone, singing their song "California Sober."

Check out all the red carpet fashion at the CMA Awards.

George Strait and Alan Jackson performing on stage split

Although George Strait is in second place when it comes to the most CMA Award wins, the country music star holds the record for the most CMA Award nominations, with 83.

He received a nomination for album of the year almost every year from 1984 to 2010, winning in ‘85, ‘96, ‘97, ‘07 and ‘08, and was nominated for entertainer of the year almost every year from 1985 to 2014, winning in ‘89, ‘90 and 2013.

Following Strait is Alan Jackson in second place, with 81 nominations. Jackson received most of his 81 nominations in the male vocalist of the year category, which he was nominated for nearly every year from 1991 to 2008, winning in 2002 and 2003.

Taking the third place position is Miranda Lambert, with 62 nominations, receiving most of her nominations in the female vocalist of the year category. 

Lambert received a nomination in that category every year from 2007 to 2023, going on to win in 2010-2015, and 2017.

Following Lambert is Brad Paisley with 58 nominations, Brooks & Dunn with 55, Vince Gill with 54 and Reba McEntire with 51.

Lainey Wilson at the 2023 CMA Awards with her statues (Getty Images)

The Country Music Association was first established in 1958, and nearly 10 years later they hosted the first Country Music Awards in October 1967.

The first awards ceremony was called, CMA Awards Banquet and Show, and was not televised. Just one year later, in October 1968, NBC broadcast the CMA Awards for the first time.

It has continued to air on TV each year, making it the longest running annual music awards show on network television. Starting in 2006, the awards show has aired on ABC.

Following the creation of the award show came the design of the trophy. It was designed by Frank Waggoner, who made the original trophy out of walnut and a marble base to emphasize the strength, durability and warmth of country music.

At the time, the award featured a brass music note in the center along with the words, “best liked world wide,” which was the CMA slogan at the time.

They switched to the current crystal trophy in 1983 and made a few design edits, including adding the CMA logo surrounded by musical notes from the hymn “Will the Circle be Unbroken.”

Luke Bryan, Lainey Wilson and Peyton Manning side by side

The 2024 Country Music Awards are set to take place on Wednesday, November 20 at 8 p.m. ET. It is expected to last three hours, coming to an end at 11 p.m.

Fox News Digital will be live blogging the event, ensuring readers know the latest on the award show which will also air on ABC, and be made available on Hulu the following day.

Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning are returning to the CMA stage this year as hosts of the show, but this year will be joined by 2023’s CMA entertainer of the year winner, Lainey Wilson.

“I could not be more excited to host the CMA Awards this year with Luke and Peyton,” Wilson said in a statement announcing her as host in September. “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 November 20!”