The 2023 CMA Awards showcased incredible talent and unforgettable moments. While some artists were celebrated with well-deserved wins, there were also a few surprises and snubs that caught everyone's attention. Join us as we delve into the highlights and disappointments of the 2023 CMAs, revealing who missed out on awards and who took home unexpected victories.
Snub: Morgan Wallen
Despite his previous success, Morgan Wallen faced disappointment at the 2023 CMAs.
Morgan Wallen, a former CMA Award winner, went home empty-handed this year. Despite his three studio albums spending a combined total of 127 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart, Wallen has yet to win the coveted CMA award for album of the year. His sophomore album, 'Dangerous: The Double Album,' which spent a record-breaking 97 weeks at No. 1, lost to Chris Stapleton's 'Starting Over.' Now, his follow-up album, 'One Thing at a Time,' which has also achieved great success, lost to Lainey Wilson's 'Bell Bottom Country.'
Wallen's journey in the music industry has faced obstacles, including the 2021 incident where he was caught on video using a racial slur. While he survived the controversy, it has likely impacted his chances of winning awards. Despite his snub at the CMAs, Wallen's talent and popularity continue to resonate with fans.
Surprise: Lainey Wilson
Lainey Wilson's impressive sweep at the 2023 CMAs left everyone surprised.
Lainey Wilson made history at the 2023 CMAs by becoming just the second artist to go from new artist of the year to entertainer of the year in just one year. She beat out notable artists such as Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Carrie Underwood, and Morgan Wallen for the top honor. Wilson's album, 'Bell Bottom Country,' also took home the award for album of the year, despite peaking at No. 9 on the Top Country Albums chart.
Wilson's remarkable achievements showcase her rising star power and undeniable talent. Her unique sound and captivating performances have captured the hearts of country music fans worldwide. With her impressive sweep at the CMAs, Wilson solidifies her position as a force to be reckoned with in the industry.
Snub: Zach Bryan
Zach Bryan missed out on the new artist of the year award at the 2023 CMAs.
Despite his success on the charts, Zach Bryan lost the new artist of the year award to Jelly Roll. Bryan's two No. 1 albums on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart and his chart-topping hits on Hot Country Songs were not enough to secure the win. It is worth noting that Bryan's comments about the CMAs last year may have influenced the voting process.
While Bryan may have missed out on the award this year, his talent and unique style continue to garner attention. His heartfelt lyrics and soulful voice resonate with fans, and he remains a promising artist in the country music scene.
Surprise: Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman's iconic song 'Fast Car' won the song of the year award at the 2023 CMAs.
Tracy Chapman's timeless song 'Fast Car' won the song of the year award at the 2023 CMAs. While it may come as no surprise that this iconic track received recognition, it is remarkable that a 35-year-old song could still captivate audiences and win such a prestigious award. 'Fast Car' was nominated for song of the year at the 1988 Grammys but lost to Bobby McFerrin's 'Don't Worry Be Happy.'
Chapman's enduring masterpiece continues to resonate with listeners, showcasing the power of her songwriting and the impact of her music. The recognition of 'Fast Car' at the CMAs is a testament to the lasting influence of Chapman's artistry.
Snubs: Ashley McBryde and Jordan Davis
Ashley McBryde and Jordan Davis faced disappointment at the 2023 CMAs.
Ashley McBryde and Jordan Davis both went home without any wins at the 2023 CMAs. McBryde, nominated for female vocalist of the year, album of the year for 'Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville,' and music video of the year for 'Light on in the Kitchen,' lost in all three categories to Lainey Wilson. Davis, nominated for single of the year, song of the year, and music video of the year for 'Next Thing You Know,' also faced disappointment.
Despite missing out on awards, both McBryde and Davis continue to make their mark in the country music industry. McBryde's raw and honest storytelling and Davis' infectious melodies have garnered them dedicated fan bases. Their talent and dedication ensure that they will continue to shine in the future.
Conclusion
The 2023 CMAs brought us a night filled with unforgettable moments and well-deserved wins. While some artists faced disappointment, others surprised us with their remarkable achievements. Morgan Wallen, despite his previous success, went home empty-handed, highlighting the impact of past controversies on award recognition. Lainey Wilson's impressive sweep showcased her rising star power and solidified her position as a force to be reckoned with in the industry. Zach Bryan's loss in the new artist of the year category serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of the CMAs. Tracy Chapman's iconic song 'Fast Car' winning the song of the year award is a testament to the lasting influence of her music. Ashley McBryde and Jordan Davis may not have won awards, but their talent and dedication continue to shine.
The 2023 CMAs celebrated the diversity and talent within the country music industry, leaving us eagerly anticipating what the future holds for these artists and the genre as a whole.
