She also prevailed for album of the year, female vocalist of the year, music video of the year and music event of the year (the last two in collaboration with Hardy).Įarly on, the major action from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena was around Luke Combs‘ cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car,” which won the first two on-air awards, for single of the year and song of the year.Ĭhapman did not attend, but presenter Sara Evans read a statement from the singer-songwriter, who said “I’m sorry I couldn’t join you all” but that it was “truly an honor for my song to be recognized 35 years after its debut.” Said Combs, as he picked up the single of the year honor: “I want to thank Tracy Chapman for writing one of the greatest songs of all time. In only her second year of being nominated at all, and her first year getting a nod for the biggest trophy, the rising star claimed the big kahuna. Lainey Wilson didn’t have to wait long to win entertainer of the year, the top prize given out by the CMA Awards.

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