Last Updated: November 21, 2024
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Lainey Wilson Wins Third CMA Female Vocalist of the Year
Last Updated: November 21, 2024
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Lainey Wilson is on fire! The country superstar took home the CMA Female Vocalist of the Year award for the third year in a row at the 2024 CMA Awards on Wednesday night (Nov. 20).
With her unmistakable voice, heartfelt lyrics, and infectious personality, Lainey has once again proven why she’s one of country music’s brightest stars.
Keep reading to find out more!
An Emotional Acceptance Speech
In true Lainey Wilson fashion, her acceptance speech was as genuine as it gets. She kicked things off with a shoutout to her biggest supporters:
“Thank you mama and deddy, I know y’all are here somewhere. They’re probably up in the nosebleeds somewhere. I love y’all,“ she said, her voice filled with emotion.
But she didn’t stop there. Lainey turned her attention to her boyfriend, former NFL quarterback Devlin “Duck” Hodges, who she’s been dating for nearly two years.
“Duck, I love you so much, too,” she said, smiling from ear to ear.
She also reflected on how the country music community has embraced her since the very beginning:
“Man, this community has wrapped its arms around me and lifted me up from the get-go.”
Ending on an inspiring note, Lainey encouraged everyone to share their unique gifts:
“Whether you drive a tractor, pour coffee, make people smile, or make people laugh, I think you’re supposed to share that gift. I just wanna say thank y’all so much for letting me share mine. Thank you, Jesus.”
The audience roared with applause, that showed the genuine connection Lainey has built with her fans and peers alike.
The Toughest Competition Yet
Winning the Female Vocalist of the Year award is never an easy feat, but this year’s lineup made the victory even sweeter.
Lainey was up against some of the genre’s most talented artists: Ashley McBryde, Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini, and rising star Megan Moroney.
Each nominee brought their A-game in 2024, but Lainey’s undeniable momentum and authenticity once again set her apart.
A Night of Big Moments
The CMAs weren’t just about awards for Lainey—she was also a major part of the evening’s entertainment.
Her performance of “4x4xU” had the crowd on their feet, reminding everyone why she’s not just a singer but a true entertainer.
And as if that wasn’t enough, Lainey co-hosted the awards show alongside Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, proving she can command the stage in more ways than one.
Her natural charm and humor made her a standout host, adding another layer to an already unforgettable night.
A Star on the Rise
Lainey’s trajectory has been nothing short of incredible.
Just last year, she pulled off a shocking victory by winning Entertainer of the Year, beating out some of the most established names in country music.
And she hasn’t slowed down since. Her ability to balance her down-to-earth charm with superstar status is what makes her so special.
Whether she’s pouring her heart into a ballad, rocking out on stage, or sharing a personal moment in her speech, Lainey connects with her audience in a way that feels personal and real.
A Star-Studded Night at the 58th CMA Awards
The 58th Annual CMA Awards lit up Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday night, bringing together country music’s finest for an unforgettable evening.
Returning hosts Luke Bryan and former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning were joined by country superstar Lainey Wilson.
She added her charm and energy as a co-host following her monumental win as last year’s Entertainer of the Year.
Leading the pack in nominations was Morgan Wallen, with an impressive seven nods, trailed by Cody Johnson and Chris Stapleton, who each secured five. Lainey Wilson and genre-blending artist Post Malone followed closely with four nominations apiece.
Despite occasional sound quality hiccups, the night was filled with electrifying performances.
Post Malone and Chris Stapleton opened the show with a jaw-dropping collaboration, while a heartfelt tribute honored George Strait, this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.
Other standout performances came from stars like Megan Moroney, Kacey Musgraves, Luke Combs, Kelsea Ballerini, and Noah Kahan.
For those who missed the live event, the CMA Awards aired on ABC and will be available to stream on Hulu starting Thursday.
Winners and Nominees of the 58th Annual CMA Awards
| Category | Nominees | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Entertainer of the Year | Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson | Morgan Wallen |
| Single of the Year | “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey, “Dirt Cheap” – Cody Johnson, “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone (Feat. Morgan Wallen), “Watermelon Moonshine” – Lainey Wilson, “White Horse” – Chris Stapleton | “White Horse” – Chris Stapleton |
| Album of the Year | “Deeper Well” – Kacey Musgraves, “Fathers & Sons” – Luke Combs, “Higher” – Chris Stapleton, “Leather” – Cody Johnson, “Whitsitt Chapel” – Jelly Roll | “Leather” – Cody Johnson |
| Song of the Year | “Burn It Down” – Hillary Lindsey, Parker McCollum, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose, “Dirt Cheap” – Josh Phillips, “I Had Some Help” – Various Writers, “The Painter” – Various Writers, “White Horse” – Chris Stapleton, Dan Wilson | “White Horse” – Chris Stapleton |
| Female Vocalist of the Year | Kelsea Ballerini, Ashley McBryde, Megan Moroney, Kacey Musgraves, Lainey Wilson | Lainey Wilson |
| Male Vocalist of the Year | Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen | Chris Stapleton |
| Vocal Group of the Year | Lady A, Little Big Town, Old Dominion, The Red Clay Strays, Zac Brown Band | Old Dominion |
| Vocal Duo of the Year | Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne, Dan + Shay, Maddie & Tae, The War And Treaty | Brooks & Dunn |
| Musical Event of the Year | “Cowboys Cry Too” – Kelsea Ballerini (Feat. Noah Kahan), “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone (Feat. Morgan Wallen), “I Remember Everything” – Zach Bryan (Feat. Kacey Musgraves), “Man Made A Bar” – Morgan Wallen (Feat. Eric Church), “You Look Like You Love Me” – Ella Langley (Feat. Riley Green) | “You Look Like You Love Me” – Ella Langley (Feat. Riley Green) |
| Musician of the Year | Tom Bukovac – Guitar, Jenee Fleenor – Fiddle, Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar, Rob McNelley – Guitar, Charlie Worsham – Guitar | Charlie Worsham |
| Music Video of the Year | “Dirt Cheap” – Cody Johnson, “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone (Feat. Morgan Wallen), “I’m Not Pretty” – Megan Moroney, “The Painter” – Cody Johnson, “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” – Lainey Wilson | “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” – Lainey Wilson |
| New Artist of the Year | Megan Moroney, Shaboozey, Nate Smith, Mitchell Tenpenny, Zach Top, Bailey Zimmerman | Megan Moroney |
Conclusion
- Lainey Wilson’s third consecutive CMA Female Vocalist of the Year win is not just a milestone—it’s a powerful reflection of the incredible artist she has become.
- Her dedication to her craft, her genuine approach to her music, and her unwavering connection with fans have all played a part in making her a force in the country music world.
- This award, like her previous wins, is more than just a recognition of her vocal ability; it’s a celebration of her authenticity, her hard work, and the impact she continues to make in the genre.
- Her heartfelt speeches, electrifying performances, and unwavering humility remind us why we’ve fallen in love with her journey.
- As Lainey continues to soar, one thing is clear: she’s not just a rising star—she’s a cornerstone of the genre’s future.
- Here’s to celebrating Lainey Wilson, her incredible achievements, and the bright road ahead. We can’t wait to see where her gift takes her next!
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Bee DeloresAuthor
Bee DeloresLover of hiking, biking, horror movies, cats and camping. Writer at Wide Open Country, Holler and Nashville Gab.
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