The Best Moments of the 2023 CMA Awards

From historic wins to show-stopping performances, see the highlights from country music's big night

This year's CMA Awards had it all: big wins, big performances and even bigger talents. From Tracy Chapman's historic win for "Fast Car," to The War and Treaty's soulful performance, the 2023 ceremony wasn't one to forget.

Plus, Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning guided the special night with heart and humor — they even threw in an especially topical quip about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.

Check out all of the best moments from country music's night in Nashville.

Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning's Joke about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce

The evening's hosts kicked off their opening monologue with a few funny quips, including one about another popular musician-athlete pair, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.

"We’re back. You know what that means?” Manning asked. In response, Bryan jested, "Yep, Travis and Taylor weren’t available.”

Tracy Chapman's 'Fast Car' Song of the Year Win

Thanks to Luke Combs' recent cover, Chapman nabbed song of the year — her first ever CMA Award win — for "Fast Car" decades after she released the song in 1988. The singer-songwriter wasn't there to accept the award in person, but she still shared some grateful words in absentia.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t join you all tonight. It’s truly an honor for my song to be newly recognized after 35 years of it’s debut. Wow," read the category's presenter, Sara Evans, on behalf of Chapman. "Thank you to the CMAs and a special thanks to Luke [Combs] and to all of the fans of ‘Fast Car.'"

Combs' version of the song also won single of the year, but 2023 isn't the first time "Fast Car" has gotten recognition. In 1989, Chapman's original recording won the Grammy for best female pop performance.

Luke Bryan's High-Energy Singalong

Bryan seamlessly transitioned out of hosting and into performing when he stepped on stage to sing for cheering fans. The hitmaker sang a medley of crowd-pleasers, sampling "That's My Kind of Night," "Country Girl," "One Margarita" and more favorites from his discography.

Lainey Wilson's Fiery Performance (and Many Wins!)

The night's most nominated artist — up for a total of nine awards — lit up the room with “Wildflowers and Wild Horses" off her record Bell Bottom Country. Later on in the evening, Wilson accept the awards for album of the year and entertainer of the year.

The War and Treaty's Passionate Duet

Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Blount of The War and Treaty stole the show with their natural chemistry and soulful vocals. The husband-wife duo belted their ballad “That’s How Love Is Made" under moody red lighting.

Jelly Roll's New Artist of the Year Win

The "I Need a Favor" singer delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech as he received this year's up-and-comer CMA Award. As he waved his statuette in the air, Jelly Roll greeted the audience, "Nashville! I only got a second, and I'm gonna say a lot, and I'm sorry."

He went on to thank his record label, country music radio and "most importantly, my Lord and my wife." Gratefully, the artist also nodded to his fellow nominees, Zach Bryan, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney and Hailey Whitters.

Finally, the artist took a moment to acknowledge the significance of his win, which came just ahead of his 39th birthday.

"There is something poetic about a 39-year-old man winning new artist of the year. I don't know where you're at in your life or what you're going through, but I want to tell you to keep going, baby. I want to tell you success is on the other side. I want to tell you it's gonna be okay," said the country star, who rose to new fame last year with the release of his album Ballads of the Broken and his single "Son of a Sinner."

The Heartfelt Jimmy Buffett Tribute

Kenny Chesney, Mac McAnally, Alan Jackson and Zac Brown Band shared in song to honor Jimmy Buffett, who died this September at age 76. The genre powerhouses took the mic on stage to cover the late musician's songs "A Pirate Looks at Forty" and the iconic "Margaritaville."

During their performance, a slideshow of photos from Buffett's life and career played on the screen behind them.

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