Tracy Chapman Wins Song of the Year at the 2023 CMA Awards for 'Fast Car': 'It's Truly an Honor'

The win, which comes thanks to Luke Combs' popular cover of the song, makes Tracy Chapman the first Black artist to take home song of the year at the CMAs

Tracy Chapman is officially a CMA Award winner!

The singer-songwriter, 59, was awarded the coveted song of the year prize at the 57th annual CMA Awards for writing the 1988 classic “Fast Car,” which saw new life this year thanks a popular Luke Combs cover.

Although the musician wasn’t able to make it to the ceremony held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, she shared a pre-written statement that was read in her absence by presenter Sara Evans, who announced the win alongside country legend Bill Anderson.

Related: CMA Awards 2023: Everything to Know About Country Music's Biggest Night

“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 its debut,” Chapman wrote in the statement. “Thank you to the CMAs and a special thanks to Luke and all of the fans of ‘Fast Car.’”

The win makes Chapman the first Black artist to ever take home song of the year at the CMAs, according to Rolling Stone.

The Country Music Association didn’t just recognize “Fast Car” in the song of the year category. Combs, 33, as well as his collaborators Chip Matthews and Jonathan Singleton, also won single of the year.

Check out PEOPLE's full CMA Awards coverage to get the latest news on country music’s biggest night.

Single of the year was awarded earlier in the broadcast, and Combs took a moment during his acceptance speech to show his love and appreciation for Chapman.

Related: CMA Awards 2023: See the Complete List of Winners

“First and foremost, I want to thank Tracy Chapman for writing one of the best songs of all time,” the country music star said of the classic off the singer’s 1988 self-titled debut album.

“I never intended — I just recorded it because I love this song so much, it’s meant so much to me throughout my entire life,” he continued. “It’s the first favorite song that I ever had, since I was 4 years old.”

The Grammy-nominated artist then went on to thank his family and pass the mic over to his collaborators.

The “Beautiful Crazy” singer released his version of “Fast Car” on his fourth studio album Gettin’ Old, which was released in March. The song became a streaming and radio success, eventually peaking at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country songs chart and No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Amid the song’s newfound success, Chapman shared a statement with Billboard about her hit’s second life back in July. "I never expected to find myself on the country charts, but I’m honored to be there,” she said. "I’m happy for Luke and his success and grateful that new fans have found and embraced 'Fast Car.'"

Related: The Best Dressed (and Boldest!) Stars at the 2023 CMA Awards

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Combs also opened up to Billboard about being bewildered by the popularity of his cover, which he recorded after performing live on his tours for years. “Oh man, 'Fast Car' has surprised me more than you can imagine. Tracy Chapman wrote this perfect song that I first heard with my dad and it has stayed with me since," he told the outlet in July.

​​"That’s the gift of a supernatural songwriter. The success of my cover is unreal and I think it’s so cool that Tracy is getting recognized and has reached new milestones," Combs continued. "I love that she is out there feeling all the love and that she gave me a shout-out! Thank you, Tracy!”

The 2023 CMA Awards, hosted by Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Nov. 8 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and stream exclusively on Hulu the following day.

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