When it comes to the 49th Annual CMA Awards, Luke Bryan won the big one. He again earned the Entertainer of the Year honor.
A case can be made, however, that Chris Stapleton was the night’s big winner.
Critically acclaimed but utterly absent from radio, Chris Stapleton emerged as a legitimate superstar during Wednesday’s show. In addition to winning awards for New Artist, Album of the Year, and Male Vocalist of the Year, Stapleton stole the show while performing alongside Justin Timberlake.
He, like Bryan, had a lot to celebrate. Before leaving for their off-site celebrations, the two posed with their trophies in the CMA Awards press room.
ABC’s press room photographers also caught some of the year’s other big winners: Florida Georgia Line (Vocal Duo), Little Big Town (Vocal Group, Single of the Year), Liz Rose/Hillary Lindsey/Lori McKenna (Song of the Year), and Maddie & Tae (Music Video of the Year; director TK Kamy also present).
