The 2023 CMT Awards took over CBS on Sunday night and this year’s show was an impressive one. There were all-star tributes and even some more moving and emotional moments. Here are the best moments from the 2023 CMT Awards.
Honoring the Victims
Some artists chose to honor the Covenant School victims and families with a simple accessory. Ashley McBryde, Darius Rucker and Charles Esten were some that remembered the lives lost with black ribbons. Kelsea Ballerini also started the award show with a powerful statement about the shooting.
Darius + The Black Crowes
With the collaboration we all knew we needed, Darius Rucker and The Black Crowes gave a smooth and soulful production of “She Talks To Angels.” The gritty instrumentation and solid vocals made this CMT Awards performance a memorable one.
Megan Thee Hype Girl
Megan Thee Stallion stunned in a floor-length blue dress and chunky white accessories as she gave us hype girl vibes introducing Shania Twain. Megan, a Texas native, presented Twain with her Equal Play Award. “I don’t want to cheese this hard because I just met her and she’s my new bestie.” 😊
Alanis + Co
You oughta know that this one would make the list. Alanis Morisette brought her classic hit, “You Oughta Know” to the CMT Awards stage accompanied by some badass women. Lainey Wilson, Ingrid Andress, Madeline Edwards and Morgan Wade joined her for one of the best performances of the night. The strong individual vocals alone would have been great, but all of the ladies singing in harmony made it remarkable.
Jelly Roll’s Big Night
Jelly Roll was the night’s big winner – taking home all three of the CMT Awards he was nominated for. That being said, we were the real winners. The Nashville native took us to church with his powerful performance of “Need a Favor” backed by a powerhouse gospel choir. He also moved us with his spoken words, in all three of his acceptance speeches.
Wynonna Judd + Ashley McBryde
Wynonna Judd and Ashley McBryde came together for a moving rendition of “I Want To Know What Love Is.” The performance was so powerful that one fan called it “soul moving.” And when Judd added the line, “momma you need to be here,” no doubt there were few dry eyes in the house. She had opened up earlier in the week about why the these awards were already so special, and emotional, for her.
Gary Rossington Tribute
Taking the stage for the final and likely best moment of the night, Cody Johnson, Wynonna Judd, LeAnn Rimes, Slash, Billy Gibbons, Paul Rodgers, Chuck Leavell and Warren Haynes came together to honor the late Gary Rossington of Lynyrd Skynyrd. With an electrifying performance of the band’s iconic hits “Simple Man” and “Sweet Home Alabama,” the stars closed out the show and certainly brought down the house! Read more about that performance here.
Did you miss an award? See the full list of winners here.
