Cody Johnson, Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen attend the CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena on Nov. 8, 2023 in Nashville.Photo:John Shearer/Getty Images for CMA
John Shearer/Getty Images for CMA
OVERCOME:From her front-row seat,Brandi Johnsonwatched her superstar husband,Cody Johnson,sing “The Painter,” the touching love song that the artist has dedicated to his wife of 14 years. If that wasn’t enough to stir her emotions, he delivered the heart-tugger in front of a giant backdrop of Brandi’s image. At the song’s finish, cameras caught her dry-eyed and grinning with pride. So how did she hold it all together? She didn’t. Moments later, during the commercial break, she was spotted out of her seat, trying unsuccessfully to stop the tears, dabbing at her eyes with a tissue and heading toward an exit — perhaps seeking a moment to collect herself.
Cody Johnson performs at the CMA Awards on Nov. 8, 2023 in Nashville.Astrida Valigorsky/WireImage
Astrida Valigorsky/WireImage
FAST FRIENDS:A month ago, in anLA Timesinterview,Jelly Rollexpressed an interest in meeting fellow country sensationZach Bryan,and Wednesday night, he apparently got his wish as the two men were seated next to each other for the show. Throughout the evening, they could be seen avidly chatting, bobbing their heads in tandem to the performances, and when the time came for their category — new artist of the year — to be announced, they each swung a supportive arm around the other’s shoulder. WhenJelly Roll’s name was called, cameras caught Bryan getting a firm hand clasp, a warm hug and whispered words from his new friend.
Jelly Roll and Zach Bryan attend the CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena on Nov. 8, 2023 in Nashville.John Shearer/Getty Images for CMA
PRIORITIES:On the red carpet,Maddie Marlow Font and Tae Dye Kerr,aka Maddie & Tae, talked about their life as new moms and how they’re quickly learning to balance work and family life. “Trying to do it all,” Font admitted, “is too much.” During the show, the 10-time nominees for CMA duo of the year were true to their word. Soon after they watched the Brothers Osborne win their category — and less than two hours into the three-hour show — the duo and their husbands discreetly headed out the door, no doubt beelining home to spell their children’s sitters. Maddie and Jonah Font’s son,Forrest, was born Sept. 9,and Tae and Josh Kerr’sdaughter, Leighton,will turn 2 in January.
Jonah and Maddie Font with Tae and Josh Kerr at the CMA Awards on Nov. 8, 2023 in Nashville.Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images
Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images
ost Malone, Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman share a laugh at the CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena on Nov. 8, 2023 in Nashville.John Shearer/Getty Images for CMAs
John Shearer/Getty Images for CMAs
MEET AND GREET:What happens during commercial breaks? Party time! More often than not, the stars are out of their seats and schmoozing. Among the notable socializing going on:Post Malonekibbitzing withKeith UrbanandNicole Kidman; presenterPaula Abdulchatting withZac Brown;Shay Mooneyintroducing himself to comedianNate Bargatze; husband and wifeMichael and Tanya Trotter(aka The War and Treaty) accepting a hearty handshake fromCole Swindellafter their fiery performance; and theBrothers Osbornegenuflecting before country music royalty, new Hall of FamerPatty Loveless.
Shay Mooney of Dan + Shay and Nate Bargatze at the CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena on Nov. 8, 2023 in Nashville.John Shearer/Getty Images for CMA
A GOOD SIGN:CMA female artist of the year nomineeAshley McBrydehas been learning American sign language in her spare time, with a goal of someday singing her hit single “Light on in the Kitchen” onstage. After she performed the song at the CMAs, she tried out one familiar and poignant gesture. Though the stage went too dark for cameras to pick it up, in the arena McBryde could clearly be seen signing “thank you” to the crowd.
Ashley McBryde performs onstage at 2023 CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images
Nicole Hocking Combs and Luke Combs attend the CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena on Nov. 8, 2023 in Nashville.John Shearer/Getty Images for CMA
Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning speak onstage at The 57th Annual CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee on Nov. 8, 2023.Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images
FAN FAVORITE:HARDYandMorgan Wallenmade a quick exit after performing Joe Diffie’s country classics, “John Deere Green” and “Pickup Man.” But their rap-artist collaborator, Post Malone — no doubt sensing he’d found some rabid fans in this country crowd — stuck around to slap hands, making a complete pass around the satellite stage.
HARDY, Post Malone and Morgan Wallen perform onstage at The 57th Annual CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee on Nov. 8, 2023.Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images
Cody Johnson, Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen at the CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena on Nov. 8, 2023 in Nashville.John Shearer/Getty Images for CMA
HELLO, DARKNESS:WhenJordan Davissang his latest chart-topper, “Next Thing You Know,” cell phones splashed constellations of light around the arena. But did the artists themselves get caught up in this popular expression of fandom? Um, nope. Not a dot of light to be seen in the celeb section.
HIDDEN GEM IN PLAIN SIGHT:A delightful bit of history, unannounced to the audience, shared the stage withTanya Tuckerduring her performance of signature song, “Delta Dawn,” withLittle Big Town. If those harmonica riffs sounded familiar, there was a reason: That was Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie McCoy providing them. He played on Tucker’s original 1972 recording.
Jelly Roll accepts the new artist of the year award onstage during the 57th Annual CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena on Nov. 8, 2023 in Nashville.Terry Wyatt/Getty
Terry Wyatt/Getty
source: people.com
