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Nashvilles Bridgestone Arena was full of new faces for this years Country Music Association Awards.
Even Morgan Wallens first Entertainer of the Year win managed to feel like a retread.
At least most of the performances delivered.
WHOA: Post Malone just earned his next hit.
Malone even held his own against his partner.
LOW: Luke and Peyton didnt need to bring Lainey into this.
Yall aint as bad as they said yall were gonna be, Wilson joked at the end.
No: They were worse.
HIGH: Megan Moroney sparkles.
feeling reserved and uncertain.
WHOA: Shaboozey puts on a show.
WhenShaboozeykicked off his set with Highway, I was worried the owner of a 17-week No.
1 wouldnt be celebrating that hit at the CMAs.
WHOA: Luke Combs blows the roof off the place.
LOW: Alan Jackson didnt fog up the windows of his old Chevy for this.
I cant wait for the Wrangler jeans tribute at next years ACMs.
WHOA: Are we sure this is theCountryMusic Association?
LOW: Sing a new song, Cody Johnson.
Honestly, Im getting tired of hearing the same tearjerker ballads at every awards show.
A surprise Carrie Underwood appearance couldnt even help make I Wanna Love You stand out.
HIGH: Lets hear it for Morgane Stapleton.
(Those were just two of his three wins on the night.)
Chris brought his usual vocal horsepower to the song, but Morganes tender harmonies were the emotional backbone.
WHOA: Brooks & Dunn & Jelly Roll bring the tears.
As the audience shots showed, you werent the only one crying.
HIGH: Lainey Wilson can still entertain.
Sure, it helps when youve got a string trio and a campground set with a real fire.
She may not be Entertainer of the Year anymore, but shes still got it.
WHOA: Bailey Zimmerman brings the party to the side stage.
He also descended in from the sky, because why not?
HIGH: A parade for the king.
LOW: Eric Churchs Darkest Hour tribute is too much.
WHOA: Keith Urban rocks.
LOW: The CMAs finally embrace Morgan Wallen.
(Wallen himself didnt seem to be expecting any hardware tonight, given that he didnt show up.)
This wasnt the CMAs finally opening its arms to Wallen, but rather, making good on a promise.
