50th Annual CMA Awards – Winners

Garth Brooks and Chris Stapleton were two of the night's big winners. 

Written by Laura Hostelley
50th Annual CMA Awards – Winners
Photos by Donn Jones / CMA

The 50th Annual CMA Awards brought their best to celebrate their 50th Anniversary. In a nearly three-and-a-half hour show, the stars of Music City came out to celebrate the esteemed association bringing their killer looks and even better talent.

Garth Brooks took home the night’s top honor, Entertainer of the Year, bringing his career tally to five CMA EOTY wins. He now holds the record for the most Entertainer of the Year trophies in CMA history. 

“I never thought I’d be able to come back. And when you come back you never think you’re going to get to hold one of these [CMA trophies] again,” Brooks told reporters backstage. He continued, “Awards are for younger artists so the older you get the more precious [they are].”

Chris Stapleton was also a big winner, taking home two trophies, while Carrie Underwood won her first CMA in eight years when she was crowned CMA Female Vocalist of the Year.

Below is a complete list of CMA Awards winners.

Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award: 
Dolly Parton

Pinnacle Award: 
Kenny Chesney

Musician of the Year: 
Dann Huff (Guitar)

Music Video of the Year:
“Fire Away” Chris Stapleton
Directed by Tim Mattia

Musical Event of the Year:
“Different For Girls” Dierks Bentley feat. Elle King
Capitol Records Nashville/Universal Music Group Nashville

Single of the Year:
“Die a Happy Man” Thomas Rhett
Produced by Dann Huff and Jesse Frasure
Mix Engineered by Justin Niebank
The Valory Music Co.

Song of the Year:
“Humble and Kind,” written by Lori McKenna/performed by Tim McGraw

New Artist of the Year:
Maren Morris

Album of the Year:
Mr. Misunderstood Eric Church
Produced by Jay Joyce and Arturo Buenahora, Jr.
EMI Records Nashville/Universal Music Group Nashville

Female Vocalist of the Year:
Carrie Underwood

Male Vocalist of the Year:
Chris Stapleton

Entertainer of the Year:
Garth Brooks