Morgan Wallen at the CMA's: Awards, Nominations & Performances

Morgan Wallen at the CMA’s

Morgan Wallen has become one of the most talked-about artists in country music, and his appearances at the Country Music Association Awards (CMA’s) have been eventful and memorable.

From award nominations to powerful performances, here’s a rundown of Wallen’s journey at the CMA’s.

1. First CMA Nomination (2019)

Wallen received his first CMA nomination in 2019 for New Artist of the Year, marking his debut recognition at the event.
This nomination solidified his status as a rising star in country music, as he was recognized alongside fellow up-and-comers.

2. Winning New Artist of the Year (2020)

In 2020, Wallen won his first CMA award for New Artist of the Year.

3. Acceptance Speech: New Artist of the Year (2020)

This win followed the success of his debut album, If I Know Me, and its popular singles like “Chasin’ You.”
It was a significant moment, as Wallen had quickly transitioned from an emerging artist to one of the genre’s most promising new talents.

4. First Ever Performance: Whiskey Glasses (2020)

Wallen performed his breakout hit, “Whiskey Glasses,” bringing energy and enthusiasm to the CMA stage for the first time.

5. Performance: More Than My Hometown (2020)

In a stripped-down, heartfelt performance, Wallen captivated the audience with “More Than My Hometown.” The song, which became a chart-topping hit, showcased Wallen’s storytelling ability and emotional depth.

6. Album of the Year Nomination for Dangerous: The Double Album (2021)

Wallen’s 2021 double album, Dangerous, became a commercial powerhouse and was later nominated for Album of the Year at the 2021 CMA Awards.
The album broke records, spending multiple weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, a rarity for a country album.
This nomination further established him as one of country music’s top artists.

7. Suspended from the CMA Awards (2021)

Reason: The CMA banned Wallen from attending and participating in individual artist categories due to a video of him yelling a racial slur at a friend in February 2021. The CMA’s decision was made to avoid penalizing Wallen’s co-writers and producers.
Exceptions: Wallen’s album, songs, and music videos were still eligible for awards but did not win

8. Performance: You Proof (2022)

Returning to the CMA stage, Wallen delivered a soulful rendition of “You Proof,” a song that topped country charts.

9. "Walked in tonight a winner, didn’t leave no different" (2023)

Morgan Wallen was nominated for three categories at the 2023 CMA Awards: Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, and Album of the Year for One Thing at a Time. Despite his significant commercial success in 2023, Wallen did not take home any awards.

10. Performance with Eric Church: Man Made a Bar (2023)

The crowd responded enthusiastically, with many fans singing along to the heartfelt lyrics. Wallen and Church both received a standing ovation, underscoring the song’s popularity and the impact of their collaboration.