Country

2023 CMT AWARDS Recap

By Bailey Flores | April 10, 2023

The 2023 CMT Awards were particularly noteworthy as they were held live for the first time in Austin, Texas. This vibrant city provided the perfect backdrop for the ceremony, which showcased the best of country music. The 2023 CMT Awards, hosted by Kelsea Ballerini and Kane Brown, took place in Austin, Texas at the newly constructed Moody Center. The fans let their voice be heard as the CMT Awards are known as the only entirely fan-voted awards show for country music, This year, breakout artist Jelly Roll walked away with three awards, and the show featured performances from some of the biggest names in music, including Carly Pearce, The Black Crowes + Darius Rucker, and Keith Urban.

_{AUSTIN, TEXAS – APRIL 02: Jelly Roll accepts the Male Video of the Year Award onstage during the 2023 CMT Music Awards at Moody Center on April 02, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Rick Kern/Getty Images for CMT)}

The 2023 CMT Awards featured an impressive lineup of performers, including some of the biggest names in country music. The night started with an exhilarating performance by Blake Shelton who performed his hit song “.” First-ever collaborations with Alanis Morissette performing alongside Ingrid Andress’s, Lainey Wilson, Madeline Edwards, and Morgan Wade for a powerful rendition of “You Oughta Know,” and Carly Pearce took the stage with Gwen Stefani for a performance of their hit collaboration “Just a Girl”.

AUSTIN, TEXAS – APRIL 02: Ashley McBryde and Wynonna Judd perform onstage during the 2023 CMT Music Awards at Moody Center on April 02, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images for CMT)

_{AUSTIN, TEXAS – APRIL 02: Warren Haynes, Paul Rodgers, Chuck Leavell, Cody Johnson, Slash, Billy Gibbons, LeAnn Rimes and Wynonna Judd performs onstage during the 2023 CMT Music Awards at Moody Center on April 02, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images for CMT)}

Another standout collaboration was the All-Star Tributes including Lynyrd Skynyrd feat. Billy Gibbons, Chuck Leavell, Cody Johnson, Paul Rodgers, Slash & Warren Haynes with LeAnn Rimes & Wynonna Judd joining as “The Honkettes;” and Austin Native Gary Clark Jr. paid homage to Austin music Ledgen Stevie Ray Vaughan, playing a guitar solo that brought the audience to their feet.

The CMT Awards have built a reputation for giving up-and-coming artists a platform, and the 2023 event was no exception. Avery Anna, Chapel Hart, Jackson Dean, Lily Rose, Megan Moroney, and Nate Smith showcased their talents at the Ram Trucks Side Stage, giving the audience a taste of what’s to come from the next generation of country music stars. Megan Moroney, also won the award for Breakthrough Female Video of the Year for her song “Tennessee Orange”,

AUSTIN, TEXAS – APRIL 02: In this image released April 02, Jackson Dean performs on the RAM Stage at the CMT Music Awards at Moody Center on April 01, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Catherine Powell/Getty Images for CMT)

Overall, the 2023 CMT Awards were a night to remember, showcasing the best of country music and honoring the top performers and artists in the industry. With Kelsea Ballerini and Kane Brown at the helm, the show delivered a blend of humor, emotion, and excitement, making it a must-see event for country music fans everywhere.