The best of Country music was celebrated at The 49th Annual CMA Awards held on November 4, 2015 and hosted by Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley. And while the night had its predictable moments, the evening’s big winner took everyone by surprise. Chris Stapleton earned three awards, going three for three and snagging the Male Vocalist of the Year. Stapleton also collaborated with Justin Timberlake, stealing the show by dueting on “Drink You Away” and “Tennessee Whiskey.”
Luke Bryan was once again recognized as the Entertainer of the Year, earning that honor for the second year in a row. “I put so much pride in giving all I’ve got every night performing, getting off the stage with ice packs on my knees and out of breath,” Bryan said. “This is a night where I can go ‘Gosh, people are paying attention to that.'”
The 49th Annual CMA Awards Winners
Entertainer of the Year
Luke Bryan
Album of the Year
Traveller, Chris Stapleton
Produced by Dave Cobb and Chris Stapleton
Female Vocalist of the Year
Miranda Lambert
Male Vocalist of the Year
Chris Stapleton
Song of the Year
“Girl Crush,” by Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, and Liz Rose
Single of the Year
“Girl Crush,” Little Big Town
Vocal Group of the Year
Little Big Town
Vocal Duo of the Year
Florida Georgia Line
New Artist of the Year
Chris Stapleton
Music Event of the Year
“Raise ‘Em Up,” Keith Urban featuring Eric Church
Music Video of the Year
“Girl In A Country Song,” Maddie & Tae (directed by TK McKamy)
Musician of the Year
Mac McAnally
Watch Justin Timberlake and Chris Stapleton’s performance:
