Last night’s CMT music awards was full of all sorts of emotion. This annual awards ceremony was held for the first time in Austin, Texas. Fans flooded the city and millions of others across the states tuned in to watch this big event. Live performances from Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Cody Johnson, Gwen Stefani and other artists made the show one to remember.

Country artists Kelsea Ballerini and Kane Brown hosted this year’s CMT awards. They both have a history of co-hosting the event, so fans thought it was necessary to have them back up on stage together once again. Not only did they make the crowd laugh with their big personalities but they were also able to perform their own big hits. 

Ballerini had a very big night. She opened the show by paying tribute to victims of the school shooting that happened on March 27 in Nashville. She also shared her story about losing a classmate due to gun violence. Ballerini hoped that with millions of people watching there could be a sense of awareness and desperation for change.  

“Tonight’s broadcast is dedicated to the ever-growing list of families, friends, survivors, witnesses and responders whose lives continue to forever be changed by gun violence,” said Ballerini.

Brown and his wife, Katelyn Brown, won Video Of The Year for their newest song duo called “Thank God.” They also marked history being the first ever married couple to win this award. 

This night is one of the most important nights for the country music industry. Country artists look forward to this night for many reasons. Many artists were nominated for multiple awards, however; America got to choose the winners. The winners were announced and recognized for their outstanding music videos and performances. Here is the full list of the 2023 CMT award winners.

Video of the year

Kane Brown & Katelyn Brown – “Thank God”

Female video of the year

Lainey Wilson – “Heart Like A Truck”

Male video of the year

Jelly Roll – “Son Of A Sinner”

Group/duo video of the year

Zac Brown Band – “Out In The Middle”

Breakthrough female video of the year

Megan Moroney – “Tennessee Orange”

Breakthrough male video of the year

Jelly Roll – “Son Of A Sinner”

Collaborative video of the year

HARDY feat. Lainey Wilson – “Wait In the Truck”

CMT performance of the year

Cody Johnson – “‘Til You Can’t” (from 2022 CMT Music Awards)

CMT digital-first performance of the year

Jelly Roll – “Son of A Sinner” (from CMT All Access)

CMT equal play

Shania Twain