Everyone was wondering if Brothers Osborne or Dan + Shay would win vocal duo of the year this time around – or if The War and Treaty could possibly win in one fell swoop. Few expected Brooks & Dunn to come back to win the category for the 15th time. This was their first win in this category since 2006. Kix Brooks was as surprised as anyone that they won. “What a strange company,” he exclaimed when he won the prize. “I love it.”

Shaboozey was nominated in two high-profile categories – single and new artist of the year – but lost both. Shaboozey was vying to become the third Black artist to win New Artist of the Year, following Darius Rucker (2009) and Jimmie Allen (2021). Those hoping for more diversity in the CMA picks were probably also disappointed that The War and Treaty didn’t win vocal duo of the year. They were nominated for the second year in a row, but lost to Brooks & Dunn.

Johnsons Learn won album of the year, beating albums from three previous winners in the category (Kacey Musgraves, Luke Combs and Chris Stapleton), as well as Jelly Roll, whose Whitsitt Chapel people thought there was a good chance of winning. Even Johnson expected Stapleton or Jelly Roll to win, he said in his acceptance speech.

Posty tied for third in the nominations this year with four nods, but lost them all. Post may have better luck at the 2025 Grammys, where he has been nominated for seven awards. But his track record at the Grammys also leaves much to be desired. His track record stood at 0-10 prior to this year’s nominations and is currently 0-17.

“You Look Like You Love Me” by Ella Langley feat. Riley Green won Musical Event of the Year, beating out a pair of songs that hit No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 – Post Malone’s ‘I Had Some Help’ (feat. Morgan Wallen) and Zach’s ‘I Remember Everything’ Bryan (feat. Kacey Musgraves). In addition to its chart success, “I Had Some Help” was nominated for single and song of the year, making it seem like a clear frontrunner in this category. “You Look Like You Love Me” peaked at number 30 on the Hot 100, but made the top 10 on both Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay.

The steel guitarist was nominated for musician of the year for the 32nd time – and lost for the 32nd time. He has been nominated in all four years since 1989. Being nominated 32 times by peers is an amazing achievement, but at this point, Franklin would probably already want to win this damn thing.