2023 CMT Music Awards: See Who Took Home the Trophies

The CMT Music Awards have concluded for 2023, with Lainey Wilson leading in nominations and Kane Brown, Jelly Roll, and Cody Johnson following closely with three nominations each. The event took place at the Moody Center in Austin and was aired live on CBS, with live streaming on Paramount+ on April 2nd.

Leading up to the ceremony, Shania Twain was announced as the recipient of the CMT Equal Play Award. The award honors artists who advocate for elevating diverse and underrepresented voices in country music. Previous winners of the award include Jennifer Nettles and Linda Martell.

Kane Brown and Kelsea Ballerini co-hosted the event, which featured performances from some of the biggest names in country music such as Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, and Keith Urban, among many others. Presenters included Megan Thee Stallion, HARDY, Noah Schnapp, Travis Kelce, and more.

Notably, Jelly Roll emerged victorious in all of his nominated categories, proving his worth in the industry. It was a night of celebration for country music fans and artists alike, as they gathered to recognize and honor the year’s best music. The CMT Music Awards are known for being fan-voted, which adds to the excitement and anticipation of the event.

Overall, the 2023 CMT Music Awards showcased the incredible talent and diversity within the country music genre, and highlighted the importance of elevating underrepresented voices in the industry. It was a night to remember for fans and artists alike, and a celebration of the power of music to bring people together.

Video of the year

Carrie Underwood – “Hate My Heart”
HARDY feat. Lainey Wilson – “wait in the truck”
WINNER: Kane Brown & Katelyn Brown – “Thank God”

Female video of the year

Carly Pearce – “What He Didn’t Do”
Carrie Underwood – “Ghost Story”
Gabby Barrett – “Pick Me Up”
Kelsea Ballerini – “Heartfirst”
WINNER: Lainey Wilson – “Heart Like A Truck”
Maren Morris – “Humble Quest”
Miranda Lambert – “Actin’ Up”

Male video of the year

Bailey Zimmerman – “Rock and A Hard Place”
Cody Johnson – “Human”
Cole Swindell – “She Had Me At Heads Carolina”
WINNER: Jelly Roll – “Son Of A Sinner”
Kane Brown – “Like I Love Country Music”
Luke Combs – “The Kind Of Love We Make”
Morgan Wallen – “Wasted On You”

Group/duo video of the year

Dan + Shay – “You (Performance Video)”
Lady A – “Summer State Of Mind”
Little Big Town – “Hell Yeah”
Parmalee – “Take My Name”
The War And Treaty – “That’s How Love Is Made”
WINNER: Zac Brown Band – “Out In The Middle”

Breakthrough female video of the year

Avery Anna – “Narcissist”
Kylie Morgan – “If He Wanted To He Would”
MacKenzie Porter – “Pickup”
WINNER: Megan Moroney – “Tennessee Orange”
Morgan Wade – “Wilder Days”
Tiera Kennedy – “Found It In You”

Breakthrough male video of the year

Bailey Zimmerman – “Fall In Love”
Corey Kent – “Wild as Her”
Drake Milligan – “Sounds Like Something I’d Do”
Jackson Dean – “Don’t Come Lookin’”
WINNER: Jelly Roll – “Son Of A Sinner”
Nate Smith – “Whiskey On You”

Collaborative video of the year

Elle King feat. Dierks Bentley – “Worth A Shot”
WINNER: HARDY feat. Lainey Wilson – “wait in the truck”
Ingrid Andress with Sam Hunt – “Wishful Drinking”
Kane Brown & Katelyn Brown – “Thank God”
Midland feat. Jon Pardi – “Longneck Way To Go”
Russell Dickerson feat. Jake Scott – “She Likes It”
Thomas Rhett & Katy Perry – “Where We Started”

CMT performance of the year

Black Pumas & Mickey Guyton – “Colors” (from 2022 CMT Music Awards)
Chris Stapleton – “Whenever You Come Around” (from CMT Giants: Vince Gill)
WINNER: Cody Johnson – “‘Til You Can’t” (from 2022 CMT Music Awards)
Cole Swindell & Lainey Wilson – “Never Say Never” (from 2022 CMT Music Awards)
Darius Rucker – “Let Her Cry” (from CMT Storytellers)
Emmy Russell & Lukas Nelson – “Lay Me Down” (from Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn)
Keith Urban – “Wild Hearts” (from 2022 CMT Music Awards)
LeAnn Rimes with Ashley McBryde & Carly Pearce – “One Way Ticket” (from CMT Crossroads: LeAnn Rimes & Friends)
The Judds – “Love Can Build A Bridge” (from 2022 CMT Music Awards)
Wynonna Judd & Brandi Carlile – “The Rose” (from Naomi Judd: A River of Time Celebration)

CMT digital-first performance of the year

Charley Crockett – “Time of the Cottonwood Trees“ (from CMT Campfire Sessions)
Chris Young – “Gettin’ You Home” (from CMT Stages)
Ingrid Andress – “Wishful Drinking” (from CMT Studio Sessions)
WINNER: Jelly Roll – “Son of A Sinner” (from CMT All Access)
Megan Moroney – “Tennessee Orange” (from CMT Viral To Verified)
Scotty McCreery – “Damn Strait” (from CMT Campfire Sessions)

CMT equal play

WINNER: Shania Twain