Morgan Wallen’s CMA Collabs: Post Malone, HARDY, Eric Church
Morgan Wallen’s suspension from performing on awards shows is very much a thing of the past. Last night at the CMA Awards, Wallen performed twice, and both times were collaborations…
Morgan Wallen's suspension from performing on awards shows is very much a thing of the past. Last night at the CMA Awards, Wallen performed twice, and both times were collaborations with other artists.
First, Morgan was joined by surprise guest Eric Church for "Man Made A Bar." "Man Made A Bar" is an album track from Wallen's latest LP, One Thing At A Time. While award shows tend to promote every single performer and presenter, Church's appearance came as a surprise to most fans. After the solid performance, the two country stars friends, who pay a lot of golf together, hugged.
Morgan's second CMA performance last night (11/8) was with his buddy HARDY and Post Malone. The three stars paid tribute to country music hitmaker of the 1990s, Joe Diffie, who died in 2020 of COVID. The surprise collaboration to honor Diffie was actually revealed by accident by Luke Bryan in the CMA press conference, but in true Nashville style, journalists promised Bryan no one would tell the leaked story, and they did not.
The performance saw Wallen, HARDY, and country music fan Post Malone sing a medley of Diffie's biggest hits after Diffie's oldest son, Parker Diffie, and Bryan announced the performance. On a stage out in the crowd, the three happily sang Diffie's "John Deere Green" and "Pickup Man."
Backstage, HARDY told us that his next project would be HIXTAPE Vol. 3: DIFFTAPE, which will be released on March 29, 2024, centered around and as a tribute to the GRAMMY and CMA Award-winning catalog of country legend.
RELATED: 2023 CMA Awards Winners List
HARDY told us, "We have gotten a hold of all of Joe Diffie's tapes from the '90s, the actual session themselves, and we have basically done what we have done with Hixtape, and we've taken some of Joe's vocals out and all that, and we've added some of the biggest singers in country music to help him sing some of his biggest hit, and you saw two of those tonight."
The 57th Annual Country Music Association Awards was held on Wednesday, November 8 at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. The ceremony was hosted once again by Luke Bryan with Peyton Manning (third time for Luke, second for Peyton). The ceremony aired live at 8 pm ET on ABC and will be streaming on Hulu. This year, Jelly Roll opened up the ceremony with a performance of his hit, "Need A Favor." One of the highlights was a tribute to Jimmy Buffett, performed by Kenny Chesney, Mac McAnally, Alan Jackson, and Zac Brown Band.
A handful of nominated artists performed: Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, Dan + Shay, Jordan Davis, HARDY, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Little Big Town, Ashley McBryde, Megan Moroney, Carly Pearce, Old Dominion, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen, The War and Treaty, Lainey Wilson, Zac Brown Band, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Mac McAnally, K. Michelle, Post Malone and Tanya Tucker. There was just as much star power among the lineup of presenters. Country stars Martina McBride, Bill Anderson, Keith Urban, Sara Evans, Brian Kelley, Craig Morgan, Darius Rucker, Chris Young, Lady A, Jordan Davis, and Parker McCollum were present. Outside of the genre, other presenters included Paula Abdul, Cynthia Erivo, Nate Bargatze, Kevin Cahoon, Corey Seager, and Gerry Turner.
Each year, the CMA Awards nominees and winners are determined by more than 6,000 industry professional members of the Country Music Association, but tonight, we determine the winners and losers of the red carpet. Take a look below at all the hits and misses of the night. And yeah, we dunked on a lot of the folks walking the red carpet, but we loved just as many outfits as we didn't. It's all part of the fun of fashion.
Worst: Jenee Fleenor
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesFrom the peacock-colored bedazzled gown with tassels, to the awkward arm pose, Fleenor's outfit for the awards show was cringe. To top it off, she wore a muted grey cowboy hat with a teal ribbon that clashes with the already very busy dress.
Worst: Priscilla Block
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesSTOP right there, Priscilla. She turned this traffic outfit into a tragic one -- she even brought cones to the carpet! Halloween is over, sis.
Worst: Meghan Patrick
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesWell, we were loving this outfit until we panned down to see Meghan's tin-man boots. The leather cross dress was already giving more than enough boldness and initrigue as far as material goes, but the chrome, crinkled knee-high boots take it to a gaudy level.
Worst: Darius Rucker
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesWe wish Darius stuck with one pattern for this look. The checkered blazer looks odd paired with faded black jeans, and on top of that, he paired the outfit with light-colored alligator boots? Oh, no...
Worst: Colton Pack, Zach Beeken, and Garrett Nichols of Restless Road
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesZach and Garret's outfits are safe, but it's Colton's that we take issue with. The studded shirt and leather pants are just too busy and is giving us magician vibes.
Worst: Russell Dickerson
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesLooking like he's come fresh out of a work out, or a hair commercial, Russell's over-the-shoulder blazer draping exposing a black muscle tees and layered chains makes him look kind of like a cross between 'Miami Vice' and 'Jersey Shore.'
Worst: Mitchell Tenpenny
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesThough we were going to give Mitchell kudos for branching away from the basic suit and tie, the tassels and embroidery are a bit overboard. We do like how he carries himself, though.
Worst: Parker McCollum
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesWell, they say things come in threes, so kicking off the three most-basic male outfits of the night is Parker. He wore a pair of medium-wash jeans, a black button up, white blazer, and a black cowboy hat. Yawn.
Worst: Cody Johnson
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesNext up in Basicville is Cody's cool-blue look. Pairing medium-wash jeans, he added a white button up, light blue blazer, and white cowboy hat. A brighter, yet equally boring look as Parker's.
Worst: Chase Rice
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesClosing out the trio's back-to-back boring is Chase's slightly less-boring outfit. He wears black jeans, a white button up, grey checkered blazer outfitted with a matching pocket kerchief, tan hat, and some light alligator boots. The best of the three, yes, but pretty generic.
Worst: Ernest
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesThe thing about leather, is that there CAN be too much. Ernest's leather outfit looks like he works at a gas station, especially with the Von Dutch patch logo boldly there for all to see.
Worst: Mickey Guyton
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesSorry, Mickey, but this color is all wrong for November. The pastel yellow is better saved for those spring months, and the cutout style as well.
Worst: Lindsay Ell
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesThough we do love the color of the dress, the cut, not so much. It is pretty basic and looks like a prom dress. Along with her purple-silver hair worn curled down to one side, the look would have been much more elegant if she did an updo.
Worst: Kimberly Schlapman
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesThough we love this dress and the opera gloves, it looks totally wrong on Kimberly. The muted tones on the dress washes her out and her curls make it look disheveled.
Worst: Hailey Whitters
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesThis is one of those instances in which more does not mean better. The dress is already commanding attention with the roses and off-the-shoulder aspects, but the white gloves that extend past her elbows is just too much and she would have been better without them.
Worst: HARDY
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesHARDY has hard-ly made our best-dressed list yet, and though he isn't at the bottom of the list, we can't say we're impressed with his style, either. The inclusion of leather is cool but the overall look is still "meh."
Worst: Sara Evans
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesThis gown would be spectacular if Sara had that diva wow-factor. Instead, it falls a bit flat.
Worst: Maddie Font and Tae Kerr of Maddie & Tae
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesWe actually love Maddie's gown and hairstyle, but it's Tae's glittery, high-neck mesh gown that we don't like at all. The more we look at it, the more we hate it and the feather trim on the bottom makes it worse.
Worst: Karen Greer and Craig Morgan
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesKaren's bright baby blue belted dress is a bit too bright and has too much fabric. The electric pleats is divine, so in a different color that is more muted, and she would have knocked this out of the park.
Worst: Karen Fairchild
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesWe would have loved this dress if Karen got rid of one of two things: the collar trims or the bedazzled center. The two together are too busy and costume-y, but if the dress had just one, it would have been divine.
Worst: Post Malone
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesIf the tattoos weren't distracting enough, Post's huge bolo tie is way too gaudy, but expected from him.
Worst: Morgan Wallen
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesA mullet-less Morgan hit the red carpet but he kept the thick mustache. He kept his look basic in muted black, topped with a red blazer with contrast black details.
Worst: Kylie Morgan
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesIn another gown that gives off prom-energy, Kylie's cut and choice of fabric for her dress looks pretty basic. Her necklace or body chain, however is a nice touch.
Worst: Carly Pearce
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesThere is a fine line for making chrome/metallic look good or tacky. Carly's skirt is the latter, and looks odd with the cape that trails off from her strapless black top.
Best: Bill Anderson
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesBill just looks so adorable on the red carpet that we had to have him kick off the transition to our best dressed of the night. We love the white embroidery on his blazer -- not too much, but just enough to give a little pizzazz to his outfit.
Best: Chris Stapleton
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesWe love how Stapleton shows up as himself -- no bells and whistles, just simple and topped off with a cool hat with his hair flowing freely.
Best: Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney of Dan + Shay
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesSeparately, Dan and Shay's suits would have ranked them lower on the list, but together, the brown and deep blue suit colors compliment each other very well. Nice coordination!
Best: Trevor Rosen, Geoff Spring, Matthew Ramsey, and Brad Tursi of Old Dominion
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesAs a group, the men all look smartly dressed. Nothing too bold, and all of the accents don't go unnoticed, from the leather trims, to the velvet blazers, to the striped undershirt.
Best: Lauren Watkins
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesNow this is a basic done right. Lauren's strapless maxi dress hugs her figure perfectly and we love that it's leather!
Best: Hallie Ray Light McCollum and Parker McCollum
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesHallie steals the show here with her jewel-toned blue gown. We love the very low cut and the draping and ruching along the sides.
Best: Luke Bryan and Caroline Boyer
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesLuke turned things up a notch with his leather blazer, but Caroline stole the show. We love how this sequined, snake-print gown looks on her and together, their outfits look fantastic.
Best: Cole Swindell and Courtney Little
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesWell, Courtney stole the show here compared to Cole's basic all-black look. Her gown is elegant and we love the slit in the skirt as well as her updo.
Best: T.J. Osborne and John Osborne of Brothers Osborne
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesNow that is how you do a studded jacket! T.J.'s Vegas-style blazer is so fun, while John's long blue blazer and opened shirt make the duo look really cool.
Best: Chase Stokes and Kelsea Ballerini
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesLooking like country's Barbie and Ken, Kelsea wore a baby pink satin gown and was all smiles on the red carpet with her beau, Chase, who wore an all-black suit.
Best: Dustin Lynch
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesKeeping things under the fall color scheme, Dustin wore a dusty orange-colored double-breasted blazer, giving him that boost of elegance on the red carpet.
Best: Chris Lane
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesBeing handsome takes you a long way. That, along with a crisp, black tux and bow tie makes Chris Lane awards show ready.
Best: Jordan Davis
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesNow this is a great fall suit. We love the wool material and the longer blazer, it is modern and refreshing to see on the red carpet. Looking dapper, Jordan!
Best: Brian Kelley
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesWe are loving these green tones Brian chose. His suit has a relaxed fit and in a more earthy tone, while his undershirt is in a deeper green hue. His cowboy hat fits within the color scheme in a lighter tan shade, while his shoes are a khaki suede.
Best: Dave Haywood, Hillary Scott, and Charles Kelley of Lady A
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesEvery one looks fantastically dressed. Dave's checkered grey suit with a blue collared shirt and bolo tie, Hillary's red dress is gorgeous with stockings and strappy red pointed heels, and Charles' striped suit is cool with a white tee and matching white loafers. Well done.
Best: Bunnie XO and Jelly Roll
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesThe couple look great this time around! Bunnie wore a strapless, glittering black gown with lace sleeves, while Jelly Roll wore a gorgeous black floral suit.
Best: Cynthia Erivo
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesWe love this bold, graphic satin gown Erivo donned. The thin straps and long train make this look elegant and fun!
Best: Charlie Worsham
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesWe just adore this shade of brown. This suit, paired with a muted, light grey button down with brown matching buttons is a subtle yet effective way to look dapper.
Best: Paula Abdul
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesStraight up: Paula looked stunning in this ombre silver and bronze-patterned gown! The metal belt and silver accessories and shoes tied the whole look together.
Best: Ashley McBryde
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesMcBryde can't go wrong wearing red. The bright primary color looks so good against her pale complexion and hair color, and we love the train details.
Best: Riley Green
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesFor those afraid to wear white, here is your inspiration to experiment with it. Riley's cream-colored three-piece suit is so dapper and fresh. He adds some contrast with some medium brown-toned alligator boots.
Best: Camille Parker
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesWow, we are loving everything about Camille's look from head to toe. Her curly updo is gorgeous and allows us to really focus on her beauty and the beauty of her gown, which hugs her figure beautifully and ends with a feathery flair trim.
Best: Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesLook at this rockstar couple! The pair looked fantastic, with Nicole's black cutout gown and Keith's green tie-dye washed shirt and chunky black shoes.
Best: Nicole Hocking and Luke Combs
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesWe are loving Nicole's ravishing red ruffled high-low gown and Luke's brown plaid-patterned suit! Together they look like they're ready for the holidays and looking like royalty, too!
Best: Reyna Roberts
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesReyna really went for it, and she pulled this look off! We are loving the white corset with matching belted gloves and chaps with black fishnets underneath. Her hat is fun, too.
Best: K.Michelle
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesGorgeous, sexy, and elegant all wrapped up into one is K.Michelle. Her updo is flawless, while her burgundy-colored satin gown makes her look like a gift.
Best: Colbie Caillat
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesColbie looks like a superstar with this elegant gown. The deep cut strapless black gown is encrusted in a gorgeous crystal design and she has a shimmering white train.
Best: Megan Moroney
Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesMegan looked like the belle of the ball with this gorgeous red gown with a high thigh slit. We are loving the details with her matching red lip, red bow heels, and simple diamond necklace.
