Luke Combs puts another successful annual CMA Awards in the books as he takes home the award for Album of the Year for his third studio album, Growin’ Up. Produced by Chip Matthews and Jonathan Singleton, the 12-track project features hit songs “Doin’ This,” “Tomorrow Me” and “The Kind of Love We Make.”
Humble Quest by Maren Morris, Palomino by Miranda Lambert, Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’ by Lainey Wilson and Time, Tequila & Therapy by Old Dominion were also nominated in the same category.
“Oh man, I was not expecting this … I’m so thankful anytime I get to stand up here, but the real people to be thankful for are these two gentlemen standing behind me, Chip Matthews and Jonathon Singleton. These guys worked their tails off on this album — Chip might have slept two hours since we put this record out. Thank y’all so much,” said Combs as he accepted the award.
During the awards show, he gave a powerful performance of his megahit country anthem “The Kind Of Love We Make” on the Bridgestone Arena stage.
Combs was also up for Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year.
“Still surreal when I receive nominations from the @cma. Something I dreamed of for a long time. It’s a true honor to be a part of country music. Thank you to the association and the fans for making this ol’ boy’s day!”
Combs is currently in the midst of his headlining Middle Of Somewhere Tour, which features special guests Lainey Wilson, Jordan Davis and Morgan Wade on select dates and continues through December of 2022. The “Lovin’ On You” singer also recently announced a massive world tour that will hit three continents and 16 countries in 2023.
The 56th Annual CMA Awards featured performances from Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Cole Swindell, Cody Johnson, and Carly Pearce.
The show opened with an all-star tribute to the late Loretta Lynn from Underwood, Reba McEntire and Lambert.
Underwood, Dierks Bentley, Jon Pardi, and Lainey Wilson joined together to honor the 2022 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Alan Jackson.
Additionally, the show included star-studded collaborations from Kelsea Ballerini, Kelly Clarkson and Carly Pearce, HARDY and Lainey Wilson, Elle King with The Black Keys, Brothers featuring The War and Treaty, Thomas Rhett and Katy Perry, Chris Stapleton with Patty Loveless, Zac Brown Band, Jimmie Allen and Marcus King as well as Ashley McBryde with Pillbox Patti, Brandy Clark, Caylee Hammack and John Osborne.
Mookie Betts, BRELAND, Jessica Chastain, Jordan Davis, Sarah Drew, Cole Hauser, Tyler Hubbard, Wynonna Judd, Lady A, Rex Linn, Little Big Town, Parker McCollum, Reba McEntire, Ben and Erin Napier, Jeannie Seely, Michael Shannon, and Lainey Wilson were on hand to present during the ceremony.
Co-hosted by Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, the 2022 CMA Awards broadcasted live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and aired on ABC (8:00-11:00 PM/ET).
The CMA Awards will also be available for viewing on Hulu beginning Thursday, Nov. 10.
The 56th Annual CMA Awards was a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton served as the Executive Producer, Alan Carter as the Director, and Jon Macks as the Head Writer.
