The 2023 CMA Awards featured jokes, tributes, and first-time winners. Lainey Wilson, who received nine nominations, won the album of the year award and thanked her family, fans, and Jesus in her acceptance speech. She also highlighted her love for storytelling and dedicated her female vocalist of the year award to all hard-working women. Other winners included Jelly Roll for new artist of the year, Luke Combs for single of the year, and Tracy Chapman for song of the year. The night ended with Wilson winning entertainer of the year.
