The 2024 CMA Awards featured powerful performances from legends like George Strait and Post Malone.
The 2024 CMA Awards brought unforgettable moments from country music’s biggest stars. From emotional tributes to electric performances, this year’s show was packed with talent. Chris Stapleton took home three major awards, while Morgan Wallen clinched the biggest honor of the night, Entertainer of the Year. Meanwhile, Cody Johnson, Megan Moroney, and Riley Green all celebrated career milestones with their respective wins.
While the awards were a highlight, the night’s performances were equally memorable, featuring a mix of country, rock, soul, and bluegrass. Whether it was a tribute to a legendary artist or an impromptu collaboration, these live performances captured the magic of country music.
Here, we break down the top performances of the evening, ranked from unforgettable to downright epic!
20: Post Malone’s “Yours” – A Heartfelt Family Tribute
Post Malone kicked off his CMA debut with a solo performance of “Yours,” a song dedicated to his daughter. Though his voice was a bit rough at times, the emotional weight of the song resonated with the audience, showcasing his growth as a country artist.
19: Bailey Zimmerman’s Energetic “New To Country”
Bailey Zimmerman made a bold entrance, descending from the ceiling in front of a massive sign with his initials. Dressed casually and full of energy, Zimmerman performed his hit “New to Country,” though the song itself felt a bit dated compared to other fresh country sounds.
18: Luke Bryan’s Fun Performance of “Love You, Miss You, Mean It”
Co-host Luke Bryan delivered a fun and easygoing performance of his hit “Love You, Miss You, Mean It,” reminding fans why he’s one of the genre’s most beloved entertainers.
17: Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan’s Tender “Cowboys Cry Too”
Teaming up with Noah Kahan, Kelsea Ballerini offered a sweet and elegant version of their song “Cowboys Cry Too.” While Kahan seemed a bit uncomfortable on stage, the delicate duet still made a lasting impression.
16: Chris Stapleton and Post Malone’s “California Sober” Collaboration
Chris Stapleton and Post Malone kicked off the evening with a raucous performance of “California Sober,” which set the tone for the night. While both artists brought their unique energy, Stapleton’s powerful voice slightly overshadowed Post Malone’s at times.
15: Megan Moroney’s Charismatic “Am I Okay?” Performance
Megan Moroney dazzled with her performance of “Am I Okay?” as she twirled and showcased her flair for the dramatic. Her playful charisma made for one of the most visually captivating performances, though her vocals were occasionally unsteady.
14: Shaboozey’s Hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” Lights Up the Stage
Shaboozey brought his viral hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” to the CMA stage, surrounded by dancers in western wear. His easygoing charm and magnetic stage presence had the entire audience on their feet, enjoying the country-infused party vibe.
13: Lainey Wilson’s Moving “4x4xU” Performance
Lainey Wilson brought drama to the stage with her heartfelt performance of “4x4xU.” Standing before a firepit, Wilson’s confidence shone as she delivered a striking and emotional rendition of her love song.
12: Dierks Bentley and Bluegrass Stars Pay Tribute to Tom Petty
Dierks Bentley joined forces with bluegrass stars Molly Tuttle, Sierra Hull, and Bronwyn Keith-Hynes for a stunning rendition of “American Girl,” honoring the late Tom Petty. This performance spotlighted the blend of bluegrass and country that Bentley has long championed.
11: Thomas Rhett and Teddy Swims’ Soulful Collaboration
Thomas Rhett and Teddy Swims brought a soulful vibe to the CMA stage with their collaboration on “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Woman” and “Lose Control.” Their vocal chemistry resonated with the crowd, adding a touch of pop, blues, and soul to the mix.
10: Eric Church’s “Darkest Hour” Raises Awareness for Hurricane Relief
With a stirring performance of “Darkest Hour,” Eric Church used his platform to raise awareness for those affected by Hurricane Helene. Backed by horns, strings, and a choir, Church’s emotional performance was one of the evening’s most impactful moments.
9: Ella Langley and Riley Green’s “You Look Like You Love Me”
Ella Langley and Riley Green delivered a nostalgic performance of their collaboration “You Look Like You Love Me.” Langley’s performance, which began in the audience, built to a standing ovation as Green joined her on stage. The duo’s vocal chemistry was undeniable.
8: Luke Combs’ Powerful “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma”
Luke Combs delivered a blistering rendition of his rock-infused track “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma,” proving once again that he’s one of the most commanding voices in country music today.
7: Ashley McBryde Honors Kris Kristofferson with “Help Me Make It Through the Night”
In an emotional tribute, Ashley McBryde honored the legendary Kris Kristofferson with a tender rendition of “Help Me Make It Through the Night.” The performance earned a well-deserved standing ovation, as McBryde captured the song’s poignancy with grace.
6: Chris Stapleton and Morgane Stapleton’s Heartfelt “What Am I Gonna Do?”
The Stapleton duo delivered a heart-wrenching performance of “What Am I Gonna Do?” with Morgane’s voice perfectly complementing Chris’s soulful delivery. Their emotional connection on stage made this performance one of the night’s most memorable.
5: Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood’s Powerful “I’m Gonna Love You”
Teaming up for a powerful duet, Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood brought down the house with “I’m Gonna Love You.” Their voices blended perfectly, showcasing both artists’ impressive vocal ranges and making for one of the night’s standout performances.
4: Kacey Musgraves Delivers an Elegant “The Architect”
Kacey Musgraves took the stage with a simple yet poignant performance of “The Architect,” a song about life’s random twists. Her stripped-back, guitar-driven rendition highlighted the exquisite craftsmanship behind her songwriting.
3: Jelly Roll and Keith Urban’s Intense “Liar” Performance
Jelly Roll and Keith Urban brought the house down with an intense performance of “Liar,” a song about overcoming addiction. The passionate vocals from both artists, coupled with fiery onstage production, made this one of the night’s most electrifying moments.
2: Brooks & Dunn and Jelly Roll’s Gospel-Infused “Believe”
Brooks & Dunn joined Jelly Roll for a stirring performance of “Believe,” a gospel-infused track about finding hope in dark times. The emotional performance moved the audience, as Jelly Roll raised his hands to the sky, while Brooks & Dunn’s harmonies added depth and power.
1: George Strait’s All-Star Tribute
The evening’s most memorable moment came when George Strait received an all-star tribute. Lainey Wilson, Jamey Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Parker McCollum, and Chris Stapleton all paid homage to the country legend, performing some of his greatest hits. Strait himself then took the stage with Chris Stapleton for a duet of “Honky Tonk Hall of Fame.” At 72, Strait proved why he remains the gold standard in country music.
