Luke Combs wins the CMA Awards, while Loretta Lynn and Lewis are also honored.  

Luke Combs Wins - Country Music Awards - WNDN - World News Daily News

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – Luke Combs wins big and was named entertainer of the year at the Country Music Association Awards on Wednesday, his second straight year in a row with the honor.

“I would like to thank country music for allowing me to realize my dreams,” Combs said, dedicating the award to his wife and newborn child.

His victory came after a three-hour performance-packed show that honored both country icons as well as new voices.

“Country sounds more country tonight than it has done in a long time,” Combs said. He also received album of the year honors for “Growin’ Up.”

Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, as well as Reba McEntire kicked off the show by paying tribute to late country queen Loretta Lynn.

The megastar trio sang a mash up of Lynn’s hit singles, such as “You Ain’t Woman Enough,” “Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’,” as well as “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” with visuals of Lynn projected behind them and the audience singing along.

Elle King and the Black Keys paid a fiery tribute to rock pioneer Jerry Lee Lewis, who passed away last month like Lynn.

Alan Jackson took home the lifetime achievement award, recalling how a film about Hank Williams influenced him to relocate to Nashville when he was broke.

He sobbed throughout his speech, concluding, “I’m still living that honky tonk dream, y’all.”

Brothers Osborne were named vocal duo of the year, and Old Dominion was named vocal group.

Chris Stapleton was awarded male vocalist of the year for the sixth time. Bryan, Combs, Eric Church, as well as Morgan Wallen also received nominations.

“This award belongs to all of the guys in this category,” Stapleton said.

He dedicated the award to his 12-year-old daughter, who celebrated her birthday on Wednesday.

With six nominations, emerging country superstar Lainey Wilson was the most nominated, taking home awards for new artist as well as female vocalist.

“Buy Dirt” by Jordan Davis was named song of the year. Davis called CMA Awards host Luke Bryan to the stage to hug him during the song.

Bryan and NFL legend Peyton Manning co-hosted the show at the Bridgestone Arena.

Katy Perry and actors Jessica Chastain and Michael Shannon, who play Tammy Wynette and George Jones in a forthcoming Showtime limited series and presented Combs with the ceremony’s top honor, were among those in attendance.

Amid the show, Perry took to the stage and performed “Where We Started” with Thomas Rhett.

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