Post Malone, Morgan Wallen, and Hardy orchestrated an unexpected symphony at this year’s CMA Awards, coming together to pay homage to the late country legend Joe Diffie. Their performance kicked off with Wallen and Hardy delivering a soulful rendition of Diffie’s 1993 classic, “John Deere Green,” paving the way for Malone to grace the stage and join the duo in a captivating trio performance of the 1994 hit “Pickup Man.”
Post Malone’s Musical Crossroads
In a genre-defying display, Post Malone, primarily known for his prominence in hip-hop and pop, revealed his deep-seated affection for country music. Previous covers, including Brad Paisley’s “I’m Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin’ Song),” Sturgill Simpson’s “You Can Have the Crown,” and Hank Williams’ “There’s a Tear in My Beer,” underscore his genuine connection with the roots of country music. Notably, Malone had also collaborated with Billy Strings for a live rendition of Johnny Cash’s “Cocaine Blues” on stage in 2022.
Hardy’s Triumphant Night at the CMAs
Adding to the night’s tapestry of surprises, Hardy celebrated triumph at the CMAs. His country album, “The Mockingbird and the Crow,” released in 2023, featuring Wallen, clinched early CMAs for Musical Event of the Year and Music Video of the Year for the track “Wait in the Truck” with Lainey Wilson. The culmination saw Wilson, the most nominated artist of the year, securing the highly coveted Entertainer of the Year award, providing a victorious close to the telecast.
Highlights from the 37th CMA Awards
Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning reprised their roles as hosts for the 37th iteration of the CMAs, guiding a night filled with unexpected collaborations. Standout performances included Jelly Roll and K. Michelle, Old Dominion and Megan Moroney, Carly Pearce and Chris Stapleton, and Tanya Tucker and Little Big Town. Kelsea Ballerini’s emotionally charged rendition of “Leave Me Again,” Dan + Shay’s soul-stirring performance of “Save Me the Trouble,” and Luke Bryan’s No. 1 hits medley were among the many captivating acts by country music stars.
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Relive the Harmony on Hulu
For those who missed the live spectacle, the CMAs can be streamed on Hulu the day after airing on ABC. Experience the magic of unexpected collaborations, surprising victories, and stellar performances that defined the 37th CMA Awards as a harmonious celebration of diverse musical genres.
