Music Awards: Morgan Wallen wins country entertainer of the year award

Country singer Morgan Wallen (“I Had Some Help”) was named Entertainer of the Year at the CMA Country Awards, but the 31-year-old singer was absent from the trophy gala. Wallen was this year’s favorite with seven nominations, but in the end it was one win.

The Country Music Association (CMA) trophies were presented for the 58th time in the country capital of Nashville. More than 7,000 association members select the award winners.

Country star Chris Stapleton (46, “White Horse”) won three prizes – in the single, song and best singer categories. Two trophies went to Lainey Wilson, for best singer and for best music video (“Wildflowers and Wild Horses”). Last year, the 32-year-old won the top prize as “Entertainer of the Year”. This time she was also on stage as host.

US superstar Beyoncé was completely overlooked in the nominations, even though the singer made it to the top of the Billboard country album charts this year with her album “Cowboy Carter”. The Texas native became the first black woman to top the US country album charts.

Things will look different at the Grammy Awards next February. Beyoncé is the favorite in the race with eleven nominations, including for “Cowboy Carter” in the top category “Album of the Year”.

At the CMA show in the country capital of Nashville, stars like Jeff Bridges and Billy Bob Thornton handed out awards. There were also performances by many artists, including Post Malone, Cody Johnson, Jelly Roll, Carrie Underwood, Kelsea Ballerini and Lainey Wilson.