Wallen wins CMA Entertainer of the year, Stapleton takes three CMA honors

Wallen was not there to take home the honor.

Chris Stapleton won the three awards with Single and Song of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year for "White Horse." The Single honor also went to produceres Dave Cobb, Stapleton, and his wife, Morgane Stapleton and mix engineer Vance Powell. Stapleton is now a 19-time CMA Award-winner, tying Brooks & Dunn. He now has the most wins - eight - in the Male Vocalist of the Year category.

"Well, amazing," said Stapleton. "So many great and very very popular songs in this category." Among those that he beat out were "I Had Some Help" by Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen and "(A Bar Song) Tipsy" by Shaboozey.

"White Horse" also took home Song of the Year. The award went to songwriters Dan Wilson and Stapleton. "I am taken aback," said Stapleton. He also thanked his wife Morgane, who he did not the first time around ."All of my music I owe a lot to her."

In winning Male Vocalist, Stapleton said, "Well, thank you. I don't have a thing to say. I love you all so much." He said he was honored to be with all the other singers in this category. He thanked his kids "if you're watching. You can go to bed now."

On the female side, Wilson took her third honor. "I've always been told if you feel like you've got a gift, you're supposed to share it, and I think that means whether you drive a tractor or pour coffee, make people smile or laugh, whatever that is I think you're supposed to share that gift."

"Man, this community has wrapped its arms around me and lifted me from the get go," she said.

Wilson also scored Video of the Year for "Wildflowers and Wild Horses." Director Patrick Tracy also won the honor.

Cody Johnson won Album of the year for "Leather." "I did not expect that," Johnson said. "I truly expected for Chris Stapleton or Jelly Roll to be announced...there are very few moments in your life when Rick Flair feels appropriate, but whew."

The award also went to producer Trent Willmon and mix engineer Jack Clarke

Brooks & Dunn took home their 15th Vocal Duo of the Year. Kix Brooks said, "There's a famous quote - time is undefeated. Not yet, I guess."

Old Dominion won Vocal Group of the Year.

Megan Moroney was the Best New Artist. "I want to try to get through this without crying. Thank you Jesus. thank. you for the fit of songwriting," she said, thanking the fans. "They make signs and t-shirts...This means so much to me...I'm freaking out."

Charlie Worsham won Musician of the Year.

George Strait was given the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award after a tribute featuring Miranda Lambert, Parker McCollum, Jamey Johnson, Wilson and Stapleton. He sang "Honky Tonk Hall of Fame" with Stapleton. Strait thanked his label, band, fans and late departed members of his band, staff and family.

Stapleton and Post got the night rolling with their take on "California Sober." Megan Moroney sang "Am I Okay?" and Shaboozey sang some of his new song "Highway" along with his monster hit, "A Bar Song) Tipsy." Thomas Rhett and Teddy Swims teamed up on "Something About a Woman" and "Lose Control." Ella Langley and Riley Green did the same on "you look like you love me." The song won Vocal Event of the Year earlier along with producer Will Bundy.