cma awards

He's written MASSIVE hits for Blake Shelton and Lainey Wilson.

The hit songwriter had a huge year with this duet.

Combs wasn't sure he was going to hang onto his Entertainer of the Year title for a second year.

Backstage at the CMAs, Lainey explained that having her dad at the show with her was just as special as the awards she won.

Breaking down winners of entertainment awards can become as much about why the other nominees lost as it is about why the winner won, but this article won't do — ah, what the heck!

Traditional performances from Chris Stapleton and Cody Johnson, fiery moments from Carrie Underwood and (literally) Elle King and a tribute to Alan Jackson were among the highlights.

Johnson was announced as the winner in this category before the awards show broadcast — in fact, he was still asleep.

They owe so much to the superstar band.

This album was one of the most unforgettable country projects of the year.

So well-deserved!

They served up a soaring rendition of their pop-leaning duet.

"I ain't talkin' about the Beach Boy, I'm talkin' about the cowboy," she said.