For the first time ever, the CMT Awards kicked the dust off of Nashville and headed to the Lone Star State! CMT hosted free star-studded events throughout the week in Austin, all leading up to the big show at the Moody Center on Sunday, April 2. Here's everything that went down during the 2023 CMT Music Awards in Austin.
First, pre-show tapings happened all week long. Tyler Hubbard, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Kane Brown, and Katelyn Brown all recorded performances in front of the Capitol building on Congress Avenue. But it was CMT Crossroads that really rocked: Airing on CMT in May, the special features Darius Rucker and The Black Crows singing their most famous hits, including one from Hootie and the Blowfish.
Fans who couldn't make it to the main event could also attend a block party. The two-day, family-friendly event featured free live music, artist meet-and-greets, swag, games, and more. Guests could also take advantage of multiple chances to win tickets to the awards. CBS Austin's Trevor Scott hosted the parties, and both days featured DJ sets from Austinite DJ Cassandra. Performers included Hannah Ellis, Matt Koziol, Danielle Bradbery, and more.
As for the big show, the aqua carpet (red carpets are so last year) was packed with up-and-comers, musicians you've known and loved for years, and so many media outlets. The University of Texas band and cheerleaders even performed. On the outside portion of the carpet, fans could see entrances from big stars like Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, Shania Twain, Carrie Underwood, host Kelsea Ballerini and her beau, Outer Banks star Chase Stokes.
Getting things started on the live show, Shelton kicked things off by saying, "If this is Austin, I still love you!" He then performed his newest hit "No Body" against a neon backdrop that highlighted guitars, cowboy hats, and the Austin sign that once stood above the Real World Austin house. It was awesome to see how the Moody Center was transformed for the event with not a bad seat in the house.
Austin's own Gary Clark Jr. paid tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan while Jackie Venson played guitar for Female Video of the Year winner Lainey Wilson. Texans Cody Johnson and Billy Gibbons honored Lynyrd Skynyrd alongside Slash, Paul Rogers, Chuck Leavell, Warren Hayes, Wynonna Judd, and LeAnn Rimes. Other collaborations included Gwen Stefani performing "Just a Girl" with Carly Pearce and Alanis Morissette rocking "You Oughta Know" alongside a group of CMT's Next Women of Country.
The big winner of the night was Jelly Roll, snagging three CMT Awards for Breakthrough Male Video of the Year, CMT Digital-First Performance of the Year and Male Video of the Year. All three awards were for his song "Son of A Sinner" which he performed to a roaring crowd at the event. Upon winning Male Video, the rapper turned country singer got choked up saying, "I'm a little emotional. I started drinking. I didn't think I'd win again."
All in all, the entire week was filled with high energy and good vibes. Here's hoping it keeps going country strong here in Austin in 2024 and beyond!
If you missed the live show, CMT will air CMT MUSIC AWARDS EXTENDED CUT with an added 30 minutes of new performances and extra bonus content on Thursday, April 6, at 7 pm on CMT.
Photo courtesy CMT
Carrie Underwood graced Austin with her presence last week.
Rebecca Black graced the Tito's stage on a Friday, but this pop diva has shown us that she's more than just her 15-year-old viral song about that day of the week. Kenn Box
Day One and Zilker Park's grounds were moist, but still green. Come nightfall the grass had turned into a mud pit. Festival-goers who didn't wear the proper footwear were likely throwing their shoes away at the end of the weekend.Kenn Box
Grocery Bag closed out the BMI stage on Friday. Rain or shine, it's clear the people of ACL were still down to party with the local band. Kenn Box
Those who came prepared on Day One of the festival were not bothered by rain or mud. Kenn Box
Turnstile's electrifying set had festival goers of all ages moshing in the muddy grounds. Kenn Box
One of the best things about a Turnstile show are their fan testimonals. The only thing better than seeing a fellow fan's face on screen is seeing your own.Kenn Box
Leon Thomas's stage presence is undeniable. Playing the closing set on the Miller Lite Stage on Friday, the artist brought the energy and the party. Kenn Box
By Day Two, there was no doubt you'd encounter some mud. ACL's most popular pic stop managed to stay intact despite being surrounded by it.Kenn Box
Hopping on a friend's back for a selfie at the flags is a must. Removing your muddy boots is a kind courtesy.Kenn Box
Emma Ogier is a Texas artist who everyone should be watching out for. Even though her debut album, Fly 1111, is not out until November, she's already got the hearts of the people. Kenn Box
"Stranger Things" actor Finn Wolfhard brought his solo show to the ACL Amex Stage on Saturday. Kenn Box
Ground crews worked diligently though the night and into the morning to ensure that the festival carried on.Kenn Box
Suki Waterhouse took everyone away from the mud and into "Loveland". Kenn Box
Austin City Limits executive producer Terry Lickona introduced Lola Young at the American Express stage on Saturday.Kenn Box
The "Messy" singer is anything but messy on the stage. From her vulnerable songs to her powerful vocals, Lola Young manages to win over everyone in the crowd. Kenn Box
Snow Strippers, an electronic duo from Detroit, Michigan, brought the party and showed the ACL Fest crowd that the indie sleaze revival is here to stay. Kenn Box
The barricade at the Snow Strippers set was the place to be on Saturday night.Kenn Box
By Day 3 some people had given up on worrying about the mud and opted to just live in the moment. Kenn Box
Jess Williamson's dreamy vocals were the perfect soundtrack to the light rain for the crowd at the Miller Lite stage on Sunday afternoon.Kenn Box
Artificial turf and tarp were saving graces to those looking for a place to rest their legs. Kenn Box
For some, the best part of going to a festival is being able to find the open patch of ground and dance to live music playing off in the distance. Kenn Box
One of the many breakout "Hyperpop" stars this year, Underscores, played to a crowd of devoted fans who were ready to dance and sing to every song. Kenn Box
Nothing beats singing your heart out to your favorite Underscores song with your friends as the rain finally begins to let up. Kenn Box
Cannons returned to ACL Fest two years after their last appearance, having seen significant growth in their fan base in the short time.Kenn Box
The New York City band Geese managed to playfully troll the Texas crowd by showing clips of this past NBA finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs before hopping on stage to play. Kenn Box
When you've been festing all weekend, not even a broken foot can stop you from having the time of your life. Kenn Box
Piles of mud could be seen all across the grounds. What first could've been a bit of an eyesore quickly turned into something fun to pass the time, Kenn Box
Audrey Hobert's honest and relatable lyrics plus her adorkable stage presence are enough to win over someone unfamiliar with her music.Kenn Box
Blood Orange played all his classics and then some to a crowd of die-hard fans, closing out the Beatbox stage on Sunday night. Kenn Box
Tumblr darlings The XX wrapped up weekend one of ACL headlining the T-Mobile stage opposite Twenty One Pilots. No matter how bad the grounds had gotten over the weekend, fans crowded around closely.Kenn Box