HARDY and Lainey Wilson Revealed As Early Winners Ahead of 2023 CMA Awards

HARDY and Lainey Wilson are already big winners ahead of the 2023 CMA Awards. 

Announced Wednesday morning on ABC’s Good Morning America, the pair of superstars earned two trophies: CMA Musical Event of the Year and CMA Music Video of the Year. Both wins are for their duet, “wait in the truck.” 

Two Big Wins

The chart-topping collaboration was produced by HARDY, Joey Moi, Jordan Schmidt and Derek Wells, and the music video was directed by Justin Clough. 

This marks HARDY’s first-ever CMA Awards wins. Lainey Wilson previously won both Female Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year in 2022. The announcement was made by Lara Spencer on GMA, who shared the news from Downtown Nashville. CMA New Artist and Song of the Year nominee, Megan Moroney, also appeared on the broadcast for a special two-song performance. 

Who Wrote The Song ‘wait in the truck?’

Co-written by HARDY with Hunter Phelps, Jordan Schmidt, and Renee Blair, the powerful duet tells the story of a woman who has experienced ongoing domestic abuse. The woman is ultimately saved by a stranger who takes matters into his own hands when he confronts the abusive man and shoots him to death.

With her newfound freedom, the woman ultimately feels torn between feeling relieved and guilty over her abuser’s death.

HARDY previously shared that “wait in the truck” is one of his “favorite songs” he’s ever written. “[It’s] probably the best song I’ve ever written to be honest,” he said. “It hit me so hard the first time I heard the demo back, and no other song had done that before.”

The cinematic music video follows the song’s eerie storyline perfectly and resonated with fans and critics alike instantly.  

Previously Performed The Song At The 2022 CMA Awards

HARDY and Wilson delivered a head-turning performance of “wait in the truck” at the 2022 CMA Awards. Following that performance, the track climbed the charts at country radio, and claimed the No.1 spot this past spring. This summer, the superstars teamed up to perform the ballad at CMA Fest at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium. 

In September, the friends and tour mates were surprised with plaques commemorating the now platinum-selling hit. This took place backstage during the kickoff of HARDY’s headlining mockingbird & THE CROW Fall Tour in Knoxville, Tenn. 

“wait in the truck” appears on HARDY’s latest album, the mockingbird & THE CROW, which arrived on January 20, 2023 via Big Loud Records.

HARDY and Wilson are slated to take the stage to perform during “Country Music’s Biggest Night.” HARDY is teaming up with Morgan Wallen and Post Malone for a not-to-be-missed collaboration of country covers, while Wilson will deliver a performance of “Wildflowers And Wild Horses.” 

How Can I Watch The CMA Awards?

Co-hosted by Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, the 57th Annual CMA Awards will air live tonight (8:00-11:00 PM/EST) on ABC. Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs, Dan + Shay, Jordan Davis, Alan Jackson, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, K. Michelle, Little Big Town, Mac McAnally, Ashley McBryde, Megan Moroney, Old Dominion, Carly Pearce, Post Malone, Chris Stapleton, Tanya Tucker, Morgan Wallen, The War And Treaty, and Zac Brown Band are scheduled to perform. 

CMA Awards presenters include Paula Abdul, Bill Anderson, Nate Bargatze, Kevin Cahoon, Jordan Davis, Cynthia Erivo, Sara Evans, Brian Kelley, Lady A, Martina McBride, Parker McCollum, Craig Morgan, Darius Rucker, Corey Seager, Gerry Turner, Keith Urban, Hailey Whitters and Chris Young.