Luke Combs And Wife Nicole Make First Red Carpet Appearance Since Welcoming Second Son

Luke Combs experienced a memorable night at the 2023 CMA Awards. Not only did he walk the red carpet alongside his wife, Nicole Combs, for the first time since becoming parents of two, but he also took home a trophy and performed his new single for the first time on live television.

The beloved country couple arrived at the CMA Awards hand-in-hand and turned heads along the way. Nicole donned a red high-low Alexander McQueen gown with Giuseppe Zanotti heels, Elizabeth Cole earrings and bracelets, and an Alexis Bittar ring. Combs sported a custom Eric Adler suit and shirt with Tecovas boots. Both were styled by Katy Robbins.

“Where The Wild Things Are”

During the show, the North Carolina native made the television debut of his newest single, “Where The Wild Things Are,” with a show-stopping performance that had the crowd on their feet from start to finish.

Co-written by Randy Montana and Dave Turnbull, “Where The Wild Things Are” hit country radio last month on October 16, stemming from Luke Combs’ Album of the Year-nominated project, Growin’ Up.

“I would argue that it’s a really tough song to sing and figure out how you would do you live,” Luke shared with a few of his frequent collaborators – Dan Isbell, Jonathan Singleton, Ray Fulcher, Chip Matthews and Rob Williford – just last month, ahead of the song’s television debut.

He continued, “I mean, we struggle with it even in studio, but I mean that’s one of those ones that I haven’t even run with the band yet. And I’m like, what does that look like live?” 

Despite not knowing which direction to go in with his live performance of “Where The Wild Things Are,” Luke Combs did what he does best. Wearing his signature black button-down Columbia shirt and Blue Otter Polarized cap, he hit the stage giving a performance straight from the heart.

With the background depicting a sunset over a city skyline, Combs’ performance was truly as beautiful as can be, having the entirety of Bridgestone Arena singing along. Naturally, the acclaimed singer-songwriter earned a standing ovation from attendees at the 2023 CMA Awards.

Did Luke Combs Win Any CMA Awards?

Aside from his television debut of “Where The Wild Things Are,” Combs was nominated for four CMA Awards  — Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, and Album of the Year for Gettin’ Old. He took home one trophy: Single of the Year for “Fast Car.”

“I think first and foremost, I want to thank Tracy Chapman for writing one of the best songs of all time,” Combs shared from the stage following his big win. “I just recorded it because I love this song so much. It’s meant so much to me throughout my entire life. It’s my first favorite song that I ever had from the time I was four years old. I want to thank my beautiful wife for two sons at home, my parents for watching the kids.”

Who Else Performed At The CMA Awards?

Co-hosted by Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, the 57th Annual CMA Awards aired live on Wednesday, November 8 on ABC (8:00-11:00 PM/EST). The star-studded show featured performances by Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Dan + Shay, Chris Stapleton, Jordan Davis, Cody Johnson, Ashley McBryde, The War And Treaty, Lainey Wilson, and more. 

Always known for epic collaborations, the 2023 CMA Awards also featured a Jimmy Buffett tribute from Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Mac McAnally, and Zac Brown Band, a not-to-be-missed performance of country classics from Post Malone, Morgan Wallen, and HARDY, a performance honoring The Judds from Jelly Roll and K. Michelle, plus special duets from Carly Pearce and Chris Stapleton, Old Dominion and Megan Moroney, and Little Big Town with Tanya Tucker.  

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 appeared to present during “Country Music’s Biggest Night.” 

Those who are unable to watch the show in real-time can watch the CMA Awards the following day on Hulu.