Kenny & David: Early CMA Award Winners
On the day of the 2018 CMA Awards (November 14) Kenny Chesney was revealed as one of the day’s early winners.
He took home the trophy for Musical Event of the Year for his involvement on country icon David Lee Murphy‘s hit single “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright.”
Congratulations to @DavidLeeMurphy (with @KennyChesney) for winning #CMAawards Musical Event of the Year for “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright”. The winner was just announced on @GMA! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/gVyccUj1Eq
— CMA Country Music (@CountryMusic) November 14, 2018
Released in November 2017, “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” topped the Billboard Country Airplay chart. In doing so, it became Murphy’s second-ever number one hit, following his signature song from 1995, “Dust on the Bottle.”
The song has since been certified Gold by the RIAA, and is now a CMA Award-winning track.
One Of The CMA’s Leading Entertainers
That’s not the only nomination that Chesney earned at the 2018 CMA Awards. He is also up for the coveted Entertainer of the Year Award, and rightfully so.
Chesney hosted major shows in 2018, performing at massive stadiums across the country on his Trip Around the Sun Tour. In addition, he released a new album, titled Songs for the Saints, with all proceeds being donated to Hurricane Irma relief.
The album contained another number one hit for Chesney in the past year, titled “Get Along.” It topped the U.S. Country Airplay chart and also reached the 22nd spot on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100.
If Chesney wins the 2018 CMA Award for Entertainer of the Year, it will mark his fifth win in the category. He previously won in 2004, 2006, 2007, and 2008.
Kenny Can’t Attend The Awards
But unfortunately, if he wins, he won’t be there to accept the trophy.
Just hours before the ceremony was set to air, the CMA took to its official Twitter with some sad news. The organization reported that Chesney would be unable to attend the ceremony that night for a tragic reason.
“@KennyChesney will be unable to appear on tonight’s telecast due to a death in the family,” read the CMA’s statement.
CMA Musical Event of the Year winner & Entertainer of the Year nominee @KennyChesney will be unable to appear on tonight's telecast due to a death in the family.
— CMA Country Music (@CountryMusic) November 14, 2018
No further details were provided. As of press time, Chesney has not personally commented on the news.
While everyone gathers to celebrate country music at the CMA Awards, Chesney’s absence will surely be felt by all who know him. Our hearts and prayers go out to him and his family during what is surely a heartbreaking time for them all.