The 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards, held at the iconic Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, was a dazzling celebration of the biggest names in country music. The event, hosted by country pop legend Shania Twain, attracted a star-studded audience and millions of viewers worldwide. In an evening marked by exceptional performances, heartfelt speeches, and unexpected moments, the standout highlight was 29-year-old country star Shaboozey’s tribute to Beyoncé during his acceptance of the New Artist of 2024 prize.
Shaboozey’s Moment in the Spotlight
Shaboozey, known for his hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” took center stage to accept the coveted New Artist of 2024 award, making it clear that this was a defining moment in his burgeoning career. The star’s humility and gratitude resonated throughout the Grand Ole Opry as he began his speech by thanking the People’s Choice Awards, his fans, and listeners.
“I’m so honoured and extremely humbled,” Shaboozey said as he addressed the audience. “I never would have thought in a million years that I’d be up here at the Grand Ole Opry accepting something like this. It’s a dream come true.”
However, what truly set Shaboozey’s speech apart was his unexpected and heartfelt shout-out to Beyoncé, the global pop superstar who had ventured into country music with her album Cowboy Carter. Despite Beyoncé’s 12 nominations at the event, she left the ceremony empty-handed, failing to secure a single win. Shaboozey, who collaborated with Beyoncé on two tracks, “Spaghetti” and “Sweet Honey Buckiin,” from her 2023 album, didn’t forget to acknowledge her influence and support.
“Thank you Beyoncé, you’re amazing,” Shaboozey said, paying tribute to the 43-year-old star who has made significant waves in the country genre. His words emphasized the respect and admiration he holds for her, despite her unfortunate snub at the awards.
Beyoncé’s foray into country music was an ambitious and well-received move, especially with Cowboy Carter, which demonstrated her versatility as an artist. While her country album didn’t win at the People’s Choice Country Awards, the mere fact that she was nominated in 12 categories was a testament to her ability to transcend genres and appeal to a diverse range of listeners.
Morgan Wallen’s Dominance
While Shaboozey’s win was a defining moment, the biggest winner of the night was undoubtedly Morgan Wallen, who scooped four major prizes. The 31-year-old country star was recognized as The People’s Artist of 2024, a title that solidified his status as one of the genre’s most influential figures.
Wallen also took home the prestigious Song of 2024 award for his feature on Post Malone’s “I Had Some Help,” an unexpected collaboration that resonated with fans across both country and mainstream music scenes. In addition, he was awarded The Concert Tour of 2024 for his record-breaking “One Night at a Time” tour, which brought his unique blend of country and rock to sold-out arenas across the United States.
To top it all off, Wallen was named Social Country Star of 2024, a nod to his massive influence on social media platforms, where he continues to engage with fans and promote his music. His inability to attend the event in person did not dampen the excitement surrounding his victories, as his achievements were celebrated throughout the night.
Luke Combs: A Powerhouse in Male Country Music
Luke Combs, another fan favorite, also enjoyed a successful evening, taking home three major awards. The 34-year-old star claimed The Album of 2024 for his critically acclaimed record Fathers and Son, a deeply personal project that resonated with listeners for its themes of family, resilience, and heritage. The album’s success at the People’s Choice Country Awards underscored Combs’ ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level.
In addition to his album win, Combs was awarded The Male Song of 2024 for his hit “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma.” The track, a poignant reflection on heartache and loss, had become a staple on country radio and playlists, further cementing Combs’ status as one of the leading voices in modern country music.
Combs was also named Male Artist of 2024, a title that recognized his dominance in the genre over the past year. His soulful voice, relatable lyrics, and down-to-earth persona have made him a beloved figure in country music, and his continued success at awards shows is a reflection of his widespread appeal.
Machine Gun Kelly’s Unexpected Wins and Speech on Unity
In a surprising turn of events, pop-punk rapper Machine Gun Kelly, also known as MGK, took home two awards at the country music event. His rendition of Zach Bryan’s “Sun to Me” earned him The Cover Song of 2024, while his collaboration with Jelly Roll on the track “Lonely Road” was recognized as The Crossover Song of 2024. MGK’s presence at a country music awards show might have seemed unconventional to some, but his wins highlighted the growing acceptance of genre-blurring collaborations in the industry.
During his acceptance speech, MGK addressed the evolving dynamics within the country music community. He noted that while the industry has historically been exclusive and resistant to change, it has become more inclusive and open to artists who don’t fit the traditional country mold.
“We went from 10 years ago hating each other to elevating each other,” MGK said, reflecting on how much the industry has evolved. “Comparison is the thief of joy. There is enough room on this couch for everybody. We found camaraderie in the chaos.”
His message of unity and collaboration resonated with the audience, underscoring the fact that country music, like all genres, continues to grow and adapt to new influences.
Lainey Wilson and Dasha Shine Among Female Artists
Lainey Wilson, 32, continued her reign as one of country music’s leading female artists, taking home The Female Artist of 2024 for the second consecutive year. Wilson’s consistency in delivering chart-topping hits and captivating performances has made her a force to be reckoned with in the industry.
Meanwhile, newcomer Dasha, 24, made her mark by winning The Female Song of 2024 for her viral hit “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’).” The song, which became a social media sensation, helped propel Dasha to new heights, solidifying her as one of the genre’s rising stars. Her win was a reminder of the power of digital platforms in shaping the careers of new artists.
Special Honors and Recognitions
The evening also saw special honors being awarded to some of country music’s most iconic figures. Miranda Lambert, 40, was presented with the Country Icon Award, recognizing her decades-long contribution to the genre. Lambert’s influence on the industry has been immeasurable, with her music inspiring a new generation of female country artists.
Kane Brown, another trailblazing artist, was honored with the Country Champion prize for his contributions to promoting diversity and inclusivity within the genre. Brown’s efforts to break down barriers and advocate for representation have made him a standout figure in country music, and his award was well-deserved.
Conclusion
The 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards was a night filled with memorable moments, from Shaboozey’s heartfelt tribute to Beyoncé to Morgan Wallen’s dominance and Machine Gun Kelly’s surprising wins. As the country music industry continues to evolve, the evening highlighted the growing diversity and inclusivity within the genre. With new artists like Shaboozey and Dasha rising to prominence and veterans like Luke Combs and Lainey Wilson continuing to shine, it’s clear that country music remains a dynamic and ever-changing landscape, with room for both tradition and innovation.
