The air in Nashville always feels a bit different when the awards shows roll into town, but the 2024 People's Choice Country Awards felt particularly heavy with expectation. You've got the Grand Ole Opry House, a place that basically breathes history, filled with stars who are currently redefining what "country" even sounds like.
Honestly, if you weren't watching on September 26, you missed a night that was less about the "old guard" and entirely about who the fans are actually streaming in their trucks and kitchens. Shania Twain hosted, looking like she hadn't aged a day since "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!" became a global anthem. She literally descended from the rafters on a giant pink heart to start the show.
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It was a vibe.
The Morgan Wallen Sweep and the Beyoncé Snub
One thing people keep getting wrong about the 2024 People's Choice Country Awards is the narrative around the winners. Most folks expected a balanced night. Instead, Morgan Wallen essentially owned the podium.
Wallen walked away with four major trophies, including the big one: The People’s Artist of 2024. He also snagged Social Country Star, The Concert Tour (for his massive "One Night at a Time" run), and shared The Song of 2024 for "I Had Some Help" with Post Malone. It’s wild because, despite having 17 nominations, Beyoncé went home empty-handed.
That sparked a lot of chatter. Some fans were heated, calling it a snub after the massive cultural impact of Cowboy Carter. Others argued that the "People's Choice" element simply reflected the core country fanbase's loyalty to the artists they’ve been following for years. Whether you think the voting was fair or not, the results were a loud statement on where the genre's "center" currently sits.
Who Actually Won?
It wasn't just a one-man show, though it felt like it at times. Here’s a look at the heavy hitters who actually took home the hardware:
- Male Artist of 2024: Luke Combs. Luke’s been on a tear, and his win here felt like a solid nod to his consistency. He also grabbed Album of the Year for Fathers & Sons.
- Female Artist of 2024: Lainey Wilson. This was her second year in a row winning this. At this point, she's basically the face of modern country.
- New Artist of 2024: Shaboozey. If you haven't had "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" stuck in your head for six months, you’re probably lying. He won for both the artist category and The New Artist Song.
- Group/Duo of 2024: Dan + Shay. They beat out some stiff competition from the likes of Old Dominion and Brothers Osborne.
- The Crossover Song of 2024: "Lonely Road" – mgk feat. Jelly Roll.
The Moments That Weren't Just Speeches
The performances were where the night really got interesting. Kelsea Ballerini performed "Two Things" in a field of sunflowers that looked like something out of a dream. But the real emotional anchor of the night was Miranda Lambert.
She received the Country Icon Award.
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Lambert’s speech was classic Miranda—no fluff, just grit. She mentioned it had been "a lot of years, tears, beers, and Tito’s." She then proved why she deserved the icon status by ripping through a medley of "Kerosene" and "Dammit Randy." It reminded everyone that while new stars are great, there's something to be said for the veterans who paved the way with nothing but a guitar and a chip on their shoulder.
Kane Brown was the other big honorary winner, taking home the Country Champion Award. He’s done a lot behind the scenes for kids and the community, and his speech was a rare, vulnerable moment in a night that mostly felt like a high-energy party.
Why This Specific Awards Show Matters
You might wonder why we need another awards show when the CMAs and ACMs already exist.
The 2024 People's Choice Country Awards is different because it’s a pure popularity contest. There's no secret committee of industry insiders deciding who "deserves" a win based on politics or label power. It’s based on votes. That’s why you see artists like mgk (Machine Gun Kelly) winning Cover Song of 2024 for his version of Zach Bryan’s "Sun to Me."
Traditionalists might roll their eyes at a rapper winning a country award, but the fans voted for it. It shows that the genre is expanding, whether the gatekeepers like it or not. The crossover success of "Lonely Road" and the presence of artists like Dasha (who won Female Song of 2024 for "Austin") prove that the "Nashville sound" is now whatever the people decide to play on repeat.
What You Should Do Next
If you're looking to catch up on the best of the 2024 People's Choice Country Awards, don't just look at the list of names.
- Watch the Performances: Specifically, find the video of The War and Treaty performing "Can I Get An Amen." It was easily the most soul-stirring three minutes of the entire broadcast.
- Check the "Twisters" Soundtrack: Luke Combs' win for Male Song was for "Ain't No Love in Oklahoma," which came from that movie. It’s a banger that defines the current "high-octane" country trend.
- Follow the Social Stars: Morgan Wallen didn't just win for his music; his "Social Country Star" win proves that how an artist connects on TikTok and Instagram is now just as important as their radio play.
The 2024 ceremony proved that country music isn't a monolith. It’s a messy, loud, and incredibly popular mix of tradition and total experimentation.