Humility reigned backstage at the 59th CMA Awards.

“I didn’t even think this was possible,” new artist winner Zach Top marveled. “People that sang country music on my radio and on my cassette tapes and won CMA awards were like mythical creatures, it wasn’t a real life thing to me. No one in my world had any connection to anything in this world.”

Faith helped keep surprise vocal group winners The Red Clay Strays on track during the hard times.

“Just not giving up, first of all, that’s really the main secret, is you just don’t quit, it’s as simple as that,” lead singer Brandon Coleman said. “And we just trusted God a lot through all of it, even when we should’ve quit.”

Riley Green gave fans the credit for his multiple wins with Ella Langley.

“They’ve got to feel ownership. ‘You Look Lik

See Full Page