Tracy Chapman is officially a CMA award winner!
The singer-songwriter, 59, was awarded the prestigious Song of the Year award at the 57th Annual CMA Awards for writing the 1988 classic “Fast Car,” which received new life this year thanks to Luke Combs’ popular cover.
Although the musician was unable to attend the ceremony held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, she shared a pre-written statement that was read in her absence by host Sara Evans, who announced the win alongside country legend Bill Anderson.
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“I’m sorry I couldn’t join you all tonight. It is truly an honor for my song to be recognized again 35 years after its debut,” Chapman wrote in a statement. “Thanks to the CMAs and special thanks to Luke and all the ‘Fast Car’ fans.”
The win makes Chapman the first black artist to ever win Song of the Year at the CMAs, according to Rolling stone.
The Country Music Association didn’t just recognize “Fast Car” in the song of the year category. Combs, 33, as well as collaborators Chip Matthews and Jonathan Singleton, also won single of the year.
Check out PEOPLE’s full coverage of the CMA Awards for the latest news on country music’s biggest night.
Single of the Year was awarded earlier in the broadcast, and Combs took a moment during his speech to show his love and appreciation for Chapman.
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Nicole Hocking and Luke Combs at the 2023 CMA Awards.
Jason Kempin/Getty
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“First and foremost, I want to thank Tracy Chapman for writing one of the greatest songs of all time,” the country music star said of the classic from the singer’s self-titled 1988 debut album.
“I never intended to — I just recorded it because I love this song so much, it’s meant so much to me throughout my life,” he continued. “It’s the first favorite song I’ve ever had, since I was 4.”
The Grammy-nominated artist then thanked his family and handed the microphone over to his collaborators.
The “Beautiful Crazy” singer released his version of “Fast Car” on his fourth studio album old, which was published in March. The song became a streaming and radio hit, eventually peaking at #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Amid the song’s newfound success, Chapman shared a statement with Board about the second life of her hit in July. “I never expected to be on the country charts, but it’s an honor to be there,” she said. “I’m happy for Luke and his success and grateful that new fans have found and embraced ‘Fast Car.'”
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Combs also opened to Board about how he was baffled by the popularity of his recorded cover after years of performing live on his tours. “Oh man, ‘Fast Car’ surprised me more than you can imagine. Tracy Chapman wrote this perfect song that I heard for the first time with my dad and it’s been stuck in my memory ever since,” he told the outlet in July.
“It’s the gift of a supernatural songwriter. The success of my cover is unreal and I think it’s great that Tracy is getting recognized and reaching new milestones,” Combs continued. “I love that she’s out there feeling all the love and that she said hello! Thank you, Tracy!”
The 2023 CMA Awards, hosted by Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, will air live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on November 8 at 8:00 PM ET on ABC and exclusively on Hulu the following day.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education