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Morgan Wallen and Eric Church perform at the 2023 CMA Awards

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Morgan Wallen was the man of the hour at the 2023 CMA Awards, especially after he surprised and brought along fans Erik Kerk with him on stage.

The pair teamed up on Wednesday, November 8, for the world television premiere of their 2023 hit “Man Made a Bar.” During the performance, both Wallen, 30, and Church, 46, played guitar.

The soft, yet powerful rendition of the song drew viewers in and kept them on the tip of their feet until the end.

Wallen is one of the biggest names at this year’s awards show in Nashville, in part because he will take the stage twice. The CMA Awards previously announced that the “Wasted on You” singer would perform HARDY And PostMalone for a country classics medley.

CMA Awards 2023 - Arrivals 378 401 Kelsea Ballerini

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He also teased singing alongside a “special guest” before his mystery collaborator took the stage on Wednesday. Wallen was nominated for two awards at the event, including Album of the Year One thing at a time and Male Singer of the Year.

Morgan Wallen impresses at the 2023 CMA Awards with surprise guest Eric Church by his side 433

Eric Kerk, Morgan Wallen. Terry Wyatt/Getty Images

The ‘Whiskey Glasses’ singer’s comeback at the CMA Awards follows years of difficult times for Wallen. In February 2021, Wallen sparked controversy when a previous video of him using the N-word resurfaced.

‘I’m ashamed and sorry. “I used an unacceptable and inappropriate racial slur that I wish I could take back,” he said in a statement at the time. “There are never any excuses for using this kind of language. I would like to sincerely apologize for using this word. I promise I will do better.”

Complete list of nominees and winners of the 2023 CMA Awards 434

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Despite his apology, Wallen was temporarily blacklisted from the industry in the wake of the scandal. He was banned from the 2021 ACM Awards, the 2021 CMA Awards and the 2021 Billboard Music Awards, and was also kicked off country radio.

The following year, Wallen quietly began to rebuild his career and began winning trophies again. At the 2022 CMA Awards, he was nominated for Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Song of the Year for ‘Sand in My Boots’.

Morgan Wallen impresses at the 2023 CMA Awards with surprise guest Eric Church by his side 432
John Shearer/Getty Images for ACM

Wallen suffered another setback on the road in May when he had to cancel six weeks of shows due to health concerns. “I went inside [to the doctors] I had surgery yesterday and they told me that I re-injured my vocal cords and that I have vocal fold trauma. Their advice is that I should take six weeks of voice rest, so that’s what I’m going to do,” he explained via an Instagram video at the time. “I also tore my lat [muscle] while we were in Australia. I’ve tried to work through that calmly, but this time off will help me get that right again.’

Morgan Wallen's Ups and Downs Through the Years – Saturday Night Live Drama N-Word Scandal and More 263

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The bad boy of country music. Morgan Wallen has faced a series of controversies throughout his career. The “Whiskey Glasses” singer got his start on Season 6 of The Voice in 2014, where he was part of Adam Levine’s team but was eliminated during the playoffs. Two years after his appearance on the […]

The musician was cleared to perform again in early June and went back on tour shortly afterwards. In September, Wallen announced the continuation of his policy One night at a time tournew dates have been added for 2024.

“It was one of the best years for me and my music, so we’re going to roll it back… same tour name, stay on this album and many more cities to visit,” he wrote via Instagram. “I have plans in mind to still single Cowgirls, Man Made A Bar and who knows, maybe 98 Braves. Let us continue this matter.”

For more information about Nashville, visit We weekly‘s VIP guide to Music City.

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