Ashley McBryde Delivers Emotional Acoustic Performance Honoring Kris Kristofferson at 2024 CMA Awards

Ashley McBryde paid an emotional tribute to the late Kris Kristofferson during 2024 CMA Awards Wednesday evening.

Kristofferson died at the age of 88 at his home in Maui, Hawaii, on September 28.

Kristofferson is known for his many contributions to country music and his acting roles in films such as the “Blade” trilogy, as well as the 1976 version of “A Star Is Born,” which won him an award. Golden Globe. He acted alongside Barbra Streisand in the film.

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In addition to releasing music as a solo artist throughout his career, Kristofferson joined forces with Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash in the 1980s to form the Highwaymen.

McBryde played “Help me get through the night” during the 2024 CMA Awards.

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The song was originally recorded by Kristofferson for his debut album in 1970 and has been recorded by a number of artists including Sammi Smith, Elvis Presley and Loretta Lynn.

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McBryde performed an acoustic version of the song while images of Kristofferson appeared on an accompanying screen.

Details of McBryde’s tribute performance were kept under wraps until the CMA Awards.

“I’m honoring Kris Kristofferson tonight,” McBryde told Billboard on the red carpet before the show. “Just me and a guitar.

“My dad taught me to play ‘Help Me Make It Through the Night’ when I was too young to hold a guitar properly by myself, so tonight it came full circle. And I hope dad tunes in to see his little girl perform.”

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Toby Keith, late country music legend was also honored at the 2024 CMA Awards. The “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” singer died on February 5 after a battle with stomach cancer.

During the show, hosts Luke Bryan, Lainey Wilson and Peyton Manning toasted with red Solo cups dedicated to the late country star, a reference to his 2011 single.

“We want to take a moment to toast the great Toby Keith,” Bryan said. “A great artist, a great American and a great country music icon. Toby, you will be missed my friend.”

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The fans have expressed themselves mixed reactions to this tribute on social media, many sharing feelings of displeasure at the brief moment for Keith.

A tribute to the late Tom Petty was also part of the 2024 CMA Awards.

Petty died on October 2, 2017, at the age of 66, of an accidental drug overdose.

During the show, Dierks Bentley was joined on stage by Molly Tuttle, Sierra Hull and Bronwyn Keith-Hynes for a rendition of Petty’s hit “American Girl.”

Source of the original article: Ashley McBryde Delivers Emotional Acoustic Performance Honoring Kris Kristofferson at 2024 CMA Awards