Post Malone, Morgan Wallen and Hardy Pay Tribute to Joe Diffie at High-Energy CMA Awards Performance
Post Malone, Morgan Wallen And Robust took the stage together Wednesday at the CMA Awards to pay tribute to country legend Joe Diffie. Wallen and Hardy started together, running through Diffie’s 1993 song “John Deere Green,” before welcoming Malone on stage to sing the 1994 hit “Pickup Man” as a trio.
Although Post Malone is more strongly associated with hip-hop and pop, he has previously shown his love of the country genre with numerous covers of songs from the genre, such as “I’m Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin’ Song).” by Brad. Paisley, “You Can Have the Crown” by Sturgill Simpson and “There’s a Tear in My Beer” by Hank Williams. He also joined Billy Strings in a live performance of Johnny Cash’s “Cocaine Blues” on stage in 2022.
Hardy released his country album “The Mockingbird and the Crow,” with Wallen, in 2023. It was announced before the ceremony that his song “Wait in the Truck” with Lainey Wilson won early. CMA for Musical Event of the Year and Music Video of the Year. Wilson, the most nominated artist this year, won entertainer of the year at the end of the telecast.
Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning returned to host the 37th annual CMAs. Other collaborations came from Jelly Roll and K. Michelle, Old Dominion and Megan Moroney, Carly Pearce and Chris Stapleton, as well as Tanya Tucker and Little Big Town.
Kelsea Ballerini performed “Leave Me Again,” Dan + Shay performed “Save Me the Trouble” and Luke Bryan took the stage for a medley of No. 1 hits, among many other performances from country music stars.
The CMAs can be streamed on Hulu the day after they air on ABC.
Watch the Diffie tribute performance below.
