By Maxim Mower
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Morgan Wallen, Post Malone and HARDY teamed up at the 2023 CMA Awards for one of the most hotly anticipated performances of the star-studded evening.
The trio brought their A-game, with the electrifying energy brought by each artist seemingly inspiring the other two performers to up the ante again and again.
They performed two joyously twangy Joe Diffie covers, with HARDY and Morgan Wallen taking the lead for ‘John Deere Green’, before Post Malone joined them for an upbeat, light-hearted rendition of Diffie's iconic anthem, ‘Pick-Up Man’.
Excitingly, while introducing the performance Luke Bryan confirmed both covers will be appearing on HARDY's forthcoming Hixtape Vol. 3 project. Immediately after the medley, the two tracks were released as part of a ‘Difftape (Small Batch)’ EP.
Their chemistry radiated throughout, and on the basis of his stellar vocals, his charisma and how at-home he looked during the performance, it's safe to say we'll be needing that long-awaited country album from Post Malone sooner rather than later.
In the lead-up to the CMA Awards ceremony at the Bridgestone Arena, Post Malone was snapped in one Nashville studio shot with Morgan Wallen and Ernest, before being seen working on new music with Luke Combs and James McNair later in the week.
Elsewhere during the spectacular 2023 CMA Awards, viewers were treated to captivating performances from Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, K. Michelle, Old Dominion, Megan Moroney, Luke Bryan, Carly Pearce, Chris Stapleton and more.
Before the ceremony kicked off, HARDY and Lainey Wilson were surprised with two awards recognising the success of their murder ballad, ‘wait in the truck’. The duo took home the prestigious gongs for 2023 CMA Musical Event of the Year and CMA Music Video of the Year.
For more on the 2023 CMA Awards, see below:
Featured photo by Getty for BMI