Post Malone Collaborates with Morgan Wallen and Hardy for a Country Showcase at the 2023 CMA Awards
Post Malone electrifies the 2023 CMA Awards alongside Morgan Wallen and Hardy, delivering an unforgettable performance
Post Malone, Morgan Wallen, Hardy Getty Images(3)
Post Malone expressed his passion for country music at the 2023 CMA Awards, where he joined forces with Morgan Wallen and HARDY for a remarkable performance. Taking the stage at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, November 8, the trio delivered a captivating medley of timeless hits as a tribute to the late country icon Joe Diffie. With an introduction by Parker Diffie, Joe's eldest son, Wallen and HARDY electrified the audience with their rendition of "John Deere Green," igniting a collective standing ovation. The moment reached its peak when Malone, joining the duo, mesmerized the crowd with their cover of "Pickup Man," culminating in an overwhelming response of applause and admiration.
Malone made his CMA debut on Wednesday, while Wallen surprised the audience by bringing out Eric Church for a duet earlier in the night. Wallen was also nominated for Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year, and Male Vocalist of the Year. HARDY, on the other hand, was nominated for Single of the Year, Song of the Year, Musical Event of the Year, and Music Video of the Year.
Over the years, Malone has expressed his appreciation for country music by singing covers of popular songs like Hank Williams Jr.’s “There’s a Tear in My Beer” and Brad Paisley’s “I’m Gonna Miss Her.” In 2018, he also performed a duet of “A Thousand Miles” with Dwight Yoakam at SiriusXM studios.
Prior to his performance at the CMA Awards, Malone hinted at his interest in recording a country album. During an interview on The Howard Stern Show in June 2022, he expressed his freedom to create a country album and upload it on YouTube, without any hindrance. While he acknowledged the possibility of facing consequences from his label in the future, it didn't deter him from pursuing this endeavor.
Following a social media post on Sunday, November 5, where Malone was seen at what seemed to be a recording studio with Wallen and Ernest, fans speculated about a potential country project. (Ernest, who is 31 years old, has a close friendship and collaborative history with Wallen and HARDY.)
The reason behind Malone's collaboration with Wallen and HARDY may have been influenced by HARDY's long-standing support for him. "I've been envisioning this for years," HARDY mentioned in an interview with Audacy's Katie Neal. "Not to brag, but I started following him when he only had around 300,000 Instagram followers."
HARDY also expressed his admiration for Malone, tracing back to his debut single in 2016. "I was an early fan of 'White Iverson,' Malone's first release," he said. "I immediately thought it was amazing, and I've been a fan ever since."
He expressed his admiration, stating, "I truly appreciate his contributions to hip-hop and pop music. It's absolutely outstanding. I've been a devoted fan from the start and now, the moment we've all been waiting for has arrived."
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