Ashley McBryde said it “was such an honor” to perform a tribute to late music legend Kris Kristofferson during the 58th CMA Awards on Wednesday night (November 20) in Nashville, Tennessee.

McBryde took the stage at Bridgestone Arena to perform a moving rendition of Kristofferson’s “Help Me Make It Through The Night,” which he released in 1970 on his 16-track record, Kristofferson. Kristofferson died on September 28. He was 88. The country music community mourned the Country Music Hall of Fame member’s loss in heartfelt tributes, including McBryde, who said at that time: “Thank you for teaching us to write. And for teaching me how to beat the devil. Rest now Mr. Kristofferson.”

McBryde said “last night was magical,” as she shared a few photos on Instagram from Country Music’s Biggest Night on Instagram on Thursday afternoon (November 21).

“Performing the [Country Music Association] Awards in tribute to the legendary Kris Kristofferson was such an honor. His music is woven into the fabric of my life. I’ve been playing ‘Help Me Make It Through The Night’ since I was too little to even know the weight it carried,” McBryde wrote in her caption. She also spotlighted Cody Johnson’s win (in the Album of the Year category for Leather), and said it was “a blast” catching up with “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” artist Shaboozey.

McBryde was one of many performers to take the stage throughout the star-studded show, along with Chris Stapleton, Post Malone, Kelsea Ballerini, Brooks & Dunn, Jelly Roll, Megan Moroney, Luke Combs, Eric Church and many others. Luke Bryan teamed up with Peyton Manning again to host the show, and this time, first-time host and reigning Female Artist of the Year Lainey Wilson joined them. Check iHeartCountry for the complete list of winners, photos of the stunning red carpet looks, and recaps of the unforgettable performances throughout the show. The 58th CMA Awards aired live on ABC, and the show is available now on Hulu. Watch McBryde’s performance again here:

Brooke Taylor

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