Introduction
Country music legends Brooks & Dunn didn’t just deliver one of the most unforgettable performances of the night at the 58th Annual Country Music Association Awards—they also shattered records with a historic win.
The iconic duo—Kix Brooks (Louisiana native) and Ronnie Dunn (former Tulsan)—took home Vocal Duo of the Year, marking their 15th victory in the category and their first since 2006. The awards ceremony, broadcast live on ABC from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, celebrated the pair’s enduring legacy while introducing a thrilling new chapter.
A Record-Breaking Night
With this win, Brooks & Dunn officially became the most-awarded artists in CMA history, boasting 19 total wins. But the night wasn’t theirs alone—Chris Stapleton matched their record after sweeping four awards, including Male Vocalist of the Year and Song of the Year for “White Horse.”
“It’s shocking. I don’t know how we put it into words, honestly,” Dunn admitted to Billboard backstage. The Oklahoma Music Hall of Famer, who considers Tulsa his hometown, shared the moment with Brooks, who simply called it “unexpected.”
From Humble Beginnings to Country Royalty
The duo’s journey began in 1990 when Tim DuBois, then-head of Arista Nashville, paired them together. Their debut album, “Brand New Man” (1991), catapulted them to fame with back-to-back No. 1 hits like “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” and “Neon Moon.” Over the next two decades, they dominated charts with timeless tracks such as “My Maria,” “Only in America,” and “Believe.”
After a brief hiatus in 2009, they reunited in 2014 for a Las Vegas residency with Reba McEntire, proving their timeless appeal. Their 2019 induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the release of “Reboot”—featuring collaborations with stars like Luke Combs and Kacey Musgraves—cemented their status as legends.
The Magic of “Believe” with Jelly Roll
The highlight of the night? Their spine-tingling performance of “Believe” with breakout star Jelly Roll. Brooks’ haunting piano intro, Dunn’s soul-stirring vocals, and Jelly Roll’s raw emotion transformed the stage into a gospel-tinged spectacle. Backed by a choir and orchestra, the performance left the audience—both in the arena and at home—breathless. Some sang along; others wiped away tears.
The song also appears on their new album, “Reboot II,” which pairs their classics with fresh voices like Morgan Wallen and Corey Kent.
Why This Moment Matters
Brooks & Dunn’s record-breaking win and show-stopping collaboration symbolize country music’s ability to bridge generations. As Dunn once said, “The music never really stops—it just finds new ways to move people.”
And on this night, it moved everyone.