Entertainment Awards Shows and Events Inside the CMT Artists of the Year 2021 Photo Booth: See the Winners This year's honorees were fêted Wednesday night at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, while winner Kelsea Ballerini celebrated remotely from tour By Sarah Michaud Sarah Michaud Sarah Michaud is the senior news editor of PEOPLE's music vertical. She has been working at PEOPLE for 16 years. People Editorial Guidelines Published on October 14, 2021 07:50AM EDT 01 of 06 Kane Brown Jeremy Cowart for CMT 02 of 06 Mickey Guyton Jeremy Cowart for CMT The "Remember Her Name" songstress was named breakout artist of the year. 03 of 06 Chris Stapleton Jeremy Cowart for CMT 04 of 06 Gabby Barrett Jeremy Cowart for CMT 05 of 06 Luke Combs Jeremy Cowart for CMT 06 of 06 Randy Travis (with wife Mary) Jeremy Cowart for CMT The country legend was named artist of a lifetime. Close