Dan + Shay Win Vocal Duo of the Year at the 2019 CMA Awards

For their first time ever, Dan + Shay have won the title of Vocal Duo of the Year at the 2019 CMA Awards. They beat out an impressive lineup of some of country music's most iconic team-ups; Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne, Florida Georgia Line and Maddie & Tae were the other nominees in this category.

While Vocal Duo of the Year contenders were announced, presenters Midland and Lil Nas X got a few laughs as they read off the nominees -- or, at least tried to. Let's just say they'd obviously been enjoying the CMAs before their time in front of the camera.

When Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney were announced as the winners, they hugged the presenters, and Mooney said with a laugh, "Give it up for these guys; that was a nice speech." He went on to express his appreciation for their fellow nominees -- "all of our heroes" -- and added, "My grandma is actually in the hospital right now. Thank you so much for teaching me about Jesus and loving people and being a good person."

He added, "We love country music. It teaches us so much about empowerment," and ended by commending the women in country music. Smyers quickly grabbed the mic, telling his duomate, "You're my best friend in the world and my favorite singer in the entire world" (cue the tears).

Dan + Shay enjoyed a banner year in 2018, with the release of their highly acclaimed self-titled third studio album. That project, which was co-produced by the duo's Smyers, cemented their role not only as A-listers in the country genre, but also as successful crossover artists, too. Singles such as "Tequila," "Speechless" and, most recently, "All to Myself" have expanded their fanbase and netted them hit after hit at country radio.

In 2019, the duo continued to hit major milestones. They toured with fellow CMA nominees Florida Georgia Line for that group's 2019 Can't Say I Ain't Country Tour, explaining at the time that in their early days as a duo, FGL actually inspired them quite a bit. Dan + Shay also cleaned up at the 2019 ACM Awards, raking in multiple trophies, including Duo of the Year. With their newest award, they are the top duo at both awards shows.

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