Ashley McBryde, the nominated Female Artist of the Year for the 2024 Country Music Association Awards, shared her emotional connection to performing Kris Kristofferson’s iconic song “Help Me Make It Through The Night” during Wednesday’s award ceremony. With tears reflecting her nerves, McBryde expressed how deeply the song resonates with her, having sung it since childhood. She confidently stated, “there was no chance that I would forget a chord or a word,” emphasizing the significance of honoring both the song and its esteemed author.
McBryde reminisced about an unforgettable encounter with Kristofferson that took place at BMI’s Songwriter’s Festival in Maui. Introduced by Eric Church’s wife, Katherine, the moment was emotional for McBryde, who had loved Kristofferson’s work alongside her father. Overwhelmed with gratitude, she shed tears before finally meeting the legendary songwriter, leading to a warm and meaningful exchange.
In addition to her performance, McBryde also announced the release of her upcoming single, “Ain’t Enough Cowboy Songs,” scheduled for December 6. The song, co-written with Chris Harris and Patrick Savage, reflects her commitment to the enduring values represented by figures like Kristofferson in the ever-evolving music industry. McBryde expressed a longing for the authentic qualities that characterized the cowboys she admired growing up. She shared insights about the struggles people face today, stating, “there ain’t enough of it to ever resemble the real thing.”
In summary, McBryde’s heartfelt tribute at the CMA Awards highlighted the emotional connection artists have with their influences, while her forthcoming single aims to capture the essence of resilience and authenticity that is often missing in contemporary life. This positive narrative underlines the importance of honoring musical heritage while seeking to invoke timeless values in an ever-changing world. The combination of tribute and new music promises to strengthen McBryde’s place as a prominent figure in country music.