Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne Scorch 2018 CMA Awards With ‘Burning Man’

Dierks Bentley became an honorary Osborne brother at the 2018 CMA Awards on Wednesday night (Nov. 14) when he joined newly crowned Vocal Duo of the Year Brothers Osborne on stage to perform their collaboration, “Burning Man.”

Literal flames surrounded the trio as the song kicked off, washing the stage in a red-orange glow as Bentley jumped in on the first verse. A rugged rock-and-roll flavored track, “Burning Man” is a testament to the complexity of being a human being (namely, being Bentley).

“A little bit steady, a little bit rolling stone, a little bit heaven, a little bit flesh-and-bone,” the guys sang in rich three-part harmony during the catchy chorus, which suits them, especially given the mountain-man-inspired beards two out of three are sporting.

TJ Osborne took the second verse, showing off his vocal chops with the gravelly sound he’s known for. Not to be outdone, John Osborne gave the crowd what they wanted with a killer guitar solo before sharing a mic with Bentley for the last run at the chorus.

Pyrotechnics shot off around the guys as they gave the song all they had, winning over anyone who hadn’t yet heard the rock jam. “Burning Man” appears on Bentley’s most recent album, The Mountain, which was nominated for Album of the Year in the 2018 CMA Awards. That award went to Kacey Musgraves for Golden Hour.

Bentley was also up for Male Vocalist of the Year at the ceremony. Chris Stapleton took that honor home.

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