George Strait won the award for CMT Performance of the Year at the 2022 CMT Music Awards on Monday night (April 11). The country star's version of "Is Anybody Going to San Antone" from CMT Giants: Charley Pride earned Strait his first-ever CMT Music Award.

Strait wasn't in attendance, but sent a heartfelt video message to accept the award.

"I can't believe I've won," he said. "I'm sorry I'm not there, but I want to say thank you to all the fans who voted for me, I really appreciate that."

"This was really special for me because it was a tribute song to the late Charley Pride, my friend. I want to say hi to Charley's family out there," he concluded.

The CMT Performance of the Year category takes a look back at some of the most memorable moments and epic collaborations that took place over the course of the previous year on CMT-mounted specials.

This year, the other contenders were Brothers Osborne for "Muskrat Greene/Dead Man's Curve Medley (from CMT Campfire Sessions)," H.E.R. and Chris Stapleton's "Hold On (from the 2021 CMT Music Awards)," Kane Brown's "Three Wooden Crosses (from the 2021 CMT Artists of the Year)," Kelsea Ballerini and Paul Klein of LANY's "I Quit Drinking (from the 2021 CMT Music Awards)," Mickey Guyton, Gladys Knight and Breland's "Friendship Train (from the 2021 CMT Music Awards)" and Nelly, Kane Brown, Blanco Brown and Breland's "Ride Wit Me (from CMT Crossroads: Nelly & Friends)."

The 2022 CMT Music Awards broadcasted live from Nashville on CBS. This year marked the first time that the awards show has aired on a major network.

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Photos from the 2022 CMT Music Awards red carpet find country music's biggest stars and hottest newcomers trading in formal attire for vibrant spring or summer fashions. Neon and purple were the most popular colors for country women on the CMT red carpet. See pictures of Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris, Thomas Rhett, Little Big Town, Kane Brown and more, plus their spouses!

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