CMA Awards: Brothers Osborne say ‘Love wins tonight’ after Vocal Duo of the Year award – The Tennessean

T.J. Osborne of duo Brothers Osborne started his 2021 by coming out as gay — making him the first artist currently signed to a major country label to do so.

10 months later, he found himself accepting a CMA award for Vocal Duo of the Year alongside his brother and bandmate, John Osborne. It’s the duo’s fourth win in the category, and their first award since T.J. Osborne came out.

“I tell you, every time that we have won this award, it never ever ceases to be extremely shocking,” T.J. Osborne said on stage. “…It’s been a crazy roller coaster of a year for us in so many ways, especially for me emotionally. And to have you all support me, it really does feel like love wins tonight.”

Many fellow nominees seated at tables on the arena floor rose to their feet, as John Osborne told them, “Give this boy a round of applause.”

The duo was also set to perform “Younger Me” on the show, a song inspired by Osborne’s childhood.

“Overthinking, losing sleep at night/ Contemplating if it’s worth the fight/ If he only knew he’d be alright/ Yeah, younger me.”