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Lil Nas X makes history again by becoming first out singer to win country music award

The rapper and collaborator Billy Ray Cyrus took home the prestigious award

By Steve Brown

Words: Steve Brown

Lil Nas X has made history again by becoming the first out singer to win a country music award.

After coming out as gay back in June, Lil Nas X has continued to defy odds and his single ‘Old Town Road’ broke the record for the longest running Number One single of all time.

Earlier this year, the rapper took home the Song of the Year VMA alongside collaborator Billy Ray Cyrus.

And now, Lil Nas X has made history after becoming the first openly gay artist to winr a Country Music Award in the Musical Event of the Year category.

 
 
 
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‪What a great night celebrating! @lilnasx @cma #CMAawards ‬

A post shared by Billy Ray Cyrus (@billyraycyrus) on

Although over the years, there have been a few notable coming-outs in country music, the genre is still considered conservative.

Speaking to reporters after winning the award, Lil Nas X said: “I wasn’t sure if this was going to able to take place tonight.

“I am so happy this was accepted because it is the bridging of two completely polar opposite genres put together.

“I’m just happy, you know, it has gotten respect in both communities.”