Luke Bryan Wins Entertainer of the Year at 2015 CMA Awards

Luke Bryan won his second straight Entertainer of the Year trophy at the 2015 CMA Awards on Wednesday night (Nov. 4). The singer jumped from his chair to accept the honor, but was caught in a big bear hug from Garth Brooks on his way to the stage.

Brooks, Eric Church, Miranda Lambert and Kenny Chesney were the other four nominees for the night's biggest award. The win was anything but certain for the "Strip It Down" singer. While he released new music in 2015, the Kill the Lights album was not eligible for consideration. Many thought this would be the year either Church or Lambert would break through for their first win in the category.

“This is the best business in the world,” Bryan said as he accepted. “I love you country music, I love you fans.”

He also thanked the usual people, including his management team and his wife. He spent 30 seconds thanking her for letting him do what he loves to do. Then he became the second artist to turn attention to Chris Stapleton.

“Watching Chris Stapleton have this night is so uplifting,” Bryan said, referring to the "Traveller" singer's three CMA Awards wins. Lambert also recognized the soulful singer during her acceptance speech for Female Vocalist of the Year.

Bryan was up for only two nominations at the 2015 CMA Awards, but won the night's biggest honor, Entertainer of the Year. He also performed "Strip It Down" earlier in the night.

See Pics of Luke Bryan and More on the CMA Red Carpet