Jon Pardi has been awarded the coveted New Artist of the Year trophy at the 2017 CMA Awards. Pardi was presented with the award by Kevin Ritter and JoAnna Garcia of the television show Kevin (Probably) Saves the World during the 51st annual CMA Awards ceremony at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Wednesday (Nov. 8).

"Wow," exclaimed Pardi as he took the stage in a stylish black suit. He went on to thank his fellow nominees and management company before giving a special shoutout to all the people who supported him in his journey to reach his dreams. "Thank you to all my friends and family back home who watched me play backyards and dive bars and fairs when I was still in high school."

It's been a busy year for rising star Pardi. On the heels of the 2016 release of his sophomore album, California Sunrise, Pardi hit the road with some major acts in 2017, including Dierks Bentley, on Bentley's What the Hell World Tour, and Luke Bryan, on Bryan's Farm Tour. "Dirt on My Boots," Pardi's second single from California Sunrise, was also nominated for both Single and Song of the Year at the CMA Awards.

The other 2017 CMA Awards New Artist of the Year nominees were Lauren AlainaLuke CombsBrett Young and Old Dominion.

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