“Somebody call HR please.”
Jokes were flying in by the dozen last night at the CMA Awards with hosts, Lainey Wilson, Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, delivering some solid lines throughout the night. Though they failed to point out the absolute joke that the CMAs themselves have become over the past decade, the trio did land a couple of good ones referencing Luke Combs‘ “Sexiest Man Alive” nod and Jelly Roll’s weight-loss journey over the year.
For the most part, it was your typical awards show fare with an even mix of corny bits and some solid riffing between the trio. However, the most risqué (and arguably most memorable) joke came around an hour into the show.
Before introducing the Musician of the Year winner, Charlie Worsham, Bryan brought up the fact that the two hosted the show last year which prompted him to make “Luke + Pay” shirts, referencing Vocal Duo of the Year nominees, Dan + Shay.
With the addition of Lainey, the “Do I” singer then referenced the group as a threesome before Wilson quickly interjected by saying, “Luke, no. That’s how you start rumors. You need to rephrase that.”
Bryan “corrected” himself, saying, “Now that we’re a trio, how about Luke, Pay and Lay?” before revealing his brand-new shirt bearing their names on the front. Wilson was quick to shoot down the offer, saying, “Not a chance. I’m sorry.”
Manning finished up the bit by asking for some help from the CMA’s human resources department, adding, “Somebody call HR please.”
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