TJ Osborne Kisses Boyfriend At 2021 CMA Awards: 'Feels Like Love Wins Tonight'

TJ Osborne celebrated his win at the 2021 CMA Awards on Wednesday night by sharing a kiss with his partner before taking the stage and declaring “love wins.”

TJ and his brother John Osborne, collectively known as Brothers Osborne, won the award for Vocal Duo of the Year during the event.

As the duo got up from their seats after being recognized, TJ kissed his partner, Abi Ventura, while John smooched his wife Lucie Silvas before they came up the stage to receive their award.

“I tell you, every time we have won this award it has never ceased to be extremely shocking,” said TJ, who came out as gay in February. “Thanks to everyone who voted for us. 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, thank you,” he said.

The other half of the Brothers Osborne then took the microphone, saying, “Give this boy a round of applause. We love this genre, we love the people, we love all of you so much.” The duo then took the stage to perform “Younger Me.”

They kicked off their performance with TJ sharing some heartfelt words to the audience, saying, “For many years I would watch this show, year after year, and I always thought how incredible it’d be and I’d dream of being here on this stage.”

“And there were so many things that were so many hurdles for me. And I always truthfully felt like it would never be possible because of my sexuality to be here. And I just wish, I wish, my younger me could see me now,” he concluded his message.

TJ first came out as gay in February. In an interview with Time, the artist revealed he found it strange not wanting to talk about something he personally doesn’t have any problem with. “People will ask, ‘Why does this even need to be talked about?’ And personally, I agree with that. But for me to show up at an awards show with a man would be jaw-dropping to people. It wouldn’t be like, ‘Oh, cool!’”

“I find myself being guarded for not wanting to talk about something that I personally don’t have a problem with. That feels so strange,” he continued.