The Tennessean's 100 best photos of 2022 (2024)

Elle King performs a tribute to Jerry Lee Lewis during the 56th CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.

East Robertson's Shaun Groves kisses the championship trophy after defeating Peabody in the TSSAA 2022 Class 1A State Boys' Basketball Tournament at Murphy Center Complex in Murfreesboro, Tenn., Saturday, March 19, 2022.

Jada Spight poses for a portrait Feb. 15, 2022, in Jubilee Hall in front of a mural of the Fisk jubilee Singers

Del McCoury backstage at Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022.

Forrest right fielder Ryan Meglis (13) attempts to catch a single hit by Pigeon Forge’s Bryce Effler during the fourth inning in an TSSAA Class 2A State Boys Baseball Tournament second round game Wednesday, May 25, 2022, in Smyrna, Tenn.

Janice Tucker of the Community Advisory Council on Inclusive Recognition and Acknowledgment walks through Maplewood Cemetery as she looks for U.S. Colored Troops tombstones Monday, Jan. 24, 2022, in Pulaski, Tenn. The group also known as CACIRA is working to bring a U.S. Colored Troops statue to Heritage Plaza as well as other monuments to recognize Pulaski's historical achievements.

Chris Wiggins carries personal items away from his tornado damaged home in Mayfield, KY Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021.

A demonstrator kneels in attempt to have a dialogue with gun owners who showed up armed and in tactical vest at the March for Our lives protest in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, June 11, 2022. The march was part of a nation wide protest advocating for stricter gun control laws.

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Treylon Burks (16) reacts after recovering a fumble for a touchdown as they face the Cincinnati Bengals during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.

Lori Williams cools off next to a Power Freezer mister machine as her friend Maurita Hughs gives her water during the CMA Fest on Friday, June 10, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) celebrates after beating the Texans at NRG Stadium Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022 in Houston, Texas.

A man waves a giant Titans flag to get the crowd cheering during the third quarter of an AFC divisional playoff game at Nissan Stadium Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022 in Nashville, Tenn.

People dance to music played from headphones during a silent disco on the first day of Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tenn., Friday, June 17, 2022.

Lakeway Christian Academy’s Colby Dalon reacts after defeating Baylor’s Mason Alley in the 160 pound wight class Division II State Wrestling Championship at Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022.

Country music singer and songwriter, Morgan Wallen performs during his Dangerous Tour at Bridgestone Arena on Thursday, March 17, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.

Tennessee Titans tight end Anthony Firkser (86) pulls in a touchdown catch against the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at Nissan Stadium Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022 in Nashville, Tenn.

The St. Paddy 5k marathon run was held at the Shelby Park in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, March 12, 2022.

Debbie Bousquet throws a ball for Drandon Brown’s dog, Daisy, in Nashville , Tenn., Monday, Dec. 5, 2022. Bousquet lives in a homeless camp in Nashville and started taking care of Brown's dog after he was killed by police a few weeks earlier

Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi signs autographs while visiting Lindenhofspital in Bern, Switzerland, Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022.

Shelbyville players run onto the field before the start of an high school football game against Tullahoma on Thursday, August 18, 2022, in Tullahoma, Tenn.

Tennessee Titans running back Dontrell Hilliard (40) heads to the field as the team gets ready to face the Cincinnati Bengals at Nissan Stadium Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.

Jellyroll visits Tin Roof, Tuesday, April 12, 2022, in Nashville where he cut his teeth as a new artist from rapping to country radio. 'Jelly' is also launching a new concert at Bridgestone Arena to benefit at-risk youth and youth drug recovery.

Grandchildren of former first lady of Tennessee Honey Alexander wait to read scripture during her memorial service at Christ Church Cathedral in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022.

Traffic drives along I-24 and I-65 in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022.

A woman runs along Concord Pass road on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022 in Brentwood, Tenn. The National Weather Service said as much as 2-6 inches of snow was expected in Middle Tennessee.

Florida running back Montrell Johnson Jr. (2) leaps for extra yards past Vanderbilt defensive back Ja'Dais Richard (34) during the second quarter at FirstBank Stadium Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.

Pastor Greg Locke walks up on stage beginning to speak in front of the church members at the Global Vision Bible Church in Mt. Juliet, Tenn., Sunday, April 3, 2022.

Night falls over Bonnaroo on the final night of the festival in Manchester, Tenn., Sunday, June 19, 2022.

CPA’s Bo Burklow (16) stiff arms Boyd Buchanan's Jayden Madison (13) during the first quarter of a TSSAA Division-IIA first round playoff game at Christ Presbyterian Academy in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Nov. 4, 2022.

Tennessee's Tamari Key (20) drives past Kentucky's Treasure Hunt (12) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball semifinal game at the women’s Southeastern Conference tournament, Saturday, March 5, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. Kentucky won 83-74.

Philadelphia Eagles running back Boston Scott (35) runs the ball in the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Lincoln Financial Field Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, in Philadelphia, Pa.

Kane Brown enters the stadium by jumping off the top of the stage with a harness, to start the Blessed & Free tour in his hometown Chattanooga, Tenn., Saturday May 7, 2022. The tour featured Walker Hayes and Restless Road.

Lil Nas X performs at Municipal Auditorium in Nashville , Tenn., Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022.

Brentwood Academy's Isaiah Cane (3) celebrates with borrowed pom-poms during the final moments of the fourth quarter of their Division II-AAA quarterfinal win against Pope John Paul II at Brentwood Academy in Brentwood, Tenn., Friday, Nov. 11, 2022.

Briarcrest players celebrate after their win over Baylor in an high school Division II-AA State girls volleyball championship game on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Shaundelle Brooks poses for a portrait outside her home Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022 in Nashville, Tenn. with her 16-year-old son Aldane Brooks as she holds a portrait of her oldest son, Akilah DeSilva, who was murdered in the 2018 Waffle House shooting. Brooks is concerned about the number of guns being found in Metro Schools.

Jennifer Logu wraps a napkin around Velma Schockley's neck as they eat at Dandgure's Classic Southern Cooking, on the last day before the restaurant permanently closes Thursday, June 30, 2022.

Kyla Ernst-Alper and Jourdan Epstein warm up before performing at the Swan Ball at Cheekwood Mansion in Nashville , Tenn., Saturday, June 4, 2022.

Joe Perez Sr., father of victim Joe Perez Jr., reacts after the verdict is read during day five of Travis Reinking’s murder trial at the Justice A.A. Birch Building in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Feb. 4, 2022. A jury found Reinkingguilty of first-degree murder in the deaths of four people at a Waffle Housein 2018.

Jimmie Allen performs at the Riverfront Front Stage during the CMA Fest on Thursday, June 9, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.

Tennessee Titans tight end Austin Hooper (81) pulls in a 19 yard catch against the Indianapolis Colts during the fourth quarter at Nissan Stadium Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.

Ric Flair punches Jeff Jarrett during the final match of his career in a special event at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium, Sunday, July 31, 2022.

Presley Swindell, holds her niece, Emilia Swindell, 9 months while Ayden Swindell looks to Emilia while on the first day of Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tenn., Thursday, June 16, 2022.

Former Nashville Predator Pekka Rinne speaks during his jersey retirement ceremony at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022. Rinne spent his entire 15-year NHL career with the Predators after being picked by the team in eighth round of the 2004 draft.

Fans cheer as Joan Jett and the Blackhearts perform during the band’s Stadium Tour concert at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.

Chapel Hart members Danica Hart (lt), Trea Swindle and Devynn Hart (rt) spend time with Country Music legend Jeannie Seely in their dressing room before their debut at the Grand Ole Opry Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022 in Nashville, Tenn.

Assistant Principal Nathan Gordon high fives Gage Uphoff on the first day of school at Elzie D. Patton Elementary School in Mt. Juliet , Tenn., Monday, Aug. 1, 2022.

Anjie Crow gives her dog, Zoey, a treat while Zoey sits in front of her ribbon wall, showcasing all of Zoey’s wins from previous dog shows, at Anjie Crow's home in Hermitage, Tenn., Wednesday, June 29, 2022. Crow adopted Zoey from a shelter and began training her to compete in agility competitions. Over the last five years Zoey has won countless ribbons and also competed in the Westminster Dog Show.

Chris Stapleton takes a photo of photographers during arrivals for the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., Monday, March 7, 2022.

Kentucky's Dre'una Edwards celebrates following the team’s victory over South Carolina in an NCAA college basketball championship game at the women’s Southeastern Conference tournament, Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.

Keith Urban plays two nights in Jacksonville this summer.

Chip Ganassi Racing driver Scott Dixon (9) of New Zealand celebrates winning the Music City Grand Prix in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022.

Laura Huff stands with other demonstrators to protest in response to the potential overturning of Roe V. Wade after a leaked document revealed the Supreme Court privately voted to strike down the case that guarantees the right to abortion at Federal Courthouse in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, May 3, 2022. The protest was part of a nation wide protest.

Nashville SC midfielder Dax McCarty (6) goes up for a header during the inaugural match at GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, May 1, 2022.

Goodpasture head coach Lynn Dearing, right, reacts after BGA scored a point during a high school Division II-A State girls volleyball championship game on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

The Rev. Joseph Patrick Breen is recessed out of Christ the King Catholic Church during his funeral Mass Friday, May 27, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.

Charley Crockett sits at the bar at Station Inn in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022.

Teachers practice defensive tactics during a private safety consultation to deal with possible school shooting at St. Patrick's School in McEwen, Tenn., Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022.

Bearden's Ethan Ford (2) kicks the ball against Oakland during the second half of a Class AAA quarterfinal game at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex in Murfreesboro, Tenn., Wednesday, May 25, 2022.

Rockvale players warm up before the start of the second half during a high school football game against Stewarts Creek on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, in Smyrna, Tenn.

Hillsboro's Caleb Kuehn (2) tries to get the ball from Soddy Daisy's Preston Workman (16) during the TSLA Division I boys lacrosse championship at Nolensville High School Friday, May 20, 2022, in Nolensville, Tenn.

Mt. Juliet's linemen warm up during practice at Roger Perry Field in Mt. Juliet, Tenn., Friday, Sept. 16, 2022.

Eera Ghosh, 8, and Aarohi Ghosh, 7 put their necklaces together for a photograph while standing underneath a rainbow during a celebration of India, ” Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” at Nolensville Historical Society in Nolensville, Tenn., Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022.

Fans hold up their phones during Keith Urban's performance during CMA Fest at Nissan Stadium Friday, June 10, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Northpoint Christian players and coaches react after losing to Goodpasture Christian in the TSSAA Division II A state boys baseball tournament championship game Friday, May 27, 2022, in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Wynonna Judd and Brandi Carlile share a moment onstage at the Ryman Auditorium as they honor the memory of Judd's mother, Naomi Judd, during the A River of Time Celebration in Nashville, Tenn., on Sunday, May 15, 2022.

Lisa Pezzarello and Mark Beasley dance together while listening to Chris Stapleton's performance at Midnight Sun during the Pilgrimage Music Festival at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, Tenn., Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022.

Elle Ellis watches during the Pride Festival Parade on Broadway in Nashville , Tenn., Saturday, June 25, 2022.

Luke Bryan performs during CMA Fest at Nissan Stadium Saturday, June 11, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.

First Lady Jill Biden, hugs St. James Missionary Baptist Church Reverend George T. Brooks, and family members after visiting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at St. James Missionary Baptist Church Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. Biden’s visit is part of the administration’s campaign to encourage all Americans age 12 and older to get an updated COVID vaccine this fall.

Vice President Kamala Harris laughs with Tennessee State University graduates as she arrives for the commencement ceremony at Tennessee State University Saturday, May 7, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. Vice President Harris delivered the commencement address to the students during the ceremony.

Portrait of Rubi Rodriguez dances with Evin Colon outside of Plaza Mariachi near the Baila Dance Studio in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022. "One thing that's very rewarding...we have moments where [the audience] comes up to us in tears, 'omg your performance took me back to my home in Mexico', that's when we know we did our job right." Rodriguez said. Rodriguez dances since she was little and becoming a dance instructor for the children in Nashville was all a happy accident.

While sound checking at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium on Sept,30, 2022 Marcus King shows off a tattoo he had done earlier in the year backstage at the storied venue.

NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) enters the pits during the Ally 400 at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 26, 2022.

Ella Portale, a Brentwood High School soccer player, stands near a photograph of her father Tim Portale on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022 in Brentwood, Tenn. Teammates and coaches have been a support system for Portale after her father, Tim, died in an ATV accident in 2019.

Bluegrass singer-songwriter Molly Tuttle, poses for a portrait at Station Inn Monday, March 21, 2022 in Nashville, Tenn. Tuttle will celebrate the release of her new album "Crooked Tree" at the venue in late March.

A trombone player dances as the Tennessee State University band walks off the field after the halftime show at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022.

Singer and songwriter Priscilla Block stands in the studio at 44 Desgins Inc. in Goodlettsville , Tenn., Monday, Feb. 7, 2022. Block went from being 4 months behind on rent and playing in bars to blowing up on TikTok leading to her signing a record deal. Her debut album, “Welcome to the Block Party,” will be released on Feb. 11, 2022.

A little rain wasn't enough to dampen the fun Saturday at the Star Spangled Celebration at Nolensville High School in Nolensville, Tenn., Saturday, July 2, 2022.

Assistant trainer Sandra Webb, right, and Rosie Watters wash Notjudginjustsayin before the start of the 81st running of the Iroquois Steeplechase at Percy Warner Park on Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.

Fireworks go off at the end of the NHL Stadium Series game between the Nashville Predators and the Tampa Bay Lightning at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022.

Tim Lovebreed and Larry Brown rummage through debris behind his apartment after a tornado hit in Mayfield, KY., Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021.

Marty Stuart holds Johnny Cash’s guitar at Marty Stuart's warehouse in Hendersonville, Tenn., Wednesday, May 18, 2022.

Hillwood players warm up before a game against Lawrence County at Hillwood High School in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Oct. 21, 2022. The night marked the final football game played at Hillwood as the school is closing in May with the opening of James Lawson High School.

Reeyan Altmed and Ronald Whitmore, best friends and Siegel High School students, share how they were impacted by the pandemic on Monday, Sept. 12, 2022, in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Robertson County deputies salute deputy Savanna Puckett as pall bearers carry her casket out of her funeral at South Haven Baptist Church Friday, Jan. 29, 2022 in Springfield, Tenn.

Louise Brock rides a mechanical bull at the Music City Grand Prix in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022.

RaDonda Vaught reacts as she is sentenced to three years of supervised probation in Nashville, Tenn., on Friday, May 13, 2022.

Tennessee Titans safety Amani Hooker, holding ball, celebrates his interception against the New York Giants with teammates during the fourth quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022.

Nurses react during the sentencing hearing of RaDonda Vaught during a protest at Public Square park in front of the historic Metro courthouse on Friday, May 13, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. Vaught received three years of supervised probation.

Tennessee tight end Princeton Fant (88) dives into the end zone for a touchdown over Vanderbilt defenders during the first quarter at FirstBank Stadium Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.

Spectators view the fireworks from Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge during the "Let Freedom Sing!" Music City July 4th event on lower Broadway in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, July 4, 2022.

Lainey Wilson sits for a portrait in Nashville , Tenn., Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022. Wilson was nominated as a songwriter for Song of the Year at the 2022 ACM Awards for her hit “Things A Man Oughta Know”.

Kelsea Ballerini, left, and Dolly Parton perform together during the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards show at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on March 7, 2022.

Dave Mustaine co-founder, lead vocalist and songwriter of Megadeth with his Flying V guitar at his home on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, in Franklin, Tenn.

Kyle Bridgeforth, a fifth-generation farmer and managing partner in Bridgeforth Farms, stands at the edge of a soybean field on a hot September day. Bridgeforth Farms is a fifth-generation Black-owned row crop operation, founded by a formerly enslaved man.

Lisa Kirk starts to cry after recalling memories and trauma from her past as Amy Hess hugs her inside the dressing room at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, June 20, 2022. CreatiVets help veterans find a form of a self-expression through music that allows them to heal from their previous trauma.

LOCASH, Leslie Jordan, and Blanco Brown sit together for a portrait during the filming of the music video “Let It Slide," at Eastside Bowl in Nashville , Tenn., Monday, Oct. 10, 2022.

Colt Romero, left, and Nic Romero, right, walk to go check on their chickens at their home in Watertown, Tenn., Monday, May 16, 2022. The family Instagram account, DownRightWonderful, which features brothers Colt, 7, and Nic, 6, who have Down syndrome, has grown to have 147,000 followers.

Arkansas' Makayla Daniels (43) drives past Missouri's Hayley Frank (43) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game at the womenÕs Southeastern Conference tournament, Thursday, March 3, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. Arkansas won in overtime 61-52.