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After MidNite with Granger Smith

After MidNite with Granger Smith

The biggest hits in Country music, exclusive artist interviews, performances and more.Full Bio

 

Recap: Country Comes Together for the CMA Awards

The CMA Awards kept the music playing Wednesday night (Nov. 8) live from Nashville.

The 51st annual event shined a light on unity and the heart of country music with unforgettable tributes to Glen Campbell, Troy Gentry, Don Williams, the 58 victims of the Las Vegas shooting and many more.

“The warmth in this room tonight is amazing,” co-host Brad Paisley said at one point in the three-hour show. “I love the way we’ve all come together. Is everyone having the time of their life tonight?”

Related: See the Full List of Winners at the CMA Awards

Perhaps the most memorable performance of the night came from Brad’s co-host Carrie Underwood, who honored those who passed away with an “In Memoriam” performance of the hymn “Softly and Tenderly.”

Brothers Osborne tied with Chris Stapleton for the most wins of the night with two each. Brothers Osborne, who also performed their hit single “It Ain’t My Fault,” took both Vocal Duo of the Year and Music Video of the Year for “It Ain’t My Fault.” Chris, who performed “Broken Halos” on the show, snagged Male Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year for From A Room: Volume 1.

Other top wins went to Garth Brooks (Entertainer of the Year), Taylor Swift (Song of the Year – “Better Man”), Little Big Town (their sixth Vocal Group of the Year honor), Jon Pardi (New Artist of the Year) and Miranda Lambert (her 12th Female Vocalist of the Year honor)—just to name a few.

Related: Photos--Stars Arrive on the CMA Awards Red Carpet

Additional performers included Thomas Rhett (“Unforgettable”), Luke Bryan (“Light It Up”), P!nk (“Barbies”), Garth Brooks (“Ask Me How I Know”), Little Big Town (“Wichita Lineman”), Old Dominion (“No Such Thing As a Broken Heart”), Eric Church (“Chattanooga Lucy”) and many  more. Collaborations included Eric Church, Darius Rucker, Lady Antebellum and Keith (“Hold My Hand”), Kelsea Ballerini and Reba (“Legends”), Tim McGraw and Faith Hill (“The Rest of Our Life”), Maren Morris and Niall Horan (“Seeing Blind”) and more.

The legendary Alan Jackson performed “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow” and closed the show with “Don’t Rock the Jukebox.”

See the full list of winners here. Plus, don’t miss Cody’s full coverage from the red carpet with interviews from Garth, Niall and more below!

Photo: Getty Images