The 51st Annual Country Music Association Awards was held at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, on November 8. The action-packed night included awards, performances, and a tribute to those lost in following the Las Vegas shooting. Returning for their tenth year in a row, hosts Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood opened the show cracking jokes and reminiscing on the past ten years on stage together. Married country music stars, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill greeted them on stage with Barbie doll replicas of Brad and Carrie to show their appreciation. Powerful performances by Thomas Rhett, Luke Bryan, Kelsea Ballerini with Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, and numerous others filled the night. Special guest P!nk performed her song “Barbies” and Niall Horan sang with Maren Morris.

  The CMA Awards never fail to disappoint the audience with the opening of the show. Eric Church kicked off the night as he sang “Amazing Grace” as a reminder of the Las Vegas shooting. Afterwards Hootie and the Blowfish sang “Hold My Hand” and were joined by Keith Urban, Reba McEntire, Little Big Town and many more stars.

  Some of the awards that were given included Entertainer of the Year given to Garth Brooks, Male Vocalist of the Year given to Chris Stapleton, Female Vocalist of the Year given to Miranda Lambert, Vocal Group of the Year given to Little Big Town, and New Artist of the Year given to Jon Pardi.

  Following Niall Horan and Maren Morris’s performance, Carrie Underwood sang “Softly and Tenderly” as a slideshow of country singers who passed in 2017 and the victims of the Las Vegas shooting last month was shown behind her. Keith Urban had a moving and powerful performance singing his new song “Female.” His new song is a ballad focusing on respecting women inspired by the recent sexual assault accusations. Sophomore Elizabeth Le replied, “Keith Urban’s new single ‘Female’, gave me chills as he sang it,” when asked how she liked Keith Urban’s new song.

  Legend singer-songwriter Alan Jackson, closed the award show singing two of his most popular songs, “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow” and “Don’t Rock The Jukebox,” as the crowd stood up and sang along. Tune in next year for yet another great night as the country music family comes together for the “Greatest night in country history.”