Some of the biggest heavyweights in country music came together on Wednesday (Nov. 2) night for the 50th annual Country Music Association Awards in Nashville, and boy, was it a night. Not only did some of the biggest music genre's acts from past and present take the stage for an immense eight-minute opener, but Taylor Swift returned. It was a celebratory evening that even had the likes of Beyoncé take over the show for a collaborative performance of “Daddy Lessons” with the Dixie Chicks.
Tim McGraw and Garth Brooks also proved to be big winners for the ceremony, which was hosted by Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley. If you missed out on the CMAs action, then iHeartRadio has you covered with some of the biggest moments from the star-studded evening at Bridgestone Arena. Take a look below!
Eight Minutes In Country Heaven
The biggest eight minutes in country music history is what kicked off this year's 50th CMAs. Iconic country artists from over the years joined hosts Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood onstage to celebrate 50 years of the annual awards show. Performing some of their biggest hits during the mega medley of Country music history were Vince Gill, Ben Haggard, Roy Clark, Charley Pride, Alabama, Charlie Daniels, Reba McEntire, Dwight Yoakam, Clint Black, Ricky Scaggs, Alan Jackson, and Randy Travis.
Beyoncé & Dixie Chicks Teach Us All About "Daddy Lessons"
Beyoncé showed us her Texas roots when she performed her song “Daddy Lessons” off of her latest album Lemonade with the Dixie Chicks during this year’s CMAs. The Dixie Chicks covered Queen Bey’s hit while on their tour this year. So, there was no better way to celebrate the CMAs’ 50th anniversary than with a Beyonce/Dixie Chicks collab.
Taylor Swift Makes Her CMA Awards Return
Gone are the days of Taylor Swift as a country titan, but that doesn't mean that the 26-year-old chart topper doesn't have love for her roots. She proved that when she made a surprise appearance at the end of the show to present the award for Entertainer of the Year to Garth Brooks. "It's been almost 13 years since I came to Nashville with a dream of being a songwriter and recording artist, and I learned so much about what it means to be an entertainer from the remarkable artists in this arena tonight," the pop star said.
Maren Morris’ Touching "New Artist" Win
It’s important that folks feel the heart behind country superstars and their music. Maren Morrisaffirmed this when she brought down the Bridgestone Arena with a soulful rendition of “My Church.” Even more so when the 26-year-old singer/songwriter fumbled her words, and got a little teary eyed. She moved the audience during her speech for her New Artist of the Year win. “This is incredible. So last year, I sat across the street at a bar and watched the show. I never thought as a songwriter I’d be standing here today,” she told the crowd. “Thank y’all so much for voting for me. My songwriting community in Nashville, you gave me the courage to do this. Thank you.”
Carrie Underwood’s "Through The Decades" Wardrobe Changes
Carrie Underwood celebrated the 50th CMAs, not only be hosting (once again) with Brad Paisley, but she decided to pay tribute to the annual awards show through fashion. The CMA Female Vocalist of the Year winner goes through multiple wardrobe changes throughout the night, year after year. But this year, Carrie decided to wear 10+ looks inspired from the decades of the '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s, and 2000s -- some of the outfits were even inspired by specific artists.
We Will Always Love Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton was honored with the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, and to help pay tribute to the country music icon, several of the music genre’s biggest female artists performed a Dolly-inspired medley. Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, Jennifer Nettles (with Pentatonix), Kacey Musgraves, and Martina McBride all performed songs from Dolly’s incredible career and ended with “I Will Always Love You.” Parton watched on from the audience with tears in her eyes, before she took the stage herself to accept her award.
Original article at iHeartRadio