It was a party in Nashville at the 2022 CMT Music Awards on Monday. This year's awards show saw some of music's brightest stars -- including Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, Mickey Guyton and more -- come together for one of country music's biggest nights.
While last year's show was held in person, this year's event was also a celebration of a return to normality after last year's hybrid and socially distanced performances at venues across Nashville.
Hosted by Anthony Mackie and Kelsea Ballerini, the show was forced to pivot at the last minute when Ballerini announced Monday that she tested positive for COVID-19.
While Ballerini performed some of her duties from home, her co-host from 2021's show, Kane Brown, agreed to step in and host the show alongside Mackie.
Despite the change in hosts, the night featured some hilarious moments, and a slew of incredible performances from the multitude of A-list entertainers including Brown, Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Maren Morris, Carly Pearce, The Judds, Keith Urban and Ballerini herself.
And CMT’s most decorated artist of all time, Carrie Underwood, delivered a very special all-new performance from the Resorts World Theatre, home of her Las Vegas residency.
Here's a look at the most memorable and jaw-dropping musical moments from Monday's big show.
A Grand Opening
You know a show like the CMT Music Awards is going to have some memorable numbers when it kicks off with not one but two different opening acts! Keith Urban officially got things going with a fun, soaring performance of "Wild Hearts." Then, Cole Swindell and Lainey Wilson took to the stage for a romantic duet performance of their single "Never Say Never."
Anthony Mackie and Kelsea Ballerini Bring the Chemistry as Hybrid Hosts, Kane Brown Steps In
While Mackie and Brown took the stage in Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee, Ballerini did her part from home. Mackie explained the situation that had befallen Ballerini and said that the show's producers had "back-up K.B.s" and thus introduced Brown as his subbed-in co-host. Ballerini appeared via satellite on the arena's big screen, and promised to drop in from time to time through the evening.
Carly Pearce Delivers This Year's Breakup Anthem
Pearce is keeping that diamond! The soulful singer delivered a fired-up performance of her track, "Diamondback." Pearce set the stage ablaze as she belted out the lyrics to what's sure to be the breakup anthem of the year.
Carrie Underwood Delivers Epic Performance From Las Vegas
Underwood wowed the crowd with a stunning, gravity-defying performance of her song, "Ghost Story," and busted out some jaw-dropping acrobatic moves. Admittedly, the performance was pre-recorded at the Resorts World Theatre, home of Underwood's Las Vegas residency, while the singer herself was at the ceremony, but that didn't make it less impressive.
Mickey Guyton Teams Up With Black Pumas for a Psychedelic Performance of "Colors"
Guyton teamed up with the Grammy-winning group to put a country spin on their hit track, "Colors." The soulful performance had the crowd moving and grooving alongside Guyton and the Black Pumas, with everyone from Jimmie Allen to Gayle King getting down to the epic performance.
Gaby Barrett Performs "Pick Me Up" Live for First Time
Barrett, who was only announced as a performer on Sunday, hit the CMT Music Awards stage to perform her single, "Pick Me Up," live, for the first time. The country singer hit all the right notes as she belted out the upbeat ballad.
Kelsea Ballerini Performs From Home
Ballerini debuted her single, "Heartburst," straight from her backyard. With her guitar in hand, Ballerini sparkled in a green sequined minidress as she sang the words to her latest song, surrounded by the flowers in her garden.
Jason Aldean and Bryan Adams Bring the Crowd to "Heaven"
The Video of the Year nominee and legendary guitarist teamed up to put a little country twist on Adams' most iconic track. With the crowd swaying back and forth, it was clear that "Heaven" tugged on the heart strings of the CMT Music Awards audience and those watching at home.
The Judds Give First Televised Performance in Over 20 Years
Wynonna and Naomi Judd hit the CMT Music Awards stage to sing their 1990 hit, "Love Can Build A Bridge," marking their first televised performance in over twenty years. The duo were introduced by country songstress Kacey Musgraves in downtown Nashville, where they performed on an outdoor stage, adorned with "The Judds" written across it.
The pair didn't let the inclement weather stop them from delivering a memorable set, as they were flanked by choir singers adorned in flowing white robes that rustled in the strong winds.
The Judds' return to the CMT Music Awards stage comes as the pair prepare to embark on "The Final Tour" -- where they will perform decades of hits, for the very last time.
Jimmie Allen, Monica and Little Big Town Get Spiritual for Performance of "Pray"
Jimmie Allen Monica and Little Big Town took the CMT Music Awards to Church with their rendition of Allen's hit, "Pray." Decked out in all-white, Allen kicked off the moving performance at the piano, as he nearly floated on the cloud-filled stage before the ethereal Monica lended her vocals to the touching track. Not long after, she was joined by Little Big Town, who helped the duo bring sing the gospel.
The 2022 CMT Music Awards aired live on Monday, April 11 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBS, and also streamed live on Paramount+.
Follow along at ETonline.com for full coverage of country music's biggest night! Check here for a full list of the night's big winners!
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