The wait is finally over... Fans were treated to an incredible night of performances and celebration of the finest Country music has to offer at the 2021 ACM Awards!
Hosted by Keith Urban and Mickey Guyton and taking place once again live from iconic Nashville venues like the Grand Ole Opry House, the Ryman Auditorium, and the famed Bluebird Cafe, here are some of the biggest moments from the star-studded evening.
WATCH MORE: Some of the hottest looks at the 56th ACM Awards
Red Carpet Fashion
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While having to forego the typical large-scale Vegas production for the second year in a row due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the stars didn't allow it to keep them from shining on this year's ACM red carpet.
Elle and Miranda Bring the Glitter
Better pour yourself a glass... tonight's gonna be one of those nights! Elle King and Miranda Lambert got the show off to a rockin' start with a performance of their song "Drunk."
Famous Friends Chris and Kane rock out together
Quick to follow Miranda and Elle were "Famous Friends," Chris Young and Kane Brown who gave us just a little taste of what to expect from the ceremony, with 25 artists scheduled to perform including some must-see collabs!
Thomas Rhett always makes it feel good to be Country
Entertainer of the Year nominee Thomas Rhett gave us as mashup of old and new with an incredible performance combining his brand-new song "Country Again," as well as fan-favorite "What's Your Country Song." The performance gave fans a nostalgic first-look at his new album Country Again, Side A. Later in the show Rhett was named Male Artist of the Year.
Welcome Back, Blanco!
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Eight months after nearly losing his life in a head-on vehicle collision, trailer-trap artist Blanco Brown made his first public appearance on the ACM stage to present the award for Group of the Year. Blanco took the opportunity to thank first responders before revealing Old Dominion as the winners of the Group of the Year prize.
Who needs Sarah McLachlan when you've got Chris and Miranda?
Chris Stapleton caught viewers off guard and got the tears flowing when he performed his song "Maggie," off his Starting Over album (which was later named Album of the Year). It was only fitting that fellow dog-lover Miranda Lambert joined him as they paid homage to Stapleton's late dog, Maggie with a beautiful duet from Nashville's Bluebird Cafe. Rest In Peace, Maggie!
Newlywed Takeover!
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The honeymoon phase was on full display as Maren Morris and Ryan Hurd performed their new single, "Chasing After You" (and sealed it with a kiss) while New Female Artist of the Year winner Gabby Barrett performed her new single, "The Good Ones" alongside her hubby, Cade Foehner.
Dierks Bentley with The War and Treaty
Pipes, on pipes, on pipes! Incredible vocals were on full display when Dierks Bentley, along with Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Blount of The War and Treaty took the stage to cover the iconic U2 track "Pride (In The Name of Love)."
Carrie Underwood and Cece Winans take us to Church
Leading viewers in a worship medley with songs from her recent gospel album "My Savior," Carrie Underwood was joined by Cece Winans as they had viewers raising a hallelujah with their powerful vocals accompanied by a church choir.
Dan + Shay deliver the wedding song of 2021
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Dan + Shay answered high demand from their fans for an acoustic rendition of their single "Glad You Exist" with a perfect performance from the Bluebird Cafe. This version is sure to be the wedding song of 2021 and you heard it on the ACMs first. The pair was later awarded the prize for Duo of the Year proving the Country format is glad they exist.
Paisley Surprise!
Country prankster Brad Paisley surprised Jimmie Allen as he jumped on stage at the Bluebird Cafe as Jimmie was performing their single "Freedom Was A Highway." Jimmie welcomed Paisley to the stage with a big smile, but like a pro - he didn't miss a beat.
Ashley rocks the waterfront
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Ashley McBryde threw a party performing her song "Martha Divine" live, with a full band, for a loud and excited crowd on the Cumberland River waterfront. It must have been an incredible feeling after such a long time away from fans. Ashley absolutely rocked it!
Carly Pearce and Lee Brice are happy now...
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Finally getting the full-band treatment for their newly-named ACM Single of the Year, "I Hope You're Happy Now," Carly and Lee brought the roof down with a performance in celebration of the prize.
Austin, we still love you!
Blake Shelton had us all singing along as we shed a tear when he took the stage to perform "Austin" in honor of its 20th Anniversary. The tears didn't last long as Shelton quickly transitioned into his song, "Minimum Wage."
Mickey makes history… again!
After her history-making performance last year as the first Black female to perform solo at the ACMs, Mickey Guyton made history once again as the first Black artist to host the show. She also delivered a stunning performance of "Hold On," a song featured in the motion picture Breakthrough.
Urban serves mid-show pick me up
Keith Urban gave us life with his high-energy performance of "Tumbleweed." It was the first time ever Urban performed the song with his band and we have to say, they didn't seem to tumble one bit!
Kenny and Kelsea got us feeling homesick
Kelsea Ballerini was joined by fellow Knoxville, TN native Kenny Chesney for a performance of her song, "Half Of My Hometown." The performance was a beautiful tribute to hometowns everywhere and had us missing home.
LBT take it to the street!
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Little Big Town may have been down a member with Philip Sweet recovering from COVID-19, but it didn't keep them from bringing the heat with a performance on the streets of downtown Nashville. The group kept the party going in the second half of the show as they sang "Wine, Beer, Whiskey" accompanied by a small marching band (and a cardboard cutout of Philip).
Luke Bryan named Entertainer of the Year
Luke Bryan was awarded the big prize of the night being named ACM Entertainer of the Year. Bryan thanked his team and fans for the support via video message as he was unable to attend the show after recently being diagnosed with COVID-19. Big congrats to Luke and team!
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