Country stars Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood returned as hosts for the 49th annual Country Music Association Awards. They opened the Nov. 4 show on ABC with a lighthearted skit paying tribute to “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”

“I think the show acknowledges the writers and everyone involved in the making of the music and producing the songs,” said Abby Wiebler, freshman business major. “A lot goes into this business, and it is nice to see the artists get recognized for their hard work.”  

The show began with a performance from guest artist, John Cougar Mellencamp and Keith Urban singing “Pink Houses” and “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16.” To kick off the awards show, Steve Martin and Edie Brickell presented the Single of the Year award with nominees, “American Kids” by Kenny Chesney, “Girl Crush” by Little Big Town, “I Don’t Dance” by Lee Brice, “Take your Time” by Sam Hunt and “Talladega” by Eric Church. Little Big Town won Single of the Year for the second time.

Following this award, performances by the Zac Brown Band, Kenny Chesney and Sam Hunt took place on the CMA stage. Darius Rucker and Miss America Betty Cantrell presented the Song of the Year award with nominees “American Kids” by Kenny Chesney, “Girl Crush” by Little Big Town, “Like a Cowboy” by Randy Houser, “Like a Wrecking Ball” by Eric Church, and “Take Your Time” by Sam Hunt.

Country artists, Cam and Brett Eldridge presented the New Artist of the Year award. The nominees included Kelsea Ballerini, Sam Hunt, Maddie and Tae, Thomas Rhett and Chris Stapleton. The winner for New Artist of the Year was Chris Stapleton.

 “This award is a good way for an artist to get out there, and for their fans to gain a better perspective on them as individuals,” said Anastasia Bell, freshman art education major.

 Following this award, Carrie Underwood performed her new hit single, “Smoke Break,” and then pop sensation, Justin Timberlake and New Artist of the Year  award winner Chris Stapleton performed “Tennessee Whiskey” and “Drink You Away” together, which was an iconic event on the CMA stage this year. Following this performance, Florida Georgia Line performed “Confession.”

Cole Swindell and U.S. Women’s World Cup Champions, Heather O’Reilly and Megan Rapinoe, presented the Vocal Duo of the Year award. The nominees included Brothers Osborne, Dan and Shay, Florida Georgia Line, Maddie and Tae and Thompson Square. The Vocal Duo of the Year award went to Florida Georgia Line, which was their third time winning this award.

Following this award, Eric Church performed “Mr. Misunderstood,” Thomas Rhett and Fallout Boy performed “Crash and Burn” and “Uma Thurman.”

Miranda Lambert performed her single, “Bathroom Sink” from her new album “Platinum.” Jason Aldean performed “Gonna Know We Were Here,” Kacey Musgraves performed “Dime Store Cowgirl.” Dierks Bentley and Lindsey Stirling also performed, and then the pair presented the Outstanding Female Vocalist of the Year award. The nominees included Kelsea Ballerini, Kacey Musgraves, Lee Ann Womack, Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood. Miranda Lambert was the winner.

Following this award, three legends with 25 CMA awards between them, Brooks N Dunn and Reba McEntire, performed “Why Haven’t I Heard From You” and “Play Something Country.”

The host of CMA’s Country Christmas, Jennifer Nettles, and star of ABC’s “Wicked City,” Erika Christensen presented Outstanding Male Vocalist of the Year. The nominees included Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Blake Shelton and Chris Stapleton. The winner for Male Vocalist of the Year was Chris Stapleton.

Reba McEntire presented the final award of the evening, which was Entertainer of the Year. The nominees included Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, and Miranda Lambert with Luke Bryan concluding the show with his win.