01of 07A Tribute to Loretta LynnCarrie Underwood, Reba McEntire and Miranda Lambert.Michael Loccisano/GettyCarrie Underwood,Miranda LambertandReba McEntiresparkled — literally — as they paid tribute to the lateLoretta Lynn,who died"peacefully in her sleep"in October at age 90.The triosang some of the country legend’s biggest hitsincluding “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” “You Ain’t Woman Enough (to Take My Man),” “You’re Lookin' at Country” and “Don’t Come Home a-Drinkin' (With Lovin' on Your Mind).”
01of 07
A Tribute to Loretta Lynn
Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire and Miranda Lambert.Michael Loccisano/Getty
Carrie Underwood,Miranda LambertandReba McEntiresparkled — literally — as they paid tribute to the lateLoretta Lynn,who died"peacefully in her sleep"in October at age 90.
The triosang some of the country legend’s biggest hitsincluding “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” “You Ain’t Woman Enough (to Take My Man),” “You’re Lookin' at Country” and “Don’t Come Home a-Drinkin' (With Lovin' on Your Mind).”
02of 07Wynonna Judd Presents Vocal Duo of the YearWynonna Judd.abcWynonna Juddstepped onto the stageto present the award for vocal duo of the year— an award she said she and her mother, the late Naomi Judd, won on numerous occasions themselves.“In death there is life, and here I am,” said Wynonna, referring to the suddendeath of her mom and musical partner Naomi in April. “Thank you for your love and your support.“She continued, “These past six months have been a time to grieve and a time to be grateful. I am humbled and honored tonight to still have a seat at the table of country music.”
02of 07
Wynonna Judd Presents Vocal Duo of the Year
Wynonna Judd.abc
Wynonna Juddstepped onto the stageto present the award for vocal duo of the year— an award she said she and her mother, the late Naomi Judd, won on numerous occasions themselves.“In death there is life, and here I am,” said Wynonna, referring to the suddendeath of her mom and musical partner Naomi in April. “Thank you for your love and your support.”
She continued, “These past six months have been a time to grieve and a time to be grateful. I am humbled and honored tonight to still have a seat at the table of country music.”
03of 07Jo Dee Messina Joins Cole Swindell on StageCole Swindell and Jo Dee Messina.ABCJo Dee Messinasurprised fans when she joinedCole Swindellon stage to perform his single “She Had Me at Heads Carolina.“The performance markedthe live debutof a brand-new remix of Swindell’s hit song — which heavily references Messina’s 1996 debut single “Heads Carolina, Tails California.”
03of 07
Jo Dee Messina Joins Cole Swindell on Stage
Cole Swindell and Jo Dee Messina.ABC
Jo Dee Messinasurprised fans when she joinedCole Swindellon stage to perform his single “She Had Me at Heads Carolina.”
The performance markedthe live debutof a brand-new remix of Swindell’s hit song — which heavily references Messina’s 1996 debut single “Heads Carolina, Tails California.”
04of 07Lainey Wilson Wins New Artist of the YearLainey Wilson.Michael Loccisano/Getty"If you know me, you know that I am rarely speechless, and I feel pretty speechless right now,“Lainey Wilsonsaid as she hit the stage to accept the award for new artist of the year.During her emotional speech, the singer thanked her family and hometown of Baskin, Louisiana, which has a population of 200.She concluded, “We just gettin' started, let’s go!“Wilson latertook home the awardfor female vocalist of the year, which she dedicated to her father, her date for the night.
04of 07
Lainey Wilson Wins New Artist of the Year
Lainey Wilson.Michael Loccisano/Getty
“If you know me, you know that I am rarely speechless, and I feel pretty speechless right now,“Lainey Wilsonsaid as she hit the stage to accept the award for new artist of the year.
During her emotional speech, the singer thanked her family and hometown of Baskin, Louisiana, which has a population of 200.
She concluded, “We just gettin' started, let’s go!”
Wilson latertook home the awardfor female vocalist of the year, which she dedicated to her father, her date for the night.
05of 07
A Rousing Jerry Lee Lewis Tribute
Elle King and The Black Keys.ABC
The quartet performed his iconic song, “Great Balls of Fire,” and at one point, the piano King was playing burst into flames.
When King later stood up at the keys, she showed the crowd that Lewis' nickname, “The Killer,” was embroidered on her pants.
06of 07Alan Jackson Wins the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement AwardABCDuring Wednesday’s broadcast, legendary country singer Alan Jackson accepted the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.“I’ve definitely lived the American dream,” Jackson said while accepting his award. “And I’m still living that honky tonk dream, y’all.“In light of the occasion, country starsDierks Bentley,Carrie Underwood,Jon PardiandLainey Wilsondelivered a tribute performance for the 64-year-old Grammy winner.Jackson dedicated the award to his wife, Denise, whom he calledhis “best friend.”
06of 07
Alan Jackson Wins the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award
ABC
During Wednesday’s broadcast, legendary country singer Alan Jackson accepted the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.
“I’ve definitely lived the American dream,” Jackson said while accepting his award. “And I’m still living that honky tonk dream, y’all.”
In light of the occasion, country starsDierks Bentley,Carrie Underwood,Jon PardiandLainey Wilsondelivered a tribute performance for the 64-year-old Grammy winner.
Jackson dedicated the award to his wife, Denise, whom he calledhis “best friend.”
07of 07Luke Combs Wins Entertainer of the YearABCTo close out the night,Jessica Chastainand Michael Shannon presented the award for entertainer of the year toLuke Combs.“I want to thank country music for making my dreams come true,“Combs saidwhile accepting the trophy before thanking his wife,Nicole, and infant son,Tex.
07of 07
Luke Combs Wins Entertainer of the Year
To close out the night,Jessica Chastainand Michael Shannon presented the award for entertainer of the year toLuke Combs.
“I want to thank country music for making my dreams come true,“Combs saidwhile accepting the trophy before thanking his wife,Nicole, and infant son,Tex.
source: people.com
