A look at the memorable moments at the Country Music Awards at the Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday in Nashville, Tennessee.
YES, SHE CAME
Pop superstar Beyonce was rumored to be showing up at country music’s big night, which sounded like an unusual pairing that sent social media into a frenzy. Would she do a duet or a solo? Just present? When she did show up, it was in a respectful, boisterous and collaborative performance with the Dixie Chicks of her country-flavored song “Daddy Lessons” from her new album “Lemonde.” Beyonce, who apparently needed no introduction, looked gorgeous in strands of pearls and a hip-hugging Zuhair Murad gown, swaying happily to the sound of a sax solo, boogying while others sang and clapping along. The Dixie Chicks had been covering her song on the road so it made sense to invite her. For her part, Beyonce may have made some new red-state fans. It was a win-win.
HONORING THE TWANG
The CMAs elegantly straddled the line between nostalgia and moldy oldies by making elegant nods to past idols and educating new country fans to artists who paved the way like Loretta Lynn, Vince Gill, George Strait and Barbara Mandrell. Old clips from previous shows honored those who have died. And when married couple Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood performed an epic medley of country standards, it ended with a lip lock that seemed rooted in genuine love and respect. All night, it was fun to see so many artists in the audience singing along to classics being performed onstage like “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue.”