Tim McGraw, Thomas Rhett & Jason Aldean Take Us Backstage at ACM Awards Rehearsals

They say “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” but this week, what happens in Vegas ends up on CBS.

Country music’s biggest stars are preparing to take the stage at tomorrow’s 51st Annual Academy of Country Music Awards. Sounds Like Nashville was on hand backstage after several acts, including Tim McGraw, Thomas Rhett, and Jason Aldean, rehearsed on the big stage in preparation for tomorrow’s big show.

McGraw, who is gearing up for a special performance of his latest hit, “Humble and Kind,” enlisted his fans to help with his performance.

“I can’t give away too much of it, but fans made some cool stuff that you’ll see on the video screens,” McGraw teased. “Some good messages. We’ve seen some great stories associated with this song. We’ve heard some great stories associated with this song, not only from fans, but also from my family and friends. This song has somewhat pushed a button for ‘em.”

For three-time nominee Thomas Rhett, who admits performing on the show is “surreal,” he told us his Album of the Year nomination is what really blows him away.

“That one shocked me, to tell you the truth,” Rhett admitted. “Not that I’m not proud of my album, because I am, but just to be in company of people like Chris Stapleton and Eric Church and Sam Hunt, it’s probably the biggest honor I’ve ever received. To get nominated for that award kind of solidified the album that I made.”

While Entertainer of the Year nominee Jason Aldean is an award show veteran at this point, it’s still a big deal for him to have a performance slot.

“This show was on when I was a kid. It was kind of a big deal in my house. I never thought ever that I would be on the stage playing here, hanging out with the George Strait’s of the world…McGraw’s, and Chesney’s, and all those guys,” Aldean expressed. “It’s a chance for us to kind of go out there and represent country music and hopefully bring in some new fans, kind of let them see what’s going on. I tell people all the time, it’s kind of like sometimes people’s perception of country music is really not what it is in reality.”

The 51st Academy Of Country Music Awards, co-hosted by Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley, will be broadcast live from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Sunday, April 3 at 8:00PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.