CMIL’s Top 10 Moments of the 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards

“Country Music’s Party of the Year” is one to be remembered! The 3-hour show was filled with Country music’s hottest stars and newcomers. Co-hosts Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan, also known as “Bluke,” pulled off the show without a hitch. Fans were treated to more than 15 performances throughout the show. We’ve complied our favorite show moments below. Check them out and let us know what your favorite moments were in the comments.

10. Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift, and Keith Urban Come Together for “Highway Don’t Care”: The television debut of Tim McGraw’s “Highway Don’t Care” featuring Taylor Swift (& Keith Urban on guitar) was one of our five most anticipated ACM performances and it did not disappoint. McGraw and Swift delivered a flawless performance and Urban played the hell out of that guitar! This song is on its way to the top of the charts!

9. Little Big Town Debuts “On Your Side of the Bed”: Little Big Town’s performance was definitely the most visually intriguing performance of the evening. The Cirque du Soleil inspired performance brought the audience to the feet, once again proving LBT is a fan favorite.

8. Legendary Ladies Return to the ACM Awards: Country queens Reba, Trisha Yearwood, and Shania Twain returned to the ACM Awards this year. Although we love the new crop of females, it’s so great to see these woman in the spotlight again! New music…please!

7. The Band Perry Performs “DONE.”: The Band Perry owned the stage with their “DONE.” performance. Complete with lights and pyrotechnics, the performance was simply one of their best yet. They surprised fans with their ‘pop-up’ entrance and had the crowd on their feet.

6. The Superstar-Filled Opening Number: Co-hosts Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan were joined by Sheryl Crow, Brad Paisley, and Pistol Annies for an all-star rendition of Shelton’s latest single “Boys ‘Round Here.” What a killer way to open the show!

5. Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton Bring the Laughs: Co-hosts Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton did a phenomenal job hosting! The pair, who had everyone laughing throughout the telecast, really seemed to enjoy themselves! Their opening monologue is one to go down in the books. We hope to see “Bluke” hosting again next year!

4. Carrie Underwood Performs Two Black Cadillacs”: Carrie Underwood blew us away with her powerhouse vocals and her unforgettable entrance. The singer brought two black cadillacs with her…amazing!

3. Miranda Lambert Wins Big: Miranda Lambert continued her reign as Country music’s leading lady by winning a total of four trophies in three categories, including her fourth consecutive ACM Female Vocalist of the Year nod. The superstar got emotional during each acceptance speech, especially when she accepted the Female Vocalist trophy.

2. Luke Bryan’s Entertainer of the Year Win: It was one of the most talked about moments of the night. Luke Bryan took home his very first Entertainer of the Year Award, beating out fellow superstars Taylor Swift, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert and Jason Aldean. His heartfelt speech left many fans and fellow artists teary-eyed including Lambert. During his acceptance speech, the “Crash My Party” singer said it was the “defining moment” of his life and promised that he will “never take it for granted.”

1. George Strait and Garth Brooks Honor Dick Clark: What could be better than two Country legends on stage together? George Strait and Garth Brooks came together for the first time in history to honor the late Dick Clark. Brooks performed his classic hit “The Dance,” while Strait sang “The Cowboy Rides Away.” It was a very special moment honoring an entertainment legend. Country fans won’t soon forget this incredible moment.