The Best Moments from the 2024 CMA Awards

Mar. 15, 2025

Lainey Wilson, Peyton Manning, Luke Bryan.Photo:Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty

Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty

The2024 CMA Awardsbrought out the best of the best in the country music genre, so it’s no surprise the show was highly entertaining.HostsLainey Wilson,Luke BryanandPeyton Manninghelmed the event, delighting attendees and viewers with quirky jokes, snazzy outfit changes and even heartfelt moments. Performances from the likes ofShaboozey,Thomas RhettandTeddy Swimsas well asJelly Rollalso had the crowd on their feet.But that was just the tip of the iceberg. Below, check out some of the best moments from the 2024 CMA Awards.

The2024 CMA Awardsbrought out the best of the best in the country music genre, so it’s no surprise the show was highly entertaining.

HostsLainey Wilson,Luke BryanandPeyton Manninghelmed the event, delighting attendees and viewers with quirky jokes, snazzy outfit changes and even heartfelt moments. Performances from the likes ofShaboozey,Thomas RhettandTeddy Swimsas well asJelly Rollalso had the crowd on their feet.

But that was just the tip of the iceberg. Below, check out some of the best moments from the 2024 CMA Awards.

01of 08

Luke Bryan, Lainey Wilson and Peyton Manning.Theo Wargo/Getty

Theo Wargo/Getty

Luke Bryan is many things — a CMA award-winner, seasoned host of the show, and a belovedAmerican Idoljudge. One notch he hasn’t added to his belt? Being named PEOPLE’sSexiest Man Alive— and the “Buy Dirt” singer is sad about that.

During the show’sopening monologue, Bryan and his cohosts were discussing feeling bummed about hoping for certain voting results, and Bryan brought up losing out on the coveted title.

“This isn’t easy, I don’t know how I got left out,” he bemoaned.

02of 08

Thomas Rhett and Teddy Swims Give a Powerhouse Performance

Thomas Rhett and Teddy Swims.Theo Wargo/Getty

03of 08Luke Bryan Almost Sparks Threesome RumorsLainey Wilson, Peyton Manning, Luke Bryan host the 58th Annual CMA Awards.Michael Buckner/Variety via GettyHe might be a noted songwriter, but Luke Bryan seems to have hit a bit of a snafu when it came to welcoming a third member to the hosting team. In an effort to make Wilson feel at home, the singer decided to get a T-shirt with all their names engraved. His choice of words when getting ready to show off that T-shirt, however, didn’t sit well with his cohosts.“Now that we’re a threesome -” he began before Wilson swiftly interjected. “Luke, no. That’s how you start rumors. You need to rephrase that,” she corrected before Bryan pivoted to calling them a “trio” and finally getting to display his new “Luke + Pey + Lay” T-shirt.

03of 08

Luke Bryan Almost Sparks Threesome Rumors

Lainey Wilson, Peyton Manning, Luke Bryan host the 58th Annual CMA Awards.Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty

He might be a noted songwriter, but Luke Bryan seems to have hit a bit of a snafu when it came to welcoming a third member to the hosting team. In an effort to make Wilson feel at home, the singer decided to get a T-shirt with all their names engraved. His choice of words when getting ready to show off that T-shirt, however, didn’t sit well with his cohosts.

“Now that we’re a threesome -” he began before Wilson swiftly interjected. “Luke, no. That’s how you start rumors. You need to rephrase that,” she corrected before Bryan pivoted to calling them a “trio” and finally getting to display his new “Luke + Pey + Lay” T-shirt.

04of 08Carrie Underwood Joins Cody Johnson in Surprise PerformanceCody Johnson and Carrie Underwood.Theo Wargo/GettyThoughCarrie Underwoodwas nowhere to be seen on the red carpet, the country star surprised the crowd mid-show when she joined Cody Johnson onstageto perform their song “I’m Gonna Love You.” For the duet, Underwood wore white dress complete with lacey accents, fringe and flowing sleeves.

04of 08

Carrie Underwood Joins Cody Johnson in Surprise Performance

Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood.Theo Wargo/Getty

ThoughCarrie Underwoodwas nowhere to be seen on the red carpet, the country star surprised the crowd mid-show when she joined Cody Johnson onstageto perform their song “I’m Gonna Love You.” For the duet, Underwood wore white dress complete with lacey accents, fringe and flowing sleeves.

05of 08

George Strait Wins the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award

George Strait.Theo Wargo/Getty

One of the night’s touching moments was the tribute to Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award honoreeGeorge Strait.

“So great to have you all here,” he said, thanking his family in the audience. “But especially Norma, who’s supported me for just shy of 53 years in December. It’s been an amazing 53 years, too.”

06of 08Bailey Zimmerman Plays Beer Pong While Performing on StageBailey Zimmerman performs at the The 58th Annual CMA Awards.ABCMiranda Lambert said the CMAs feel “like a family reunion” and it appearsBailey Zimmermanfeels the same. During his performance, the Illinois native appeared to feel right at home as he pulled out a beer pong table and proceeded to play while singing his hit single “New to Country.”

06of 08

Bailey Zimmerman Plays Beer Pong While Performing on Stage

Bailey Zimmerman performs at the The 58th Annual CMA Awards.ABC

ABC

Miranda Lambert said the CMAs feel “like a family reunion” and it appearsBailey Zimmermanfeels the same. During his performance, the Illinois native appeared to feel right at home as he pulled out a beer pong table and proceeded to play while singing his hit single “New to Country.”

07of 08Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan Work Hard and Play HardKelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan.John Shearer/GettyMonths after releasing “Cowboys Cry Too” offBallerini’s albumPatterns,Noah Kahanjoined his pal on stage togive an emotional performanceof the song. Clearly, their chemistry goes beyond the booth as the two were pictured goofing around and striking funny poses while backstage at the show.

07of 08

Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan Work Hard and Play Hard

Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan.John Shearer/Getty

John Shearer/Getty

Months after releasing “Cowboys Cry Too” offBallerini’s albumPatterns,Noah Kahanjoined his pal on stage togive an emotional performanceof the song. Clearly, their chemistry goes beyond the booth as the two were pictured goofing around and striking funny poses while backstage at the show.

08of 08

Brooks & Dunn and Jelly Roll Deliver an Emotional Performance

Brooks & Dunn and Jelly Roll.Theo Wargo/Getty

Brooks & Dunnand Jelly Roll brought the crowd to tears with a performance of the band’s 2005 hit “Believe.” Jelly Roll sang the first verse as Kix Brooks played the piano. Ronnie Dunn later joined, duetting with Jelly Roll for the second verse.

source: people.com