Singer Chris Stapleton won three awards, including Male Vocalist of the Year, at the annual Country Music Association (CMA) Awards in Nashville on Wednesday.

However, the biggest award of the night, entertainer of the year, went to fellow superstar Morgan Wallen.

Country music has been experiencing a resurgence lately, with artists like Beyoncé embracing the genre.

There was controversy when she didn’t receive a single nomination from the CMA, despite having one of the biggest country hits of the year with Texas Hold ‘Em.

Fans had speculated that she could become the first black woman to be shortlisted for album of the year, ahead of Cowboy Carter.

The sequins and cowboy hats were in full display as thousands of people descended on Nashville for the annual awards.

For country music fans, this was the biggest night of the year, and the CMA Awards regularly draw the biggest stars to “Music City.”

Wallen, who received the most reaction at the event but was not present that night, took home the top prize three years after being suspended by his record label for using racial slurs.

The star later apologized and reunited with his record label.

Last year, his double album One Thing At A Time topped the American charts for sixteen weeks.

A rumored performance by country legend Dolly Parton did not materialize, but fans at the Bridgestone Arena saw a series of other performances.

They included a rendition of California Sober by Post Malone, who was joined on stage by Stapleton to open the show.

Stapleton also won song of the year and single of the year for White Horse.

CMA newcomer Shaboozey, who stars in Cowboy Carter, also took the stage to perform for an audience of fans in cowboy hats.

Meanwhile, Lainey Wilson, co-host of the star-studded show, scooped the awards for female vocalist of the year and music video of the year.

Other highlights included Megan Moroney being honored with the Best New Artist award, while Cody Johnson won Album of the Year for Leather, and Brooks & Dunn won Best Vocal Duo.

There was also a special tribute to George Strait, often described as the king of country music. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award and paid tribute to his manager Erv Woolsey, who passed away earlier this year.

It wasn’t just country musicians in Nashville; Olympic gymnast Simone Biles was also present and presented the award for female singer of the year.