The 2024 Country Music Association Awards brought star power, lots of fun and too many musical moments to count.

Hosts Luke Bryan, Laine Wilson And Peyton Manning took the stage at the ceremony on Wednesday, November 20 after a kick-off performance by Chris Stapleton And PostMalone.

“Just smile, have fun and don’t listen to a word Luke Bryan said. Really,” Manning, 48, said to Wilson, 32, after Bryan, 48, advised, “If you’re in trouble, shake your butt!”

Although the presenters set the tone, they were just the tip of the iceberg when it came to the most memorable moments throughout the evening.

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Stapleton, 46, not only performed in front of his peers, but he was also honored with three awards during the show.

Carrie Underwood did not walk the red carpet but surprised fans with a performance by her and Cody Johnson“I’m going to love you.” Wilson and Miranda Lambertmeanwhile, were two of the many artists who paid tribute to the legend George Street during the performance.

Scroll down to see the top five moments from the CMA Awards:

Chris Stapleton’s big night

Stapleton performed three times at the awards ceremony, including a duet of “What Am I Gonna Do” with his wife, Morgan. He took home the night’s first prize for Single of the Year for ‘White Horse’.

When he won for Song of the Year, he reminded fans that not all heroes wear capes – some wear cowboy hats. Stapleton began his speech by apologizing to his wife, whom he forgot to bring with him during the first victory.

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“I owe my wife an apology. That last award was also hers and it was not discussed. It all happened so quickly,” he said, noting that she was now backstage. ‘I love you, darling. I really owe a lot to her for all my music, so I want to thank her for always supporting me.”

He also won Male Vocalist of the Year.

Carrie Underwood makes a surprise appearance

Johnson, who was nominated for five CMAs on Wednesday, took the stage solo to perform his duet “I’m Gonna Love You.” After the first verse, a female voice came from the side of the stage before Underwood, 41, stepped out to join him.

“Yes, that’s Carrie Underwood,” Johnson, 37, said after the pair finished their song to a room full of applause.

Star-studded tribute to George Strait

Strait, 72, was honored this year with the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. Before receiving the award, Wilson took the stage to perform his hit song “Amarillo by Morning.” She gushed about Strait, saying, “He’s always been authentically Texas and authentically country. We love you.”

Jamie Johnson then performed “Give It Away” for Lambert, 41, and Parker McCollum did a duet for ‘Troubadour’. Strait joined Stapleton for the final song, “Honky Tonk Hall of Fame.”

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Stapleton then presented Strait with the trophy, calling the musician a “true country music king.” The king of the country.”

“First, I want to thank my lord and savior, Jesus Christ. I want to thank all these amazing artists who performed some of my songs,” said Strait. ‘It’s great to hear you’re going to do them. I’m so glad I got them before you did.” He concluded by thanking his wife and children and his fans.

Cody Johnson takes home album of the year

Johnson had stiff competition for Album of the Year and competed against Kacey Musgraves, Luke Combs, Jelly roll and Stapleton, who won three awards at the event. Johnson surprised fans – and himself – when he won Learn.

“I didn’t expect that. I really expected Chris Stapleton or Jelly Roll to be announced,” Johnson said as he accepted the trophy. ‘I’ll be honest with you, I looked at my wife, Brandiand said, ‘Jelly Roll’s got that.'” He then let out a big “woo” in celebration.

Jelly Roll and Keith Urban bring the fire

Jelly Roll, 39, enlisted Urban, 57, for his second performance of the night for “Liar.” Jelly Roll previously sang with Brooks & Dunn on their hit ‘Believe’. While Urban wasn’t singing on “Liar,” he played a killer guitar solo and medley as literal flames filled the back of the stage.

Jelly Roll and Urban embraced their dark sides during the red-hot performance, which also featured a church choir on backing vocals. The musicians shared a big hug after finishing the song.