The Best Moments from the 2024 CMA Awards

Luke Bryan Reveals He’s Bummed He Wasn’t Named ‘Sexiest Man Alive’

Luke Bryan is many things — a CMA award-winner, seasoned host of the show, and a beloved American Idol judge. One thing notch he hasn’t added to his belt? Being named PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive — and the “Buy Dirt” singer is bummed about that.

During the show’s opening 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.

Thomas Rhett and Teddy Swims Give a Powerhouse Performance

While there were many outstanding performances throughout the evening, Thomas Rhett and Teddy Swims fully flexed their vocal prowess with a live performance of their collaboration “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Woman,” followed by a rendition of Swims’ hit “Lose Control.”

Luke Bryan Almost Sparks Threesome Rumors

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.

Carrie Underwood Joins Cody Johnson in Surprise Performance

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

George Strait Wins the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award

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

Following a performance by Chris Stapleton and Miranda Lambert (sporting a “George” belt buckle), Strait took the stage to accept his award and gave a heartfelt tribute to his wife of more than 50 years, Norma Strait as well as the rest of his family — son Bubba, 43, daughter-in-law Tamara and grandkids Jilliann, 8, and Harvey, 12.

“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.”

Bailey Zimmerman Plays Beer Pong While Performing on Stage

Miranda Lambert said the CMAs feel “like a family reunion” and it appears Bailey Zimmerman feels 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.”

Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan Work Hard and Play Hard

Months after releasing “Cowboys Cry Too” off Ballerini’s album Patterns, Noah Kahan joined his pal on stage to give an emotional performance of 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.