It was a great night for Country Music fans last night at the 52nd annual CMA Awards.  Here is my take on the night's highlights.

There was a little something for everyone, from rocking performances to tender tributes to surprising upsets.  I really enjoyed the show.

Keith Urban is clearly at the top of his game.  He nailed the Entertainer of the Year Award last night some 13 years after he won it before.  His acceptance speech was filled with love for his wife Nicole Kidman.  Urban has been touring the country all year promoting his latest album "Graffiti U."

Chris Stapleton went home with plenty of gold.  He won for Single of the Year, Song of the Year and was chosen Male Vocalist of the Year.  In a poignant moment he thanked the first responders of the California wildfire disaster and also paid tribute to the fire victims.

Kacey Musgraves walked off with the Album of the Year awards for "Golden Hour."  Frankly, she looked a little flabbergasted that she won this prestigious award.

Luke Bryan knocked it out of the park with a performance of "What Makes You Country."  And two other live performances really stood out for me.  One was the tender debut of Garth's new love song for his wife Trisha Yearwood.  His quiet solo performance brought smiles and tears to his famous wife's eyes.

And we have to mention Chris Stapleton leading a stage full of stars including his wife Morgane, Maren Morris and others in a gospel-pounding rendition of "I'll Take You There" with the legendary Mavis Staples joining right in.  Can somebody say "Amen!!"

And a big tip of the cowboy hat to Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood.  They hosted the show for the11th year and they were smooth, funny and really kept the show going along without a hitch.

All in all...the CMA Awards hit all the right notes for me!

What did you think of the show?

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