Some of the most incredible moments of the CMA Awards don’t happen on camera.
The 59th Annual CMA Awards brought together some of country music’s finest for a three-hour celebration. The event, held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and hosted by Lainey Wilson, recognized singers, songwriters, musicians, and other industry professionals who saw great success in the past year.
In addition to being an awards show, the event is also a reunion. The CMA Awards are one of the most anticipated nights of the year for artists because it allows them to connect with their friends in the industry with whom they rarely cross paths.
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Those moments make for some special photo opportunities, as do artist reactions to wins and performances.
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite CMA Awards behind-the-scenes moments that you didn’t see on television.
Check them out below.
1. Lainey Wilson shares an emotional moment after winning the Entertainer of the Year trophy.
(Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for CMA)
2. Chris and Morgane Stapleton catch up with Keith Urban backstage.
(Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for CMA)
3. Zach Top smiles for a photo with Lainey Wilson’s fiance, Devlin “Duck” Hodges.
(Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for CMA)
4. Kelsea Ballerini shares a sweet moment with Amy Grant.
(Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for CMA)
5. Riley Green poses for a backstage photo with Shaboozey.
(Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for CMA)
6. Kelsea Ballerini and Miranda Lambert share an off-camera moment with Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild.
(Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for CMA)
7. Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard reunite three years after the group disbanded.
(Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for CMA)
8. Amy Grant supports her husband, Vince Gill, as he receives the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.
(Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for CMA)
9. Cody Johnson shares a laugh with Vince Gill.
(Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for CMA)
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10. Lauren Alaina fangirls over Megan Moroney’s CMA outfit.
(Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for CMA)
11. LeAnn Rimes meets Leann Morgan.
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