As country music fans all over the nation counted down to the Country Music Awards, icons like Reba McEntire, Charlie Daniels, and Randy Travis were preparing to perform for thousands.

The show, which aired Wednesday, Nov. 2, opened with classics like “Fancy,” “Devil Went Down to Georgia,” and “Forever and Ever Amen.”

Hosts Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood opened the show at Bridgeston Arena in Tennessee, poking fun at the ongoing campaign and teasing Peyton Manning with the jingle from his recent Nationwide commercial.

They announced the show’s honoring of Dolly Parton with the Willie Nelson Achievement Award and that Manning would be awarding Kenny Chesney with the Pinnacle Award, which has only been presented to two other artist: Garth Brooks and Taylor Swift.

Award winners Maren Morris, Chris Stapleton, and Brooks all performed, leaving fans in awe. The mix of classic country and new hit singles was a great way to celebrate 50 years of country music.

Sophomore Emma Bishoff, a country music fan, was impressed with the show.

“Tim McGraw’s performance with the real lighted candles was beautiful,” Bishoff said.

Overall, the night was considered a huge success by those who performed and those who sat watching in amazement. The special night will be cherished by the award nominees, winners, and fans.