In a night filled with emotions from humor to somber, CMT televised their annual “Artists of the Year” awards show live from Nashville on Wednesday, December 2. This year’s honorees 
included Blake Shelton, Florida Georgia Line, Luke Bryan, Little Big Town, and Sam Hunt as well as Kenny Rogers, Chris Stapleton and the cast of ABC’s “Nashville.”
Charles Esten, who plays fan favorite Deacon Claybourne on “Nashville,” kicked off the night as he introduced Darius Rucker, Cassadee Pope, and RaeLynn, whom performed “Neon Light” in honor of Blake Shelton, the first Artist of the Year recipient of the night. Trace Adkins gave a wonderful speech about Shelton’s career as both a colleague and friend – and getting in a comment about his love life – before presenting him with his very first CMT Artist of the Year Award.
Luke Bryan introduced Thomas Rhett, who honored Florida Georgia Line with his rendition of “Dirt.” Brian Kelley accepted the award on his and Tyler Hubbard’s behalf (Hubbard was absent as he and his wife were dealing with a medical reaction to shots required for their charitable trip to Africa).
Kenny Rogers was presented by anchor legend Dan Rather with the prestigious Artist of a Lifetime Award, presented by Ram Trucks. Following a wonderful vignette of Rogers’ decades-long career and his inspirational acceptance speech was a previously recorded heartfelt congratulation from longtime friend and duet partner Dolly Parton.
Perhaps the funniest moment of the evening – not that it’s any surprise – was between Shelton and Bryan. Bluke was reunited for a short bit, with Shelton introducing Bryan for his performance of “Kick the Dust Up,” but not before getting in several jabs regarding Bryan’s very own Yankee Candle. Shelton commented how it smelled exactly like Bryan. “It’s like vanilla with a hint of deer urine,” said Shelton, to which Bryan jabbed right back “The candle? You roast me on the candle?” The two continued to go back and forth a few times more before Bryan shared his appreciation for the award.
Kellie Pickler presented the cast of ABC’s “Nashville” the International Impact Award. Connie Britton, who plays country icon Rayna James on the show, accepted the award on behalf of the cast, which included Esten, Clare Bowen, Chris Carmack, Sam Palladio, Lennon and Maisy Stella, Aubrey Peeples, and Johnathan Jackson.
Leeann Womack introduced Chris Stapleton, who performed “Nobody to Blame” with this wife Morgane, and later presented him with the Breakthrough Artist Award. It’s been an amazing, (and overdue) ride for Stapleton, whom secured three CMA awards and his album Traveller hitting No. 1 on the Billboard charts all within the past month due to his astounding performance at the 50th Annual CMA Awards in November.
When Little Big Town came out to meet Martina McBride for their career first Artist of the Year Award, only half of the group – Kimberly Schlapman and Phillip Sweet – appeared on stage. In a somber moment, Schalpman explained that Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook were absent due to the passing of Westbrook’s sister 
Joyce three days earlier, and accepted the award in her honor. A wowing performance of their once-controversial hit single, “Girl Crush,” was given by pop artists Adam Lambert and Leona Lewis.
The final honoree of the evening was Sam Hunt, who was introduced by Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott. After accepting his career first Artist of the Year Award, Hunt closed out the show with a popping performance of his hit “House Party.”