A two-time entertainer of the year himself, Bryan leapt to his feet when presenterLionel Richieannounced Urban’s name and turned into a fist-pumping and roof-raising maniac. And after Urban descended from the stage and received another hug from Kidman, Bryan was right behind her, ready to wrap his fellow artist in a warm and lengthy embrace.
Hey, who says this is a competition?
Stephen Lovekin/REX/Shutterstock (2)
The display of friendship was just one of many tender, funny — and human — moments that didn’t appear on the ABC show, but PEOPLE was in Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena to witness it all. Here’s what else you missed:
COMMERCIAL-BREAK CONVOS: While viewers at home were watching the ads, the stars obviously had lots of catching up to do, and during breaks, the aisles filled quickly with intriguing get-togethers. Among those spotted: Hockey fanaticDierks Bentleyshooting the breeze with Mike Fisher,Carrie Underwood’s hockey veteran husband; Kane Brown openly admiring Thomas Rhett’s jazzy “Life Changes” jacket;Russell Dickersoncatching up with Jason Aldean about who-knows-what. Of course, you probably didn’t need to be a lip reader to guess the topic of a chat between Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum and Chris Stapleton’s wife, Morgane. It’s no secret what they have in common: Scott is the mother of10-month-old twin girlsand Stapleton, now pregnant with a fifth child, is the mother of 7-month-old twin boys.
Jason Aldean and Russell Dickerson.John Shearer/Getty
THE REAL DEAL:Michael Ray and Carly Pearce, country’s newest watchable couple, have been professing their devotion to each other for several months now, and after Wednesday night, you can banish any doubt that it’s for real. Ray was making the ultimate sacrifice, giving up his pocket space for Pearce’s makeup. After they made their way to their seats, he could be seen handing her a compact, which she used for a quick touchup. If that ain’t love, what is?
Carly Pearce and Michael Ray at the 2018 CMA Awards.Terry Wyatt/Getty
PRODUCT PLACEMENT:Tyler HubbardandBrian Kelley, akaFlorida Georgia Line, arrived at the show ceremoniously carrying boxes filled with mini-bottles of Old Camp, which just happens to be their own label of peach pecan whiskey. As Jason Aldean and Miranda Lambert sang on stage, inspiration struck: Hubbard and Kelley both stood, raised their bottles and took hearty swigs. The song, of course, was “Drowns the Whiskey.”
Miranda Lambert and Jason Aldean.John Shearer/Getty
Handing out chicken at the CMAs.ABC/Image Group LA
GUESS WHO DIDN’T GET ANY CHICKEN: A little more than two hours into the show,Thomas Rhettand his wife,Lauren Akins, had to be feeling the effects of a long day that probably didn’t include an evening meal. He pulled a power bar out of nowhere, ripped open the wrapper, and generously shared it with his wife.
Thomas Rhett, Lauren Akins and Dennis Quaid.John Shearer/Getty
LYRICS COME TO LIFE: Two of country’s classic ladies of the ’90s,Martina McBrideandTrisha Yearwood, had an impromptu harmonic convergence during one commercial break, and their friendly chat couldn’t escape the notice of one young star seated a few rows away.Lauren Alainarushed to the two women, who both offered heartfelt hugs and posed for photos. No doubt mutual gratitude abounded. Alaina’s new single, “Ladies of the ’90s,” is a tribute to McBride and Yearwood’s powerful era. Up-and-comerLindsay Elljumped in as well to have a picture with the two idols.
Lindsay Ell, Martina McBride, Lauren Alaina, Trisha Yearwood.John Shearer/Getty
RELATED VIDEO: Lettin’ Loose! Country Stars Reveal Their Big Post-CMA Awards Plans
Trisha Yearwood watchers her husband, Garth Brooks, perform at the 2018 CMAs.ABC
Check out PEOPLE’sfull CMA Awards coverageto get the latest news on country music’s biggest night.
THEY’RE FANS, TOO: There’s no such thing as jaded among country’s biggest stars. They love one another’s music as much as the rest of us, which is why you could seeKelsea Ballerinidancing and singing like no one was watching asEric Churchperformed “Desperate Man.” And why Little Big Town’s Phillip Sweet was recording Carrie Underwood on his camera as she sang “Love Wins.” And why Keith Urban, on a darkened stage awaiting his own turn to perform, sang along — and for a moment actually played along on his unamplified guitar — whileLuke Combsperformed “She Got the Best of Me” at the other end of the arena.
Eric Church.Stephen Lovekin/REX/Shutterstock
PAST THEIR BEDTIME? Keith Urban thanked his daughters,Sunday Rose, 10, and Faith,who’s almost 8, when he accepted his award. But were they already in bed or still up to see their father win? We’re guessing they got to stay up. At one break during the latter part of the show, Kidman made a video call that surely was to their girls: Urban grinned and eagerly waved into the phone and Kidman air-kissed the screen. The kids probably couldn’t stay awake for their parents to get home, though. The couple lingered long after the show’s end to accept endless congratulations — a strong sign they were headed out to a night of celebration. They made it home before 2 a.m.,when Urban tweeted out a thanks to fans from their kitchen.
“I just want to say thank you to every person that voted,” he continued. “All the fans, you guys are phenomenal. You are phenomenal. You have no idea how much this award means to me. Thank you. TheGraffiti U tourhas been such a blast, and we’re still on it and on the road. But thank you, every single one of you. Country radio, I love you. This means the world to me tonight. God bless every one of you.”
source: people.com
