2016 ACM Awards highlights
Co-host Luke Bryan, recording artist Blake Shelton, and co-host Dierks Bentley open the show at the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 3, 2016 in Las Vegas. Shelton's appearance at the ceremony -- including his performance early in the show -- was a closely guarded surprise.
Luke Bryan
Luke Bryan performed "Huntin', Fishin' and Lovin' Every Day" at the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas April 3, 2016 before getting gussied up to co-host the event.
Blake Shelton sings
Recording artist Blake Shelton turned in a surprise performance during the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 3, 2016 in Las Vegas.
Old Dominion
Recording artists Trevor Rosen, Geoff Sprung, Matthew Ramsey, Brad Tursi and Whit Sellers of music group Old Dominion perform onstage during the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 3, 2016 in Las Vegas.
Kenny Chesney
Recording artist Kenny Chesney performed his new single "Noise" at the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 3, 2016 in Las Vegas.
Chris Young and Cassadee Pope
Recording artists Chris Young and Cassadee Pope perform onstage during the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 3, 2016 in Las Vegas.
Von Miller and Jana Kramer
NFL player Von Miller and recording artist/actress Jana Kramer turned heads with their fashion choices at the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 3, 2016 in Las Vegas.
Chris Stapleton wins Song of the Year
Recording artist Chris Stapleton accepts the Song of the Year award for "Nobody to Blame" onstage during the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 3, 2016 in Las Vegas.
Eric Church's "Record Year"
Recording artist Eric Church performs "Record Year" onstage during the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 3, 2016 in Las Vegas.
Thomas Rhett wins
Recording artist Thomas Rhett accepts the Single Record of the Year award for "Die a Happy Man" during the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 3, 2016 in Las Vegas.
Dierks Bentley performs
Dierks Bentley performs "Somewhere on a Beach" surrounded by women from the audience during the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas on April 3, 2016.
Cam sings "Burning House"
Singer Cam performs "Burning House" during the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas on April 3, 2016.
Justin Aldean
Jason Aldean performs "Lights Come On" during the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas on April 3, 2016.
Joel Hutsell and Cole Swindell perform
Recording artists Joel Hutsell and Cole Swindell perform during the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 3, 2016 in Las Vegas.
Keith Urban
Singer Keith Urban performs "Wasted Time" on stage during the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas on April 3, 2016.
Little Big Town
Little Big Town performs "Stay All Night" during the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas on April 3, 2016.
Little Big Town meets Trombone Shorty
Little Big Town's Kimberly Schlapman gets down with Trombone Shorty during the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 3, 2016 in Las Vegas.
Nick Jonas and Kelsea Ballerini
Nick Jonas joins singer Kelsea Ballerini onstage during the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas on April 3, 2016.
Tim McGraw
Tim McGraw turns in a touching performance of "Humble and Kind" during the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas on April 3, 2016.
Kiefer Sutherland goes country
Actor Keifer Sutherland presents the award for Female Vocalist of the Year on stage at the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas on April 3, 2016.
Miranda Lambert wins
Singer Miranda Lambert accepts the award for Female Vocalist of the Year on stage at the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas on April 3, 2016.
Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood performs "Church Bells" during the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas on April 3, 2016.
Little Big Town wins big
Recording artists Philip Sweet, Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman and Jimi Westbrook of music group Little Big Town accept the Vocal Group of the Year award onstage during the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 3, 2016 in Las Vegas.
Sam Hunt
Recording artist Sam Hunt performs onstage during the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 3, 2016 in Las Vegas.
Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert do ZZ Top
Recording artists Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert and Billy Gibbons perform ZZ Top's "Tush" onstage during the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 3, 2016 in Las Vegas.
Dolly Parton wins
Dolly Parton takes the stage to accept the Tex Ritter Award at the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas on April 3, 2016.
Dolly Parton and Katy Perry duet
Dolly Parton and recording artist Katy Perry perform onstage during the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 3, 2016 in Las Vegas.
Jason Aldean wins big
Jason Aldean accepts the award for Entertainer of the Year from actor Tom Hiddleston during the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas on April 3, 2016.