The Country Music Awards (CMAs) aired its 50th annual award ceremony last Wednesday, Nov. 2, with Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley as its hosts. The pair has successfully hosted the show for the past nine years, always delivering entertaining opening monologues and transitions throughout the show.

The show featured two surprise guests for the special event. Beyoncé made an appearance and performed her song “Daddy’s Lessons” and “Long Time Gone” with the Dixie Chicks (Click here to view her performance). While some country stars felt that her performance was an intrusion, those behind the production of the CMA’s loved the performance and stood behind the inclusion of her special appearance.

This CMAs celebration also saw Taylor Swift make her first appearance since switching to pop music, this time as a presenter. She awarded Garth Brooks the biggest award of the night—Entertainer of the Year. While she hasn’t released any new country songs herself, she did write Little Big Town’s latest single “Better Man,” leaving fans questioning whether or not she will be re-entering the country music scene.

There were a lot of other big winners of the night. Carrie Underwood won Female Vocalist of the Year, while Chris Stapleton collected Male Vocalist of the Year, and Little Big Town received Vocal Group of the Year. Eric Church won Album of the Year for the widely successful “Mr. Misunderstood,” and Thomas Rhett’s “Die a Happy Man” won him Single of the Year.

Another highlight of the evening was Dolly Parton being awarded the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. Her career was honored by a very strong performance by Kacey Musgraves, Reba McEntire , Jennifer Nettles, Martina McBride, and Carrie Underwood. Together, they performed a collection of Parton’s greatest hits, which culminated in a beautiful performance of her classic “I Will Always Love You.”

Overall, the CMAs successfully delivered a wonderful celebration to honor 50 years of country music. With big winners, strong performances, and guest appearances, the show definitely accomplished its goal of entertaining its nationwide audience.

Feature Image: Thomas Hawk Photo, Courtesy of Flickr