The 53rd Country Music Awards ceremony took place on April 15 and was hosted by Reba McEntire, herself nominated for female vocalist of the year. The evening included performances dedicated to the victims of last year’s Las Vegas shootings which left 58 people dead.

Top country stars making an appearance included Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan and Miranda Lambert, each performing one of their greatest hits.

Stand-out moments of the night included Carrie Underwood, performing her latest single “Cry Pretty”, who had not been seen in public since November, following a fall that led to facial injuries. She subsequently collected the award for Vocal Event of the Year for her collaboration with Keith Urban.

The theme of the evening was 1993, with memorable duets performing 90’s country to an enthusiastic audience. Reba McEntire was joined on stage by her daughter-in-law, pop superstar Kelly Clarkson, for an entertaining version of “Does He Love You?”

Two unlikely heroes celebrated success with a duet of “What Ifs” – Kane Brown became famous singing cover songs on Facebook, and Lauren Alaina was a runner-up on American Idol, not the usual route to country music stardom.

Blake Shelton, having taken a break from recording The Voice TV programme, performed a low key song with emotional lyrics he is justifiably proud of, documenting a very country upbringing.

Awards winners included Jason Aldean for Entertainer of the Year, Miranda Lambert as Female Vocalist and Rhett Akins for best songwriter. Miranda gave a heartfelt speech: “I love country music; it is my entire life… I dedicate everything I have to it. For y’all to care so much about what I’m doing, I’ll never, ever take it for granted.”