2016 CMA Awards | Entertainment News, Photos, and Videos

Billy Ray Cyrus wears shades and a cowboy hat on the red carpet at the 2016 CMA Awards held at the Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday (November 2) in Nashville, Tenn.

During the opening monologue, hosts Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley joked that they had chosen Billy to be country’s “designated survivor” at the event.

If you watch ABC’s new series Designated Survivor, then you know that the president chooses a designated survivor to watch the State of the Union speech from a secure location while the rest of the government convenes at the Capitol building.

Billy was shown sitting backstage while enjoying the show in a secure spot!

Kacey Musgraves looks fashionable in a purple tulle dress while on the red carpet at the 2016 CMA Awards held at the Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday (November 2) in Nashville, Tenn.

The 28-year-old entertainer was joined on the carpet by her country music singer boyfriend Ruston Kelly.

PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Kacey Musgraves

During the show, Kacey is set to take the stage for a performance!

Kacey is also up for Female Vocalist of the Year and is up against other singers including Kelsea Ballerini, Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert.

FYI: Kacey is wearing a custom Christian Siriano dress.

Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley open the show with a monologue about the election at the 2016 CMA Awards held at the Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday (November 2) in Nashville, Tenn.

The co-hosts joked that they are sick of all the election coverage and they wanted to “make it end.”

While Brad did say “I’m with her,” they both joked that they don’t care who wins as long as the election is over. Other jokes were made about Carrie being a “nasty woman,” the CMAs being “rigged,” and how the audience would go home with a “basket of deplorables.”

10+ pictures inside of Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley kicking off the CMAs… More Here! »

Luke Bryan looks so handsome in his tuxedo while walking the red carpet at the 2016 CMA Awards held at the Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday (November 2) in Nashville, Tenn.

The 40-year-old country singer was joined at the event by his wife of ten years, Caroline Boyer!

Luke is nominated for two awards this evening – Entertainer of the Year and Musical Event of the Year for his song “Home Alone Tonight” featuring Karen Fairchild.

In other news for Luke, he has become the first artist to chart five number one songs from two albums on Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart.

Jennifer Garner flashes a smile while on the red carpet at the 2016 CMA Awards held at the Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday (November 2) in Nashville, Tenn.

The 44-year-old actress walked the carpet alongside her friend Kimberly Williams-Paisley as well as The Goldbergs co-stars Hayley Orrantia and Wendi McLendon Covey.

PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Jennifer Garner

During the show, Jennifer, Wendi and Hayley are all set to take the stage to present awards!

FYI: Jennifer is wearing a Jenny Packham gown with David Webb jewels. Kimberly is wearing a Rubin Singer dress. Hayley is wearing a Hayley Paige dress and Open Hearts by Jane Seymour fine jewelry.

10+ pictures inside from the CMAs red carpet…
More Here! »

Jamie Lynn Spears looks stunning in a sharp black dress at the 2016 CMA Awards held at the Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday (November 2) in Nashville, Tenn.

The 25-year-old singer walked the red carpet at the event, alongside couple Kelsea Ballerini and Morgan Evans.

This is actually Kelsea and Morgan’s first official red carpet event. He’s there to support Kelsea, as she’s nominated for Female Artist of the Year and New Artist of the Year.

FYI: Kelsea wore a Michael Costello gown, Marchesa heels and clutch and jewelry from Bright Society, Onirikka, Dana Rebecca Designs, and Effy. Morgan suited up in a Hickey Freeman tux, Joseph Abboud shirt and David Yurman cufflinks and watch.

15+ picture inside of Kelsea Ballerini, Morgan Evans and Jamie Lynn Spears…More Here! »

Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood are country’s power couple while walking the red carpet at the 2016 CMA Awards held at the Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday (November 2) in Nashville, Tenn.

The singers will be hitting the stage during the show tonight for a special country duets medley. Garth is also nominated for Entertainer of the Year!

“And we are off…let’s celebrate country music and those that paved the way #CMAawards50 CMAawards50,” Trisha tweeted before the show with a selfie of her and Garth.

“Let’s give these Instagram stories a shot…join us tonight! xo #cmaawards50,” she aded on Instagram with the below shot.