Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, and Reba McEntire joined forces for an incredibly moving performance that left the entire awards show audience in awe. Their heartfelt delivery was so genuine that even Brooks & Dunn and Keith Urban couldn’t help but smile in admiration. When Randy Travis offered his final “amen,” it added an unmistakably authentic country touch, stirring powerful emotions in everyone present. Every time this performance is revisited, it brings tears to viewers’ eyes, reminding everyone of the authentic spirit of country music—something increasingly hard to find on today’s mainstream airwaves. WATCH this unforgettable performance below👇👇👇 -

Alan Jackson, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, and Reba McEntire’s performance at the awards show left an indelible mark on the audience, stirring deep emotions in everyone present. Their heartfelt rendition was so powerful that even country music icons like Brooks & Dunn and Keith Urban couldn’t suppress their admiration and laughter. Randy Travis’s poignant “amen” at the end of the performance brought an authentic country element, making it even more memorable. Every time this moment is revisited, it evokes tears, reminding viewers of the true essence of country music that is hard to find in today’s mainstream.

The 50th Annual Country Music Association Awards proved to be both a celebration of the past twelve months in country music, but also a fond look back at the history of the genre, with a diverse mix of today’s stars, the all-time legends, and yes, Beyonce, in a guest role. In fact, the show was so packed with talent that it went 20 minutes over — a rarity for the ABC broadcast.

The evening ended with a return to the top by entertainer of the year Garth Brooks — who won the prize four times in the 1990s. “I want to thank the CMAs. This is very, very sweet,” Brooks said. “We are so damned lucky to be part of this thing called country music,” tipping his hat to the audience. His win in the category extended his record in the category to five wins — 1991, 1992, 1997, 1998 and now 2016.

It was also a big night for Carrie Underwood, who walked away the female vocalist of the year award, breaking a six-year winning streak by Miranda Lambert. Underwood won her first female vocalist in eight years — and fourth overall.

The show started with a montage of some of the most historic moments in CMA Awards past, ranging from Minnie Pearl to Garth Brooks to Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift, before segueing into a salute to many of the artists who made country history. Vince Gill and Ben Haggard, son of the late Merle, paid tribute to the late singer with a performance of “Mama Tried,” a No. 1 Billboard hit from 1968.

Brad Paisley and Roy Clark — the 1973 entertainer of the year winner — delivered a tribute to Clark’s “Hee Haw” co-host Buck Owens, while Paisley’s co-host, Carrie Underwood, paid homage to Tammy Wynette with a soaring delivery on “Stand By Your Man.”

Charley Pride, the big winner from the 1971 show, took viewers back in time with “Kiss An Angel Good Morning,” and Alabama — the first three-time entertainer of the year winners from 1982-84, delivered a rousing take on “Mountain Music.” Both Pride and Alabama are members of the Country Music Hall of Fame, and they were joined on stage by new inductee Charlie Daniels.

Reba McEntire — one of only a handful of female vocalists to be named as entertainer of the year (1986) — brought the crowd to life with a portion of her hit “Fancy.”

Other performers in the opening sequence included Dwight Yoakam, Clint Black, Alan Jackson, and Ricky Skaggs, who showed his guitar prowess to be much the same that it was in 1985, when he was named entertainer of the year. The opening slot ended with Underwood and Paisley leading the crowd with Randy Travis’ “Forever and Ever, Amen.” Travis was on stage, and delivered the final note of the 1987 single of the year.