On a chilly night in Nashville, the show brought out diverse stars. Kid Rock arrived with Gretchen Wilson, and seemed to have vague but determined plans for the evening. “Follow the whiskey,” he said. Multiple nominee Keith Urban brought wife Nicole Kidman , explaining that the two have been “doing a lot of travel, racking up a lot of frequent-flier miles,” as he’s been touring the U.S. and she’s been shooting a movie in Australia.

Kenny Chesney arrived with his mother Karen, and Martina McBride brought her parents along, too.