Video of the Year nominee Jason Aldean and country newcomer Kristin Chenoweth introduced the award for Female Video of the Year, which, naturally, went to Miranda Lambert for her Grammy-winning tune, 'The House That Built Me.' Unfortunately, the newly married singer was unable to attend the CMT Music Awards tonight due to a tour scheduling conflict.
Country music's hot trio the Band Perry won another accolade for their smash hit and No. 1 single 'If I Die Young.' This time it was for CMT's USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of the Year for the song's moving music video, directed by David McClister.
Welcome back, Big and Rich. For the first time in three years, country duo Big and Rich performed on live TV as part of the 2011 CMT Music Awards. They rocked their anthem 'Fake I.D.,' with an assist from country music's favorite guy's gal Gretchen Wilson.
Non-country fellas Ron White and Justin Bieber introduced Rascal Flatts, who delivered a powerful performance of 'I Won't Let Go' at tonight's 2011 CMT Music Awards.
Glasses up for Zac Brown Band and Jimmy Buffett, as they took home the buckle for the CMT Performance of the Year Award, thanks to their room-filling and Parrothead-approved version of Buffett's classic Americana standard 'Margaritaville,' which they peformed during a March episode of 'CMT Crossroads.'
"What's up, CMT Music Awards 2011?" Luke Bryan said as he charged onto the Nashville stage and into his hugely popular singe, 'Country Girl (Shake it for Me).' "Y'all can't shake it in your seats now, come on!"
The Band Perry kicked off their first CMT Awards performance by borrowing a bar of music from the pop world: they began by singing the hooky chorus of the Eminem/Rihanna smash 'Love the Way You Lie' a capella. It was an interesting touch, but one that was more than appropriate, as this trio of talented siblings then launched into their own song 'You Lie.'
Martina McBride and her pop-rock co-pilot Pat Monahan of Train handed out the award for Collaborative Video of the Yea at the 2011 CMT Music Awards, and shockingly, it went to a not-at-all country artist: Justin Bieber.
When the terrific twosome Sugarland were announced as the winners for Duo Video of the Year at the 2011 CMT Awards for their infectious, sticks-to-your-brain hit 'Stuck Like Glue,' singer Jennifer Nettles danced (in her short, tight, black leather one-shoulder dress) down the aisle for a few seconds!
Following the comedic 'Thelma and Louise' skit played by Shania Twain and Taylor Swift, Toby Keith took to the CMT stage to premiere 'Made in America,' which we assume is his upcoming single.
