Rebecca Sapakie, Media General – NASHVILLE, Tenn. (MEDIA GENERAL/AP) – Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley kicked off the Country Music Association Awards dressed as characters from "Star Wars" and later joked onstage — including about Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert's divorce. Chris Stapleton became a fixture at the podium and Justin Timberlake's duet with Stapleton blew everyone away.
In case you missed country's biggest night, here's the best moments put together for you.
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Blake & Gwen are an item
Recently divorced singer Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani, who filed for divorce in August, are dating.
A representative for Shelton confirmed on Wednesday that the two stars are a couple.
Shelton and singer Miranda Lambert, who won Female Vocalist of the Year, announced that they were divorced after four years of marriage in July.
Both Shelton and Lambert are attending Wednesday night's Country Music Association Awards in Nashville, Tennessee.
#BREAKING: Rep confirms @BlakeShelton and @GwenStefani are dating! https://t.co/EIRCQSp1FU pic.twitter.com/y8cloop26N
— WKRN (@WKRN) November 5, 2015
Justin and Chris
The most talked about performance of the night was the duet by newly-crowned New Artist of the Year Chris Stapleton and pop prince Justin Timberlake. They sang a song from each artist including Timberlake's "Drink You Away."
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No words can describe how epic Justin Timberlake and Chris Stapleton's performance just was! We definitely don't want to drink it away with our Tennessee whiskey. #CMAawards
Posted by CMA Country Music Association on Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Country "Star Wars"
Carrie Underwood rocked a Princess Leia hairdo and white dress as country music superstars played "Star Wars" for the opening number.
My costume is still better. #CMAawards #GarthVader pic.twitter.com/GAYzGwlcIq
— Luke Bryan (@LukeBryanOnline) November 5, 2015
Shatner is a Trooper
William Shatner surprises everyone by showing up as a Storm Trooper from "Star Wars" in the fun opening sketch.
.@WilliamShatner boldly goes to the #CMAawards - watch now on ABC! #starwars #startrekhttps://t.co/iWyTkItg1d
— CMA Country Music (@CountryMusic) November 5, 2015
We've all got a "Girl Crush"
"Girl Crush" by Little Big Town won a few big awards including Song and Single of the Year. The band won Vocal Group of the Year. Even Kelly Clarkson couldn't deny the song's pull when it was performed live.
What an amazing song!! #girlcrush #CMAAwards2015
— Kelly Clarkson (@kellyclarkson) November 5, 2015
Chris Stapleton wins big
"Well, there's going to be a party tonight!" That's what Chris Stapleton said after winning Male Vocalist of the Year. He also took home New Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for "Traveller."
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Even Luke Bryan said he loved watching "Chris take the night." Bryan didn't walk home empty handed. He was awarded the biggest title of the night, Entertainer of the Year.
https://twitter.com/CountryMusic/status/662116469615013888