Country music fans all saying the same thing about Carrie Underwood’s surprise 2024 CMA

Carrie Underwood sent fans into a frenzy with her surprise appearance at the 2024 CMA Awards. 

The country music superstar took the stage with Cody Johnson for a powerful rendition of I’m Gonna Love You. 

Dressed in a chic western-inspired ensemble, featuring a leather vest and a white fringe and lace dress, the American Idol winner dazzled the audience at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. 

For the first time in her career, Carrie was not nominated for a CMA Award, leading many to believe she would skip the event, especially since she wasn’t listed as a scheduled performer.

However, in front of a star-studded crowd, including Kacey Musgraves, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and more, Carrie and Cody’s electrifying performance quickly became the highlight of the night. 

‘Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood just made me remember why I used to love the CMAs growing up,’ wrote one enamored fan.

Another chimed in, ‘codyjohnson performance with Carrie Underwood is the best of the night so far. So pure. #CMAs’ 

The 2024 CMA Awards kicked off with a bang as Chris Stapleton delivered a show-stopping performance alongside a surprise guest.

Dressed in his signature black pants, shirt, and jacket, topped with his iconic cowboy hat, the country legend commanded attention from the start. 

He was joined by Post Malone, making his CMA debut after the release of his first country album, F-1 Trillion, in August.

The rapper-turned-country star matched Stapleton’s look in a black suit and cream-colored cowboy hat, bringing an unexpected yet seamless energy to the stage.

Together, they performed California Sober, a track from Post Malone’s debut country album.

In contrast to Carrie Underwood’s widely applauded duet, Post’s performance struggled to make the same impact with the audience. 

‘I love Post Malone but this is awful #cmas #CMAawards #postmalone,’ one critic tweeted.

Another shared, ‘I’m just gonna say it: Post Malone is GOD AWFUL!!!! This is TERRIBLE! #CMAs’ 

Yet another wrote, I’ve bashed the CMAs for years on this app so I won’t feel the need do it tonight. Post Malone sucks though, wow.

Stapleton also performed with George Straight, who was this year’s CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, as the two sang Honky Tonk Hall of Fame.

Lainey Wilson also paid a tribute by singing Amarillo by Morning, with Jamey Johnson following by singing Give It Away.

Miranda Lambert and Parker McCollum sang Troubadour.

Jelly Roll joined Brooks & Dunn for a heartfelt performance of their hit “Believe,” and it had the crowd raising their hands and wiping away tears. 

‘Brooks & Dunn performing ‘Believe’ with @jellyroll615 is the moment I didn’t know I was missing this year,’ one X user shared.

‘Wow, this @BrooksAndDunn @JellyRoll615 performance has me in tears,’ another commented. 

They added, ‘Honestly, @JellyRoll615 and the whole crowd just made me so emotional.’

Shaboozey performed two of his songs — Highway and his megahit Tipsy (A Bar Song), while Megan Moroney sang Am I Okay?, the breakout hit from her album of the same name.

Noah Kahan and Kelsea Ballerini hit the stage together for a heartfelt performance of Cowboys Cry Too, the lead single from Ballerini’s 2024 album Patterns. 

Kacey Musgraves graced the stage with a striking performance of The Architect. 

She mesmerized the audience with a stripped-down, solo-acoustic version of the emotional ballad from her latest album Deeper Well.

The 58th Annual Country Music Awards made its return with Peyton Manning, Luke Bryan, and newcomer Lainey Wilson sharing hosting duties for the night. 

The event also featured a diverse group of presenters, including Simone Biles, Katharine McPhee, Dustin Lynch, and the 9-year-old viral sensation, Jackson Laux, who helped honor the evening’s winners.