A mix of classic and contemporary country stars kicked off the 2016 Country Music Awards on Wednesday night. Country music legend, Garth Brooks took home the event's biggest award, "Entertainer of the Year."

Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood returned to this year's CMA Awards to host the event for the 9th time. With 12 different performances entertaining the audience, the show's 50th anniversary event didn't disappoint.

Country music icon, Garth Brooks, received roaring applause as he got on stage to receive the event's greatest honor, the Entertainer of the Year award... just one year after returning to country music after a 13 year break.  Brooks beat out Underwood, Chris Stapleton, Keith Urban and last year's winner, Luke Bryan, for the trophy.

Taylor Swift presented Brooks the award, but she wasn't the only pop star in the building. Pop-queen Beyonce sang her new song called "Daddy Lessons" alongside the Dixie Chicks. It was the first time Beyonce performed at the  awards show.

The performance also marked a return for the Dixie Chicks, who hadn't attended the event for several years.

The night featured a number of memorable moments. Fan-favorite, Carrie Underwood won for female vocalist of the year... ending Miranda Lambert's six-year winning streak.

Underwood, along with Reba McEntire, Martina McBride, Jennifer Nettles and Kacey Musgraves dedicated a rousing rendition of "I Will Always Love You" to Dolly Parton, who was given the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.

The three-hour-long show, also featured performances by George Strait, Brooks & Dunn, Jason Aldean and Little Big Town.

To the delight of viewers at home, a number of celebrities in the audience worked as part-time show presenters, including Matthew McConaughey, Peyton Manning, Jennifer Garner, and Nicole Kidman.