NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Some of the biggest names in country music filled the Ryman Auditorium for the 9th annual American Country Music Honors.
The show recognized the special honorees on and off-camera category winners from the 50th Annual ACM Awards in April.
"I think this is a great chance to recognize the people who really are responsible for keeping the engine running in country music," said Randy Houser, one of the ACM Honors performers.
"It's interesting to be in the crowd and watch musicians get awarded and so many people that mean so much to the town," added Luke Bryan, who received the Gene Weed Special Achievement Award.
Other honorees included Alabama, who received a Career Achievement Award, Loretta Lynn, who took home the Crystal Milestone Award, Eric Church, who won the Jim Reeves International Award, and Luke Laird, who won songwriter of the year.
Fans lined up outside the Ryman Auditorium hours before the show to try to catch a glimpse of their favorite stars walking the red carpet.
Scheduled performers included Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean, Roy Clark, Randy Houser, Miranda Lambert, Jake Owen and Restless Heart.
After a successful first outing in 2014, Jake Owen was picked to host the event for the second time. He kicked off the show with a tribute to Alabama.
"There are a lot of really exciting things happening tonight," said Owen. "It's just a great night for a lot of great people."
This was the sixth time the ceremony was held at the Ryman Auditorium.
