NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Some of the biggest names in Country Music walked the red carpet prior to the CMT Music Awards Wednesday night.
Crews worked tirelessly to transform Bridgestone Arena for the annual awards show.
The annual show has two new hosts this year, as actor Brittany Snow and sports reporter Erin Andrews guided the live broadcast.
NewsChannel 5 was backstage Tuesday as the crew rehearsed for the live broadcast.
CMT is a show known for bringing in many non-country stars for its awards. Arnold Schwarzenegger was in attendance, as were Rumer Willis and Noah Galloway.
Galloway said he's excited to be at the CMT Music Awards because these fans have really helped him.
“Fans of country music are those who voted for me on 'Dancing with the Stars,' and really helped me get to the finals. So, to be here, at this event, is incredible,” Galloway said.
Galloway, who was stationed at Ft. Campbell, said he knows Nashville very well, and he's glad to be back.
This year, organizers decided to take some of the party out of Bridgestone Arena and bring it onto the streets of Nashville. Darius Rucker, Florida Georgia Line and Kenny Chesney all performed on a special stage on 4th Avenue and Broadway -- giving fans a free, star-studded concert.
Acts that performed inside Bridgestone Arena included Jason Aldean, Jake Owen and Reba McEntire.
Even though there's been a lot of concerts already this week, the CMA Music Festival officially kicks off Thursday morning.
Click here for a list of winners from the show.
