Mickey Guyton embraced her natural hair for an emotional performance of “Love My Hair” at the 2021 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards Wednesday evening (Nov. 10) live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

Faith Fennidy, who was removed from her Catholic school at age 11 for wearing braids, presented the performance by opening up about how she personally inspired the song “Love My Hair.” “A few years ago, I was sent home from school because my braids were said to be a distraction. It was devastating for me. But this next artist created this song to make sure girls like me feel seen and loved,” she said before pausing in the midst of roaring applause. “And that’s how you turn something very painful into something very positive. With your help, we can work together to ensure the next generation grows up in a respectful and open world for natural hair.”

Guyton, Brittney Spencer and Madeline Edwards put their big, beautiful curly hair and billowing white gowns on full display while singing their truths as Black women who “used to think what God gave me wasn’t fair/ I’d braid it all/ Just to hide the curls up there/ I found my freedom/ When I learned not to care/ Now I’m not scared/ To love who I am/ I love my hair.” After the threesome harmonized on the chorus, they came together in an embrace.

Guyton was nominated for new artist of the year, which fellow Black country artist Jimmie Allen ended up winning that night. “Love My Hair” is from the 37-year-old singer’s debut studio album Remember Her Name, which she released in September via Capitol Records Nashville.

Two-time entertainer of the year winner Luke Bryan made his hosting debut at the 55th annual CMA Awards.

Blake Shelton came to the 2021 CMA Awards on Wednesday (Nov. 10) ready to give fans something new with the live debut of his latest single, “Come Back As A Country Boy.”

Joined on stage by a prop windmill and a backdrop of roiling storm clouds, the country star roared his way through the fiery new track, declaring time and time again that should he be reincarnated, he has very specific plans for his return: “If my neck don’t come out red/ Then Lord just keep me dead,” he crooned. “‘Cause a country boy is all I know how to be.”

Dressed in all black, Shelton made sure that his darker theme got across to the crowd, with faux lightning crashing in the background and during the song’s riled-up guitar solo. “When I die, I wanna come back as a country boy,” he sang in front of a weathered fence. “No, there ain’t no better life if you ask me.”

The performance came just hours after Shelton officially unveiled his new music video for the single (written by “God’s Country” co-writers Michael Hardy and Jordan Schmidt), in which Shelton makes his declared wish a reality — as a meteor comes crashing to the earth, the country star emerges in flames, back to his life as the titular country boy.

Shelton wasn’t the only one at the 2021 CMA Awards to deliver some memorable performances — the evening saw performances from stars like Miranda Lambert, Dierks Bentley, Kane Brown and others.

“It really does feel like love wins tonight, thank you,” T.J. Osborne of Brothers Osborne said following the family band’s win for vocal duo of the year at the 2021 Country Music Association Awards on Wednesday night (Nov. 10).

Sharing the award with his brother and band member John Osborne, T.J. delivered an emotional speech as the duo accepted their trophy onstage at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

“I tell you, every time we have won this award it has never ceased to be extremely shocking,” T.J. Osborne said, accepting duo of the year for a fourth time at the CMA Awards. “Thanks to everyone who voted for us. It’s been a crazy roller coaster of a year for us in so many ways, especially for me emotionally, and to have you all support me, it really does feel like love wins tonight, thank you.”

John Osborne followed with his own words of support: “Give this boy a round of applause. We love this genre, we love the people, we love all of you so much.”

Following the win, T.J. Osborne was spotted kissing his boyfriend, Abi Ventura, whom reps confirmed has been dating T.J. for more than a year.

In February, T.J. came out as gay in an interview with Time — making him one of the few openly gay country artists to be signed to a major label (EMI Nashville).  Other queer artists include Brandi Carlile, Chely Wright and Shane McAnally, to name a few.

In his interview with Time, T.J. revealed how his identity has influenced his music. “I realize that it is a big part of who I am: The way I think, the way I act, the way I perform. God, think of all the times that we talk about love, and write about love. It’s the biggest thing we ever get to feel,” T.J. said. “I’ve done more than I ever thought I would. At this point, my happiness is more valuable than anything else I’d ever be able to achieve.”