New photos of Carrie Underwood glowing and gorgeous and Miranda’s moving speech on last night’s CMT special

CMT honored the Artists of the Year last night paying tribute to the women in country

What an incredible night full of amazing, strong, talented, gorgeous, smart, sweet women! I am honored to be in your company and am in awe of each and every one of you! Thank you @cmt for recognizing women in Country Music! ?: @ShearerPhoto @GettyImages pic.twitter.com/aiVlNCvDam

— Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) October 18, 2018

The night kicked off honoring Loretta Lynn

Honoree Maren Morris wore “Blush and Bashful, her signature colors” and a great Steel Magnolias reference

 

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My colors are blush & bashful! Thanks, @cmt for this beautiful evening! ???

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Maren teamed up with Brandi Carlise on “Natural Woman”

Kelsea Ballerini was glam

 

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Kelsea Ballerini | #CMTAOTY tonight 8/7c | ?: @jasonmyersphoto

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and gorgeous singing “Ghost In This House” with Alison Krauss

Hilary Scott’s band-mates came to support their girl

 

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2018 CMT Artists of the Year #CMTAOTY @CMT ?: @jasonmyersphoto

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As she teamed up with Tori Kelly and Keith Franklin to form a new trio for the night

Little Big Town’s Kimberly and Karen stayed together

 

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Kimberly Schlapman & Karen Fairchild | #CMTAOTY tonight 8/7c |?: @jasonmyersphoto

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And Gladys Knight joined them on an incredible medley of hits

One of the highlights of the night was Miranda Lambert delivering a moving speech about girl power in country music.

“Not a day will go by that I don’t lift up and honor other women in this industry, and want to work with them and collaborate,” she said. “And I hope they do the same. Because we have to be there for each other, and I feel that we are. It’s a small community and we’re all friends. So I appreciate CMT celebrating that tonight.”

Miranda also performed with The Pistol Annies

Carrie Underwood glowed on the red carpet

and raved about her fellow honorees

Then she closed out the show with THIS!! Joined by Maddie & Tae and Runaway June they paid tribute to the iconic women of Country at the 2018 CMT Artists of the Year.

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