The 10 Most Fun Behind-the-Scenes Photos from the 2024 CMA Awards

Mar. 15, 2025

Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan.Photo:John Shearer/Getty

John Shearer/Getty

While many of the best moments at the2024 CMA Awardshappened on stage, stars were reuniting and celebrating behind the scenes around Bridgestone Arena Thursday night — and some of those moments were captured in photos.FromShaboozeysharing a drink with Zach Top toKelsea BalleriniandNoah Kahanhyping each other up backstage, here are some of the fun moments you didn’t see from the 2024 CMA Awards.

While many of the best moments at the2024 CMA Awardshappened on stage, stars were reuniting and celebrating behind the scenes around Bridgestone Arena Thursday night — and some of those moments were captured in photos.

FromShaboozeysharing a drink with Zach Top toKelsea BalleriniandNoah Kahanhyping each other up backstage, here are some of the fun moments you didn’t see from the 2024 CMA Awards.

01of 10Peace and LoveGeorge Strait, Norma Strait and Post Malone.John Shearer/GettyNewly-minted country starPost Malonethew up a pair of piece signs — decked out in his western-inspired look — alongside Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award honoreeGeorge Straitand his wife, Norma Strait.

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Peace and Love

George Strait, Norma Strait and Post Malone.John Shearer/Getty

Newly-minted country starPost Malonethew up a pair of piece signs — decked out in his western-inspired look — alongside Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award honoreeGeorge Straitand his wife, Norma Strait.

02of 10Terrific TrioAshley McBryde, Shelly Fairchild and Shaboozey.John Shearer/GettyAs the ceremony kicked off at Bridgestone Arena,Ashley McBryde, Shelly Fairchild andShaboozeytake a moment to pose together.

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Terrific Trio

Ashley McBryde, Shelly Fairchild and Shaboozey.John Shearer/Getty

As the ceremony kicked off at Bridgestone Arena,Ashley McBryde, Shelly Fairchild andShaboozeytake a moment to pose together.

03of 10In SyncDierks Bentley and Justin Lynch.John Shearer/GettyDierks Bentleyand Justin Lynch coordinated in their neutral-toned suits for Thursday’s big event.

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In Sync

Dierks Bentley and Justin Lynch.John Shearer/Getty

Dierks Bentleyand Justin Lynch coordinated in their neutral-toned suits for Thursday’s big event.

04of 10Rock On!Ernest, Keith Urban and Bailey Zimmerman.John Shearer/GettyERNEST,Keith UrbanandBailey Zimmermanall appear to be in good spirits as they hang out during a break.

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Rock On!

Ernest, Keith Urban and Bailey Zimmerman.John Shearer/Getty

ERNEST,Keith UrbanandBailey Zimmermanall appear to be in good spirits as they hang out during a break.

05of 10Cheers!Shaboozey and Zach Top.John Shearer/GettyIs that perhaps a double shot of whiskey? Either way, Shaboozey looks pretty happy posing backstage with Zach Top.

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Cheers!

Shaboozey and Zach Top.John Shearer/Getty

Is that perhaps a double shot of whiskey? Either way, Shaboozey looks pretty happy posing backstage with Zach Top.

06of 10Shimmer and ShineKacey Musgraves and Kelsea Ballerini.John Shearer/GettyKacey MusgravesandKelsea Balleriniseemed to have gotten the same style memo for Thursday night as they both stunned in shimmering ensembles.

06of 10

Shimmer and Shine

Kacey Musgraves and Kelsea Ballerini.John Shearer/Getty

Kacey MusgravesandKelsea Balleriniseemed to have gotten the same style memo for Thursday night as they both stunned in shimmering ensembles.

07of 10Bring It InJelly Roll and Cody Johnson.John Shearer/GettyJelly Rollwraps his arm around fellow nominee Cody Johnson, who sported a black cowboy hat.

07of 10

Bring It In

Jelly Roll and Cody Johnson.John Shearer/Getty

Jelly Rollwraps his arm around fellow nominee Cody Johnson, who sported a black cowboy hat.

08of 10Hey, You!Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan.John Shearer/GettyKelsea Ballerini andNoah Kahan, who performed their CMA-nominated song “Cowboys Cry Too,” had some fun backstage striking silly poses.

08of 10

Hey, You!

Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan.John Shearer/Getty

Kelsea Ballerini andNoah Kahan, who performed their CMA-nominated song “Cowboys Cry Too,” had some fun backstage striking silly poses.

09of 10Blonde AmbitionMegan Moroney, Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo.John Shearer/GettyJelly Roll flashes a wide grin alongside his wife,Bunnie Xo, and fellow nomineeMegan Moroney.

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Blonde Ambition

Megan Moroney, Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo.John Shearer/Getty

Jelly Roll flashes a wide grin alongside his wife,Bunnie Xo, and fellow nomineeMegan Moroney.

10of 10Selfie TimeDelaney Royer, John Shearer and ERNEST.John Shearer/GettyJohn Shearer snaped a mirror selfie of ERNEST and his wife Delaney Royer.

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Selfie Time

Delaney Royer, John Shearer and ERNEST.John Shearer/Getty

John Shearer snaped a mirror selfie of ERNEST and his wife Delaney Royer.

source: people.com