Country stars Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and the Zac Brown Band came together with friends and industry professionals to enjoy a celebratory evening at the CMT Artists of the Year taping last night (Nov. 30) in the Nashville suburb of Franklin,  Tennessee.

Oscar winner Kevin Costner hosted the 90-minute gala event where fellow musicians like Luke Bryan, Kid Rock, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Randy Travis and Smokey Robinson sang praises to this year's favorite artists.

The special night captured a variety of emotions and touching moments, particularly when presenters went off-script to directly convey to the artists how they felt about their music.

Each Artist of the Year had a chance to speak during the show. Aldean expressed his gratitude to his wife, parents and children for their unconditional support as well as his producer Michael Knox. With her eyes watering, Carrie Underwood shared with the crowd that she dreamed of a singing career as a child. After she stood and sang along with Maroon 5 as play played their rendition of her latest hit,"Mine," Taylor Swift spoke about her love of traveling, touring and the fact that she considers her fans and friends.

CMT Artists of the Year premieres on Friday, Dec. 3 at 8:00 p.m. ET.