• Jason Aldean opened the show with a tribute to New York and New Jersey, whose residence are suffering in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Then he launched into "The Only Way I Know" with fellow Georgia buddies Eric Church and Luke Bryan.
  • Hosts Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood parodied "Moves Like Jagger" changing the words to "Moves Like Haggard." Later the two broke out in a dance "Gingham Style" -- a take off on the current pop hit "Gangham Style."
  • Brad, Carrie and Little Dickens joked about making history by delivering Jennifer Nettles almost-due baby live on TV.
  • Brad Paisley paid a touching acoustic tribute to his friend Andy Griffith, who passed away this year.
  • Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert won Song of the Year for "Over You" -- a song they wrote about Blake's brother, who died in a car accident several years ago. Miranda is visibly moved by the award, later saying it was her dream to write a Song of the Year. The Miranda and Blake picked up their third Female and Male Vocalist awards, respectively.
  • Miranda Lambert was all about girl-power when she accepted her Female Vocalist of the Year award and saluted her fellow nominees.
  • Willie Nelson sounded as good as ever singing "On the Road Again" at the end of his all-star tribute.