The lights at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena had barely settled when the energy in the room shifted — that unique blend of anticipation, excitement, and reverence that only the Country Music Association Awards can create.

It was the 59th annual celebration, and for weeks leading up to the show, fans, artists, and industry insiders had been buzzing about who might take home the night’s biggest trophies.

But no one could have predicted just how quickly the ceremony would deliver its first jaw-dropping moment. As the crowd filled the arena, filling every row with sequins, cowboy boots, rhinestones, leather jackets, wide-brimmed…