Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood are the 2012 CMT Artists of the Year. The seven honorees were celebrated during Saturday's 90-minute special, which included celebrity tributes and performances.
 •Roger Clemens, Rodney Carrington and Craig Ferguson each praised the Big Dog Daddy.
•Sheryl Crow, Merle Haggard and Chris Young congratulated Miranda.
•Kid Rock and James Hetfield honored Eric.
•Sammy Hagar and Morgan Freeman congratulated Kenny.
•Hoda Kotb, Hunter Hayes and husband Mike Fisher each congratulated Carrie.
•Kenny Rogers, Lady Antebellum and Thompson Square honored Luke.
 
The night also included a slew of performances:
 •Rascal Flatts - "Hot in Here"
•Jason Aldean - "Take a Little Ride"
•Luke Bryan -medley of "Drunk on You," OneRepublic's "Apologize" and "Feel Again" with Ryan Tedder
•Eric Church - "Homeboy"
•Toby Keith - "Beers Ago"
•Miranda Lambert - "Over You"
•Carrie Underwood - "Two Black Cadillacs"
•Kacey Musgraves and Eli Young Band - Kenny Chesney's "Come Over"
 
Rascal Flatts and Hayden Panettiere co-hosted the VIP event.