Author: Matthew Leimkuehler and Dave Paulson, Nashville Tennessean

What went down during CMT Awards 2021? Here are the top moments, from all-star collaborations to an unsung country legend getting her due.

Jenee Fleenor was the first female nominated for the category, which the Country Music Association created in 1988.

Through three hours of all-star collaborations, retrospectives, surprising wins and moving speeches, these were some of the most powerful moments.