Two trophies were handed to Hardy and Lainey Wilson out ahead of Wednesday's ceremony, which will air 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
The 59-year-old performer held onto Jelly Roll as they opened the annual awards show.
The country songstress and her actor beau packed on the PDA and romance backstage after the big awards show.
Post Malone chats with ET's Rachel Smith backstage at the 57th Annual CMA Awards, which aired Wednesday on ABC.
Wynonna Judd chats with ET's Rachel Smith backstage at the 57th Annual CMA Awards, which aired Wednesday on ABC.
Hardy, Wallen and Malone performed two of the late singer's hits at the CMA Awards on Wednesday.
Bryan and Manning returned to host the CMA Awards for a second year in a row on Wednesday.
Luke Bryan chats with ET's Rachel Smith at the 57th Annual CMA Awards, which aired Wednesday on ABC.
'Summer House's Lindsay Hubbard chats with ET's Rachel Smith at the 57th Annual CMA Awards, airing Wednesday on ABC.
The duo wowed with a performance Jelly Roll's hit song 'Need a Favor.'
Country music icon Brenda Lee chats with ET's Rachel Smith at the 57th Annual CMA Awards, airing Wednesday on ABC.
The popular musician spoke with ET on the red carpet ahead of Sunday's big show.
Country star Lily Rose chats with ET's Rachel Smith at the 57th Annual CMA Awards, airing Wednesday on ABC.
Jimmy Buffett's bandmate, Mac McAnally, chats with ET's Rachel Smith at the 57th Annual CMA Awards, airing Wednesday on ABC.
