CMA Music Festival Behind the Scenes With Luke Bryan, Keith Urban

"I always look forward to playing this, always,” Keith Urban told ABC News.

ByABC News
August 3, 2016, 8:08 AM

— -- Thousands of country music fans descended upon Nashville to see the biggest stars bring their A-game to the Country Music Association's CMA Music Festival.

“The country fans have that unbelievable spirit about them, so I always look forward to playing this, always,” Keith Urban told ABC News.

“It’s a chance for country music to shine,” said Martina McBride. “It’s an opportunity for us to say ‘thank you.’”

To add to the excitement this year, there were a ton of surprise guests like Pharrell.

At the CMA Fest, the party isn’t just on stage —- it’s all over town, giving fans the opportunity to rub elbows with musicians like Old Dominion and Charles Kelly of Lady Antebellum.

This year’s hosts were Brett Eldredge and Thomas Rhett, who were definitely ready to get the party started.

Take a look at some of stars' behind-the-scenes moments and tune in tonight for the “CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock” special on ABC at 8 p.m. EST.

Can't get enough country? Luke Bryan and Keith Urban joke behind the scenes with "GMA."
Can't get enough country? Luke Bryan and Keith Urban joke behind the scenes with "GMA."