CMA Awards 2012: Underwood, Paisley launch country music's biggest night Country music's fastest rising stars Jason Aldean, Eric Church and Luke Bryan kicked off the Country Music Association Awards by joining forces. Playing with a large American flag behind them, the trio of performers teamed up on Aldean's new single "The Only Way I Know" from his new album "Night Train" and earned a standing ovation. 33 Photos CMA Awards 2012: Red carpet Most of country's top stars were on hand Thursday night at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena for the celebration, with many slated to perform. Taylor Swift arrived in a detailed red lace dress to some of the night's loudest cheers and mingled with fans who had made signs to draw her attention. And when they stepped out for the CMAs on Thursday, they also had something else on their minds: Superstorm Sandy relief. Five-time co-hosts Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley sought Red Cross donations during the broadcast from The Bridgestone Arena, just three days after Sandy killed dozens and caused billions in damage in the northeastern U.S. "We want you to know that we love you and our thoughts are with you," said Underwood before encouraging viewers to donate money to the American Red Cross. Underwood said the evening was dedicated to lifting the spirits to people on the East Coast. Underwood and Paisley had a little fun with their opening, which included their own version of Maroon 5's "Moves Like Jagger." The changed it to "Moves Like [Merle] Haggard." The pair also did their own Psy dance. They poked a little fun at the night's guest of honor, too. "Tonight we are honoring the great Willie Nelson," Paisley said, "and also simultaneously we are going to strip you of all your CMA Awards. Sorry. "Because Willie," Underwood said, "it appears there's been some doping charges." Soon it was time for the awards. The first CMA of the night went to Little Big Town. The group won single of the year for "Pontoon." Thomspson Square walked away with the night's next awards: vocal duo of the year. Before the show began, two CMA winners were already announced. Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw's "Feel Like a Rock Star" scored musical event of the year, and Toby Keith's "Red Solo Cup" won video of the year. Going into the evening, Eric Church led this year's crop of nominees with five nods. The "Springsteen" singer was followed closely by Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton. Swift is up for her third entertainer of the year award, competing against previous winners Kenny Chesney and Paisley, along with Aldean and Shelton. Other performers include Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley, Kelly Clarkson, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, The Band Perry and Zac Brown Band, among others. The broadcast caps a long day of celebration that started with a televised Reba McEntire performance in front of the arena and escalated as stars like Church, Aldean and Lady A arrived. Fans held handmade signs aimed at getting Swift's attention. Rising star Brantley Gilbert rode up on a Harley Davidson motorcycle before greeting fans. Kellie Pickler showed up in a silver dress and ultra-short hairdo after donating her golden locks to cancer victims. Hunter Hayes and Luke Bryan received some of the loudest screams from teenage fans. And art imitated life as Hayden Panettiere and stars from the new show "Nashville" walked the carpet, drawing cheers just like the real-life performers they mimic on the hour-long drama. Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland showed off her baby bump in a black Donna Karan dress - which she loved because "it fits a pregnant body." Not all of her wardrobe did, however. "Walking in heels is a bit of a challenge at this point," she joked.