When Country Music Feels Like Pure Magic: The Night Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood Took the CMA Awards Stage, Owned Every Second, and Left the Crowd in Awe

Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood’s Unforgettable 2016 CMA Awards Performance

The chemistry between Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood is undeniable, and their joint performances only amplify the magic they share. A perfect example of their powerful connection was their 2016 CMA Awards performance, which left fans in awe.

The husband-and-wife duo took the stage at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena for a special set that took the audience on a journey through some of country music’s biggest classics. Their performance began with Johnny Cash and June Carter’s 1967 hit “Jackson.” The song tells the story of a married couple whose relationship has lost its spark, and they fantasize about escaping to “Jackson,” hoping to be greeted by a more exciting, carefree life. Brooks and Yearwood delivered this classic beautifully, setting the stage for the rest of their memorable performance.

The duo then seamlessly transitioned into other iconic songs, including “I Beg Your Pardon, I Never Promised You a Rose Garden” by Lynn Anderson, “Don’t Close Your Eyes” by Keith Whitley, and “Golden Ring” by George Jones. To cap off the performance, Brooks and Yearwood shared a sweet kiss, which sent the crowd into a frenzy.

Brooks, who couldn’t resist the moment, reflected on the kiss with PEOPLE, saying, “I’ve wanted to do that for a hundred years. Usually, when we sing together, we stand back and bow, but I just want to eat her alive! I thought she did so well, and she was so gorgeous, and I actually thought the cameras were off us — that’s why I did it. And that was probably one of the best kisses I ever got from her!”

The audience went wild, and rightfully so—what a beautiful history they brought to life in just a few minutes. Brooks and Yearwood made it look effortless, proving why they’re considered country music royalty.

Before the Performance: Brooks’ Promise

Leading up to the event, Brooks had promised that the 2016 CMA Awards would be unlike any other. “Hats off to all the artists,” Brooks said. “I don’t know if you guys know this, but all of the artists are pretty much saying the same thing. ‘Hey, screw my current stuff, whoever we need to pay homage to, whoever we need to — count us in!’”

He added, “You know, all the guys — Jason [Aldean], Alan [Jackson], Keith [Urban] — all the guys, all the girls are all doing past music from other artists.” And Brooks definitely stuck to his word, delivering a performance that paid tribute to country music’s past while showcasing his and Yearwood’s undeniable talent.

A Night to Remember

The night only got better when Brooks was named CMA Entertainer of the Year, 25 years after winning his first award in that category. Reflecting on the moment, Brooks said, “There you are, a crazy kid like everybody else, and you get lucky, and you have your run. Then you leave, you raise your babies, fifteen, sixteen years, and then say, I’d like to come back. And people show up. And so the gratitude this time – I don’t think I took things for granted then, but there is a level of gratitude that is unbelievable just because you’re able to do this still this late in your career.”

With over ten CMA Awards between them, Brooks and Yearwood have solidified their place in country music history. Yearwood made history in her own right when she became the first woman to win CMA Female Vocalist of the Year twice, in 1997 and 1998, since Mary Chapin Carpenter. Meanwhile, Brooks has won the Entertainer of the Year award four times and boasts an impressive eleven CMA Awards.

You can relive this unforgettable performance by watching Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood bring classic country tunes to life during the 2016 CMA Awards. It’s a moment you won’t want to miss.