The stars were big and bright at the CMT Awards … but these behind-the-scenes shots show some of the best in the biz in country music — and beyond — coming together for some good ol’ times!

The ceremony went down Monday at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Tennessee … Jimmie Allen, Dennis Quaid, Kane Brown, Nelly, Maddie Marlow of Maddie & Tae and Johan Font were just some of the A-listers present during the show.

Jason Aldean and Mark Wystrach made sure to snap some pics after chatting it up … Jason went on to win with Carrie Underwood for Collaborative Video of the Year and Video of the Year!

Miranda Lambert stole a kiss from her husband Brendan McLoughlin before taking the stage … her song, “If I Was a Cowboy,” was the Female video of the year.

Hannah Dasher and Jessie James Decker were rocking all-black backstage … drinks in hand as the cameras flashed!