The 2024 CMT Music Awards gave a good bit of air time to a tribute to the late Toby Keith during the show on Sunday (April 7).

While Keith’s family watched from the audience in tears, Brooks & Dunn, Sammy Hagar and Lainey Wilson each took the stage to sing a hit from Keith’s extensive catalog of music.

Former MLB baseball pitcher Roger Clemens — an old pal of the country veteran — walked onto the stage to share a few memories of his buddy. Then, he introduced Brooks & Dunn to kick off a heartfelt tribute.

Brooks & Dunn Cover Toby Keith’s “Should’ve Been a Cowboy”

Country music duo Brooks & Dunn opened the tribute with a cover of Keith’s 1993 hit “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.” The pair strummed their guitars, belting out the song as the arena sang and clapped along.

Ronnie Dunn carried out the first verse, while Kix Brooks took over on the second. As the camera panned across the audience, just about everyone in the crowd had a red Solo cup in hand.

Sammy Hagar Covers “I Love This Bar”

Hagar was next on the stage singing Toby Keith’s 2003 smash hit “I Love This Bar.”

A close friend of Keith’s, the rocker was worried he would be too emotional to get through the song. However, he kept his energy and spirits high throughout his performance, decked out in white pants, sneaker and a red blazer.

He revealed a Toby-themed University Oklahoma shirt at the end.

Lainey Wilson Covers Toby Keith’s “How Do You Like Me Now?!”

Wilson was the last to step out onto the 2024 CMT Music Awards stage to sing Keith’s 1999 track “How Do You Like Me Now?!” She added her signature country twang as she kept the crowd on their feet, raising their cups and signing along.

Each set was backed by Keith’s full band. Behind them was a large digital board that displayed dozens of television screens. On each was an old clip or music video of the “Red Solo Cup” singer.

The tribute left Keith’s children, Shelley, Stelen and Krystal, in tears.

Read More: Watch All of the Performances From CMT’s Toby Keith Tribute |