Katie Austin Chats with Riley Green, Gabby Barrett, Chase Rice & More at the CMA Awards

Before the stars made their way into Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena for The 53rd Annual CMA Awards on Wednesday (Nov. 13), they strutted their stuff on the red carpet and several artists stopped by to chat with Country Now‘s correspondent for the evening, Katie Austin!

Austin, a fitness instructor and host, caught up with artists such as Riley Green, Gabby Barrett, Justin Moore, Jordan Davis, Scotty McCreery, The Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean, newlyweds Tyler Rich and Sabina Gadecki, Stephanie Quayle, Chase Rice and Mitchell Tenpenny to talk about their excitement over the CMA Awards.

The evening was a true celebration of women and many artists were thrilled to see what Carrie Underwood and her guest hosts, Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton, had planned for the night.

Several stars also showed off their fancy red carpet looks, while all-vocal group Home Free, serenaded Austin with “Leave This Town.”

Our host got a bit emotional after meeting new country group Gone West, as member Colbie Caillat is one of her all-time favorite singers. The sweet run-in left Austin in tears.

Watch the video above for a look at Katie Austin’s CMA Awards red carpet interviews. Stay tuned for Part II where Austin puts the artists’ lyrical knowledge to the test.