Carrie Underwood was in tears as she paid tribute to the Las Vegas shooting victims at the Country Music Awards

The Vegas shooting hit the headlines worldwide when a gunman opened fire at the Route 91 Harvest Festival, killing at least 58 and injuring more than 500.

At the beginning of the CMAs ceremony, co-hosts Carrie and Brad Paisley - who were co-presenting the spectacle for the 10th time - paid tribute to the Vegas victims, as well as those affected by other attacks and disasters this year, such as the mass shooting at a church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, earlier this month.

Carrie told the audience: "Las Vegas, Charlottesville, New York, Sutherland Springs, historic storms in Texas, Puerto Rico and Florida, and the list goes on and on.

"This has been a year marked by tragedy impacting countless lives including so many in our country music family.

"So, we're going to do what families do: Come together, pray together, cry together and sing together, too."

Brad revealed this year's ceremony was dedicated to all the victims and those affected by the tragedies.

He said: "Look, the way we see it, the best way to honour our fans is to play our music loud and proud.

"Our music lifts people up and that's what we're here to do tonight. So, this year's show is dedicated to all those we've lost and all those that are still healing."

Taylor Swift and Little Big Town were among the winners on the night as they took home Song of the Year for 'Better Man', which was written by the 'Look What You Made Me Do' hitmaker, and the band also won Vocal Group of the Year.

Garth Brooks was named Entertainer of the Year, while Chris Stapleton and Miranda Lambert were awarded Male and Female Vocalist of the Year gongs, and Brothers Osborne took home both Vocal Duo of the Year and Music Video of the Year for 'It Ain't My Fault'.