Luke Bryan has loads of memorable CMA Awards moments to look back on. From the time he lit up the stage with the fiery "Country Girl (Shake It for Me)" to his sobering "Drink a Beer" with Chris Stapleton, the superstar has made an impression at the awards show. But his personal favorite moment was the first time he took home the night's biggest trophy.

"Getting to do 'Drink a Beer' was pretty amazing, but definitely winning Entertainer," the superstars told Taste of Country backstage ahead of the 2018 show, speaking of his most treasured memory. "It's like that moment where you get your college degree. The first Entertainer of the Year award, it was very, very, very humbling. It was amazing."

Bryan took home Entertainer of the Year two consecutive years in 2014 and 2015, and says the wins were a milestone in his life and career. He took home the same prize at the 2014 ACM Awards, which at the time was voted by fans. While having the fans' support gave him satisfaction, having the industry's approval was rewarding in itself.

"I had won ACM Awards — those were fan-voted — but then when the industry kind of pats you on the back, you're like, 'Gosh,'" he reflects. "So I got the industry love and the fan love. It was a big deal."

The 2019 CMA Awards air live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Wednesday (Nov. 13) at 8PM ET on ABC.

Remember: The best way to watch the CMA Awards is on ABC, with ToC on your phone. 

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