Kane Brown was one of the night's most notable awardees at the 2023 ACM Honors on Monday night (Sept. 18), and he also received a very unexpected surprise.
Randy Travis unexpectedly appeared onstage to personally present Brown with his ACM International Award.
Brown earned the special award in recognition of his contribution to the global growth of country music.
Travis attended the younger superstar's big moment with his wife, Mary, extending a particular link they've shared for many years.
Travis and his wife, Mary, approached the stage, with Mary recounting how Travis surprised Brown during a radio visit early in his career.
They've been friends ever then, and when she requested Travis to announce the award, he carefully replied, "Kane Brown!" the audience squealed.
Lee Brice was also on hand to pay tribute to Brown, performing an acoustic rendition of Brown's song, "Like I Love Country Music," to commemorate the event.
The moment was only one of the highlights of the 2023 ACM Honors, which were held on August 23 at the Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville.