The 2017 CMT Music Awards were packed with top-notch performers all night long, including Thomas Rhett's performance of "Craving You" -- but this time, without singing partner Maren Morris.

Fans are used to seeing Rhett sing "Craving You" with Morris by his side; they took the stage together at the 2017 ACM Awards, and the music video features both of them. But for the CMT Music Awards, Rhett was the center of attention. His energetic performance had country stars and the crowd singing along, and a handful of sleek backup dancers completed the '80s-inspired song.

"Craving You" was written by Julian Bunetta and Dave Barnes during a co-writing session, and Rhett was supposed to be part of it, but sickness kept him home. However, Bunetta and Barnes were able to write a great song, and when they sent it to Rhett, he was “blown away by the longing-ness of the story."

In actuality, Rhett tells Taste of Country that "Craving You," from his forthcoming record, “wasn’t even supposed to be a duet," but the addition of Morris, Rhett says, “... adds so much life and so much intensity to this song.”

Rhett has just wrapped up his 2017 Home Team Tour and has several events and shows lined up for this summer including Country Jam 2017 in Colorado. A list of all of Rhett’s upcoming concerts is available on his website.

See Photos From the 2017 CMT Music Awards

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