The 2017 CMA Awards are quickly approaching and will air live on November 8th on ABC at 8/7 central. The hosts for the evening will be country stars Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood who are not only returning performers, but returning hosts for the tenth consecutive year as well.
PRESENTERS: Luke Combs, Jimmie Johnson, Karlie Kloss, Lea Michele, Tyler Perry, Brett Young, Brittany Snow, JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Trisha Yearwood, Jason Ritter, Michelle Monaghan, Dustin Lynch, Ruby Rose, and Bobby Bones. Additionally, first-time nominees LOCASH will vie for Vocal Duo of the Year and host the pre-telecast portion of the night.
PERFORMERS: Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Garth Brooks, Brothers Osborne, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Niall Horan, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Maren Morris, Old Dominion, Brad Paisley, Jon Pardi, P!NK, Rascal Flatts, Thomas Rhett, Darius Rucker, Chris Stapleton, Carrie Underwood, and Keith Urban.
COLLABORATIONS: Dierks Bentley & Rascal Flatts, Brad Paisley & Kane Brown, Maren Morris & Niall Horan (formerly of One Direction), Kelsea Ballerini & Reba McEntire,
Keith Urban, Eric Church, Lady Antebellum, & Darius Rucker
Included in the stellar presenter lineup for the evening are two artists who are both nominated for the same award— country newcomers Luke Combs and Brett Young! This night will be huge for these two rising stars.
Luke Combs is nominated for CMA New Artist of the Year and it is well deserved after such a successful year for his music. Luke’s first album This One’s for You was a massive success and landed number one on Billboard Country Albums chart. From this album come notable songs such as “Hurricane” and “When It Rains It Pours.”
Speaking on his move to Nashville and the success he’s had thus far in the country music industry Luke said, “You move to Nashville because you think that you’re going to do this or you think you’re going to do that, and I don’t ever think that anybody actually thinks that they’re going to do that stuff… But here I am man, as thankful as ever. It’s been a cool experience.”
Also nominated for CMA New Artist of the Year is Anaheim native, Brett Young. Brett’s story into the music industry is unique. After obtaining an injury, he hung up his baseball cleats and opened a notebook to start his songwriting journey. Brett’s first major single “Sleep Without You” was released in April 2016 and was only the beginning of success. His other extremely notable song “In Case You Didn’t Know” also was well received by fans.
This year, Brett kicked off his first big headlining tour with 21 venues on the schedule, running from October to December. The Caliville Tour crossed of a a big item off the “Mercy” singers bucket list. In his original press statement, Brett opens up about his emotions surrounding his tour.
“I am so excited to get to go out on my first ever headlining tour this year. It’s a pretty surreal feeling. I can’t wait to see all my amazing fans out on the road, and I’m honored to have the incredible Carly Pearce along as well.”
Fans can only guess what he is feeling to be nominated for a CMA Award as well as having the opportunity to take the stage!
Share this update with other country music fans and don’t forget to tune in!
