Today, CMT announced that legendary country superstar Kenny Rogers will receive the prestigious “Artist of a Lifetime” award presented by Ram Trucks during the sixth annual “CMT Artists of the Year,” the definitive year-end party, live from Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville on Wednesday, December 2 at 8pm ET/PT. Rogers is only the second recipient of the award with Merle Haggard receiving the inaugural honor in 2014.
“You go through your life and your career and you try to do the right things and make the right decisions. You don’t always do that, but I have been very lucky. I am grateful for it all. This is a great honor and one I highly treasure. Being in with Merle Haggard on anything is always a thrill. To CMT, the fans, and all who made this incredible award possible, I can’t thank you enough,” said Rogers.
The sixth-annual 90-minute special will feature once-in-a-lifetime performances, unexpected tributes and unforgettable toasts as the biggest stars of music, film and television gather to celebrate the five artists selected by CMT as the top artists of the year: Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Florida Georgia Line, Sam Hunt and Little Big Town. These artists collectively dominated the last 12 months ruling CMT’s platforms and country radio, scoring chart-topping album and singles, and selling out arenas around the country. Additional performers, presenters, and special guests will be announced at a later date.
They join an overgrowing prestigious list of past “CMT Artists of the Year” honorees that includes Jason Aldean (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013), Kenny Chesney (2011, 2012), Eric Church (2012), Hunter Hayes (2013), Toby Keith (2012), Lady Antebellum (2010, 2011), Miranda Lambert (2012, 2014), Tim McGraw (2013), Brad Paisley (2011), Taylor Swift (2010, 2011), Carrie Underwood (2010, 2012), Keith Urban (2014) and Zac Brown Band (2010).
Previous “CMT Artist of the Year” performances have included Adeleand Darius Rucker performing Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now,” Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan’s mashup of “Oh No” and “All Night Long,” and Maroon 5 covering Taylor Swift’s “Mine.” The show has featured appearances by Ellen DeGeneres, Matthew McConaughey, Selena Gomez, Billy Bob Thornton, Roger Clemens, Morgan Freeman and more.
