The first round of performers have been announced for the 55th Annual CMA Awards, and it features some of the biggest and buzzworthy names in country music.
Earlier today, the Country Music Association revealed that Jimmie Allen, Brothers Osborne, Eric Church, Dan + Shay, Mickey Guyton featuring Brittney Spencer and Madeline Edwards, Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde, and Blake Shelton are all expected to take the stage during this year’s show, which airs later in November.
According to a press release, “CMA New Artist of the Year” nominee and current Dancing With The Stars contestant Allen will perform his hit “Freedom Was A Highway;” three-time CMA Awards nominated group this year Brothers Osborne will deliver a deeply personal performance from their CMA Album of the Year-nominated Skeletons; reigning “CMA Entertainer of the Year” and five-time nominee this year including Entertainer of the Year again, Church will perform his song “Heart on Fire” from his CMA Album of the Year-nominated Heart; and reigning and two-time consecutive “CMA Vocal Duo of the Year” Dan + Shay, nominated again in the same category this year, will perform their hit “I Should Probably Go To Bed.”
“CMA New Artist of the Year” nominee Guyton will welcome rising artists Spencer and Edwards for a collaboration not to be missed from Guyton’s debut album, Remember Her Name, while two-time nominee this year Pearce and three-time nominee this year McBryde will perform their heart-wrenching duet “Never Wanted to Be That Girl;” and 10-time CMAAwards winner Shelton will bring his “Come Back as a Country Boy” to the CMA Awards stage.
Photo Credit: CMA/ABC/Robby Klein
The announcement follows the news that Luke Bryan would make his hosting debut for the 55th annual award show, where he’s also nominated for “Musical Event of the Year.”
“The CMA Awards is one of the biggest nights of the year for Country Music,” says Bryan. “Being asked to host the CMA Awards was definitely something I put a lot of thought into before answering. The pressure that comes along with that can be overwhelming, but knowing I get to help honor and celebrate so many of my friends, I knew it was something I couldn’t turn down.”
“I mean, growing up in Georgia, I remember watching Vince Gill, Reba, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Rogers, Barbara Mandrell, to name a few. They were so good. And then becoming a part of this amazing Country Music family and sitting on the front row while Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood and Darius Rucker took the reins, all of these artists are heroes and friends, and I am honored to have my name included in this group. I’m looking forward to making it fun and memorable and using this platform to continue to make Country Music shine.”
Back in September, the Country Music Association revealed the nominees for the annual event, with artists like Eric Church and Chris Stapleton leading the pack with five nominations each; followed by Gabby Barrett with four and Brothers Osborne, Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Ashley McBryde, Maren Morris and Chris Young with three. Additional performers and presenters for the 55th Annual CMA Awards will be revealed at a later date.
Hosted by Luke Bryan, the 55th Annual CMA Awards air LIVE from the Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, November 10th @ 8/7c on ABC.
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