Tip your cowboy hat if you are ready for the biggest night in country music! Turn on your go-to country artist and crank up the volume because the 2021 CMT Artists of the Year ceremony is just hours away, and Celeb Secrets Country is here to prepare you for the star-studded affair.
Like many other events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, CMT had to take a hiatus in 2020. Now, the network is returning to its original format to highlight the musicians that have left an ever-lasting impact on the industry.
“This year’s 2021 ‘CMT Artists of the Year’ returns to its original format after adapting last year to honor some of the most vital and inspirational Americans on the frontlines of the pandemic,” says a recent statement. To celebrate the safe return of live music, the network has called in artists outside of the country music space to help elevate the evening.
Counting down the days 'til CMT Artists of the Year 📅 But while we wait, get to know 2021 #CMTAOTY honoree @ChrisStapleton a bit more with 21 questions! 🤠 pic.twitter.com/cYZuL8OuNI
— CMT (@CMT) October 8, 2021
“One year-end celebration keeps growing, and we’re thrilled to welcome Boyz II Men, Pentatonix’s Kevin Olusola, Jonas Brothers, and Yola to the show in addition to our luminous honorees,” shared Leslie Fram, Senior Vice President, Music Strategy & Talent, CMT. “And in honor of one of the biggest songs of summer that has exploded across social media and beyond, we look forward to having Walker Hayes join our celebration for a can’t-miss performance of his history-making hit “Fancy Like.”
With that being said, we encourage you to hit up your local Applebee’s, grab an Oreo shake, or maybe a bourbon street steak, and turn on the 2021 CMT Artists of the Year ceremony on Wednesday, October 13 at 9/8c on CMT.
So, whether you are tuning in to see who receives each honor, for the cutting-edge talent, or the country-inspired fashion, we got you covered!
GIVE us a follow on Twitter at @CS_Country and IG at @celebsecretscountry, as we’ll be live-tweeting and Instagramming the best moments from the eventful night!
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How can I watch the CMT Artist Of The Year Ceremony?
Pour yourself a glass of whiskey and get ready to be glued to your television screens, because, on Wednesday, October 13 at 9p/8c on CMT – the 2021 CMT Artist Of The Year Ceremony will be airing LIVE from Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
Who Will Be Presenting?
During the star-studded affair – Garth Brooks, Eric Church, Connie Britton, Lady A, Michael A. Smith, Misty Copeland, Morgan Evans, and Nelly will all present.
Who is Performing?
The Schermerhorn Symphony Center will be turning up Wednesday, October 13 – as Nashville’s best will be gathered all in one place to see unforgettable performances and to honor live music. However, music-goers tuning in at home will see familiar faces outside of the country music scene. In fact, the Jonas Brothers will be joining forces remotely to perform with tour mate Kelsea Ballerini on their Remember This Tour from Franklin Tennessee’s FirstBank Amphitheater.
The Boyz II Men will join Kevin Olusola of Pentatonix for a collaboration to honor Chris Stapleton. Fans can also expect to hear from “Breakout Artist of the Year” Mickey Guyton, as she will be taking center stage with Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Yola. Now, it wouldn’t be a honky-tonk night without solo performances from fan-favorite hitmakers – Kane Brown, Gabby Barrett, and Luke Combs.
Who will be honored?
CMT will first honor the frontline workers who have put their lives at risk during the Coronavirus pandemic to kick-off the moving ceremony. Throughout the night, award-winning artists like Chris Stapleton, Gabby Barrett, Kane Brown, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, and Mickey Guyton will be honored for their remarkable work, for their storytelling, and most importantly, for the impact they have left on the industry.
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Who will receive the “Artist of a Lifetime” honor?
Legendary artist Randy Travis will be noticed for his groundbreaking work throughout the years. Garth Brooks will present the prestigious award. Travis was recently inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame class of 2016, as he is one of the most popular multi-genre record sellers in history. His accolades include seven Grammy Awards, 11 Academy of Country Music statuettes, 10 American Music Awards, two People’s Choice awards, seven Music City News awards, eight Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association, and five Country Music Association honors.
“To think you receive a Lifetime Achievement award for sharing your with the world through music is really beyond words of gratitude. CMT has been so good to me throughout my career, and I’m happy they believe I gave something in return. I’m blessed and most thankful,” shared the influential vocalist with CMT.
Who will receive the “Breakout Artist Of The Year” honor?
The great honor will go to female trailblazer, Mickey Guyton. “Loot at God, Thank you so much, @cmt, for this incredible honor. This means more than you know,” says the ‘Remember Her Name’ artist on social media. Previous recipients have been Chris Stapleton (2015), Kelsea Ballerini (2016), and Ashley McBryde (2019).
For more Country news, visit CelebSecretsCountry.com.
