“Country Music’s Biggest Night” is upon us! The 53rd Annual CMA Awards will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone arena TONIGHT at 8/7 c on ABC.
This year’s show, which will be a celebration of women in country music, marks the first time ever that women have been nominated in every category (with the exception of Male Vocalist of the Year). Additionally, three legendary country music females, Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton, have been tapped to host what is sure to be one of the most memorable CMA Awards in history.
As we count down the hours until the biggest night in country music, here’s a rundown of everything you need to know about the show.
How To Watch:
The 53rd Annual CMA Awards will air live on ABC at 8/7 c.
Who Is Hosting:
Longtime CMA Awards host Carrie Underwood is the official host the evening, this time around, she’s being joined by special guest hosts Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton. Underwood has hosted the show since 2008, previously alongside Brad Paisley.
Who Is Nominated:
A complete list of nominees can be viewed HERE. Maren Morris leads the pack with a total of six nods, while some of her “favorite people,” Brothers Osborne, trail behind with four nominations. Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Dan + Shay, Scott Hendricks, Dann Huff, Greg Kurstin, Kacey Musgraves, Blake Shelton, Chris Stapleton and Carrie Underwood each earned three nominations.
Who Is Performing:
The show will include a historic opening performance from host Carrie Underwood and special guest hosts Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton along with Terri Clark, Sara Evans, Crystal Gayle, The Highwomen, Martina McBride, Jennifer Nettles, Tanya Tucker and Gretchen Wilson.
Also confirmed to take the stage are Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley with Sheryl Crow, Chris Janson and John Osborne, Brooks & Dunn with Brothers Osborne, Garth Brooks with Blake Shelton, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Dan + Shay, Lady Antebellum and Halsey, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves with Willie Nelson, Old Dominion, Dolly Parton with for KING & COUNTRY and Zach Williams, P!NK and Chris Stapleton, Blake Shelton, Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood, and Keith Urban.
The show will also feature an additional performance from Female Vocalist of the Year nominee Kelsea Ballerini, who will be joined by Lindsay Ell, Maddie & Tae, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce and Runaway June with a special appearance by Little Big Town.
Who Is Presenting:
Presenters for the show include Bobby Bones, Blanco Brown, ABC’s Dancing With The Stars’ Hannah Brown, Deana Carter, actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth, Janie Fricke, actor/comedian Jim Gaffigan, Vince Gill, Kathy Mattea, Martina McBride, Midland, Craig Morgan, Jennifer Nettles, Riverdale’s Madelaine Petsch, actor, comedian and writer J.B. Smoove, Pam Tillis, Morgan Wallen and Trisha Yearwood.
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