BREAKING: Luke Bryan And Peyton Manning To Co-Host 56th Annual CMA Awards
The Country Music Association and ABC have announced that two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan and NFL superstar Peyton Manning will…

Luke Bryan; Photo by Ryan Anderson, Peyton Manning; Photo by Chris Haston/NBC/NBCU
The Country Music Association and ABC have announced that two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan and NFL superstar Peyton Manning will host The 56th Annual CMA Awards.
On Monday (Aug. 1), Bryan revealed the exciting news while guest hosting Live with Kelly and Ryan.
“Being a part of such a historical night that honors my peers and Country Music is such a privilege,” Bryan said. “When I was asked if Peyton Manning was someone I would consider co-hosting with I didn’t hesitate. We have become great friends through the years and what he brings to the table is gonna make it even more of a blast. I know he’s been to the CMA Awards before, but he’s never been with me. Hey Peyton, I hope you’re ready for the night of your life!”
“I cannot wait to head to Nashville and take the CMA Awards stage alongside my friend Luke Bryan,” Manning added. “I am such a huge fan of Country Music, so to have the chance to stand among so many incredibly talented artists is an absolute honor.”
Luke Bryan returns for a second consecutive year to host the CMA Awards, while Manning is a first-time host.
“Country Music’s Biggest Night will without a doubt live up to its expectation this year,” Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer shared. “During an evening when we celebrate the best of the best in Country Music, we are thrilled to have two award-winning hosts at the helm! I cannot wait to see what Luke and Peyton have up their sleeves, which I’m sure will be hilariously unpredictable and playfully energetic, just like the two of them.”
“Just when we thought we couldn’t top Luke’s explosive energy and signature charm as host of last year’s CMA Awards, we’re bringing him back alongside sports legend Peyton Manning for Country Music’s biggest night,” Rob Mills, Walt Disney Television Executive Vice President, Unscripted and Alternative Entertainment added. “Their dynamic chemistry and magnetic friendship is the perfect anchor for this year’s star-studded show.”
Final nominees for The 56th Annual CMA Awards will be revealed in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to CMAawards.com for more details.
Country Music’s Biggest Night will broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 9 (8:00-11:00 PM/EST) on ABC.
The 56th Annual CMA Awards is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer, Alan Carter is the Director and Jon Macks is the Head Writer.
Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.