Kane Brown saved the day when CMT made a last-minute phone call to invite him to co-host the 2022 CMT Music Awards after co-host Kelsea Ballerini could no longer attend in person.
The chart-topping hitmaker and father of two appeared on CBS This Morning just hours ahead of the show to reveal that he got the call to co-host on Saturday, April 9, while in Pennsylvania visiting family.
“The day before yesterday, while I was in Pennsylvania, we had to rush back and then pulled up and rehearsed, yesterday,” Brown shared. “It was cool, I’m excited, it’s very interesting how we got it set up with Kelsea and I’m just so excited to get to do it again. I was honestly kind of bummed when I found out that you can only do it two years in a row and then they pass it on to somebody else. So, I’m glad I get to come back and do it.”
With Ballerini co-hosting from home, Brown will co-host alongside actor Anthony Mackie.
The multi-platinum superstar is the most nominated artist at the 2022 CMT Music Awards, leading with four nods, including the coveted Video Of The Year award.
“I’m just really excited because this is the one [Awards Show] that fans get to participate in,” Brown shared of his nominations. ”Regardless, I’m excited that I’m up with some amazing artists and friends of mine. I’m just excited for the fans, they get to see what happens and I’m excited to get to see what happens.”
This marks Brown’s third time hosting the show as he previously co-hosted alongside Ashley McBryde and Sarah Hyland in 2020 and Kelsea Ballerini in 2021.
“I’m honored the team at CBS and CMT asked me to step in as a co-host and I’m happy to jump in with Anthony and Kelsea,” Brown shared. ”The CMT awards has a special place for me always as one of the first awards I ever received – and being able to have a night that celebrates country music and the fans and their votes is amazing.”
Brown is also set to take the stage to perform his chart-topping hit, “One Mississippi.”
The news comes hours after Ballerini revealed that she will no longer be appearing in person, however, will be remotely co-hosting and performing from her Tennessee home.
The 2022 CMT Music Awards will broadcast LIVE from Nashville on Monday, April 11th (8:00-11:00 PM LIVE ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network and is available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+*.
