Yeehaw! It’s almost time for country music’s biggest night.
If it’s anything like the past years, the 52nd AnnualCMA Awardswill feature heartwarming performances, a few jokes from the hosts, and some surprising and exciting reward reveals. Here is everything you need to know before Wednesday night.
Who’s Hosting?
For the11th time in a row,Carrie UnderwoodandBrad Paisleywill cohost the night. Throughout the years, the pair have had some unforgettable moments, including a 2008 comedic parody entitled, “Mamas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Kanye,” or the 2011 “Tim and Faith Have Barbies” sketch.
Courtesy CMA
Check out PEOPLE’sfull CMA Awards coverageto get the latest news on country music’s biggest night.
Since Underwood ispregnant againthis year, one can only imagine what Paisley has up his sleeve during their comedic sketches.
Who’s Performing?
This year’s ceremony promises to be full of star-studded performances from Kelsea Ballerini,Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Dan + Shay, Old Dominion, Keith Urban and, of course, Underwood herself.
Dierks Bentleyand Brothers Osborne joined the lineup, alongside Florida Georgia Line and Bebe Rexha, Kacey Musgraves,Thomas Rhett, Garth Brooks, Lauren Alaina, Brad Paisley, Ricky Skaggs, Chris Stapleton, Maren Morris, Mavis Staples, Luke Combs, Midland and Brett Young.
The Pistol Annieswill also be uniting on the stage for the first time since their surprise concert announcing new music, andMiranda Lambertwill perform without her girl group alongside Jason Aldean for their hit duet “Drowns the Whiskey.”
The show will also feature “special appearances” from Lindsay Ell, Vince Gill, Sierra Hull, Chris Janson, Ashley McBryde, David Lee Murphy, Jon Pardi, Carson Peters, Marty Stuart and Cole Swindell.
What About the Nominees?
Stapletonleads the pack of CMA nominees with five nods, including entertainer of the year, single of the year and record of the year following the release of his album,From A Room: Volume 2.
AldeanandUrbaneach earned three nominations, with both stars competing against Stapleton for entertainer of the year.
Meanwhile,Underwood, garnered two nods, including female vocalist of the year.
See the full list of nominationshere.
Who Decides the Winners?
How Do I Watch?
The 52nd annual CMA Awards air Wednesday, Nov. 14 from Nashville at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.
source: people.com
