Luke Bryan at the 2018 iHeartRadio Music Festival at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on September 22, 2018. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for iHeartMedia)
Blake Shelton at the 2018 E! People’s Choice Awards at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, on November 11, 2018 (Photo by Christopher Polk/E! Entertainment)
Keith Urban at the 2017 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on November 19, 2017. (Photo courtesy of ABC/Image Group LA)
The following is a press release from the Academy of Country Music:
The Academy of Country Music has announced that Luke Bryan, Old Dominion, Blake Shelton and Keith Urban have been added to the exciting lineup of live performances for the 54th Academy of Country Music Awards and will be joined by a star-studded list of presenters including Lauren Alaina, Beth Behrs, Clint Black, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Jessie James Decker, Hunter Hayes, Jay Hernandez, Lady Antebellum, Midland, Nancy O’Dell, Danica Patrick, Carly Pearce, Dennis Quaid, Michael Ray, Cole Swindell, and Wilmer Valderrama. The awards telecast, hosted by Reba McEntire, will air LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 7, 2019 at 8:00 PM ET / delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.
As previously announced, Country Music’s Party of the Year® will also feature performances by Jason Aldean (ACM Dick Clark Artist of the Decade Award honoree), Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne, Kane Brown, Brandi Carlile, Eric Church, Kelly Clarkson, Luke Combs (ACM New Male Artist of the Year), Dan + Shay, Florida Georgia Line, Khalid, Miranda Lambert, LANCO (ACM New Group of the Year), Little Big Town, Ashley McBryde (ACM New Female Artist of the Year), Reba McEntire, Maren Morris, Thomas Rhett, Chris Stapleton, George Strait and Carrie Underwood.
Tickets for the ceremony are available for purchase now at www.axs.com. For more information on the ACM Awards and all ACM events including ACM Party for a Cause®, visit ACMcountry.com. You can also like Academy of Country Music on Facebook or follow on Twitter and Instagram for more immediate updates.
Watching a New Year’s Eve special on TV is a tradition for millions of people around the world. After taking a break from a New Year’s Eve Special in 2017, NBC is back with its star-studded party in New York City’s Times Square. Here’s what is planned for the four biggest New Year’s TV specials in the United States:
Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2019
Ryan Seacrest and Jenny McCarthy (Photo by Lorenzo Bevilaqua/ABC)
Celebrating its 47th year, “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” (which is produced by Dick Clark Productions and airs in the U.S. on ABC) is still the most high-profile televised New Year’s Eve event. Mariah Carey headlined the show from New York City’s Times Square in 2018 and 2017. In 2018, another Grammy-winning diva—Christina Aguilera—is taking the headlining spot. Ryan Seacrest will once again host the show, which begins airing from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET, followed by 11:30 p.m. to 2:13 a.m. ET. Jenny McCarthy will provide on-site reporting. Other performers in Times Square include Bastille, Dan + Shay and New Kids on the Block. Airing just after midnight Eastern Time, Post Malone will perform from a stop on his current tour in Brooklyn, New York, marking the first television performance of the new year. Meanwhile, the special has partnered with YouTube Music for the first time this year for cross-promotional programming.
Ciara will once again host the Los Angeles segments of the show that will feature performances that were mostly previously recorded. Artists in the show’s Los Angeles segments will include Lauren Alaina, Kelsea Ballerini, Bazzi, Kane Brown, Camila Cabello, The Chainsmokers, Ciara, Foster the People, Halsey, Dua Lipa, Ella Mai, Shawn Mendes, Charlie Puth and Weezer, as well as collaborations from Brown featuring Alaina; Macklemore with Skylar Grey; and The Chainsmokers featuring Ballerini.
Meanwhile, actress Lucy Hale (former star of “Pretty Little Liars”) will host the show’s second annual Central Time Zone celebration from New Orleans. Florida Georgia Line and Maren Morris will perform from the Allstate Fan Fest, leading up to the midnight countdown and fleur-de-lis drop near Jackson Square. “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2019” is produced by Dick Clark Productions with Seacrest, Barry Adelman and Mark Bracco serving as executive producers. Larry Klein is producer.
Fox’s New Year’s Eve With Steve Harvey: Live From Times Square
Steve Harvey (Photo by Brian Bowen Smith/Fox)
After televising its New Year’s Eve show (hosted by Pitbull) in Miami from 2014 to 2016, Fox changed locations and hosts in 2017, with the show now taking place at New York City’s Times Square with comedian/talk-show host Steve Harvey and former E! News personality Maria Menounous. This year, Harvey and Menounous return to co-host the show, which airs on Fox from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET and 11 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. ET live; CT/MT/PT tape-delayed. Performers will include Sting, Snoop Dogg, Robin Thicke, Florence + the Machine, Jason Aldean, Juanes and Why Don’t We. Additionally, the special will include celebrity cameo appearances by comedians Ken Jeong and Kenan Thompson, as well as “Fox NFL Sunday” commentators Curt Menefee, Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, Michael Strahan and Jimmy Johnson. “Fox’s New Year’s Eve With Steve Harvey: Live From Times Square” is produced by IMG Original Content and Done + Dusted. Guy Carrington, Katy Mullan, Mike Antinoro, Dave Chamberlin and Orly Anderson serve as executive producers; and Eddie Delbridge serves as co-executive producer. IMG also produces Harvey’s self-titled talk show, as well as the Miss Universe Pageant and “It’s Showtime at the Apollo,” which have been hosted by Harvey over the past several years.
[December 30, 2018 UPDATE: Dierks Bentley has been added to the lineup performing in Times Square.]
NBC’s New Year’s Eve
(Photo courtesy of NBCUniversal)
Stars from NBC’s “The Voice” are all over “NBC’s New Year’s Eve” special, which begins airing at 10 p.m. ET from New York City’s Times Square. Not only is “The Voice” host Carson Daly hosting the New Year’s Eve show (with Chrissy Teigen and assistance from Leslie Jones), but “The Voice” coaches Kelly Clarkson, Blake Shelton and John Legend are also performing on the special. Other performers include Jennifer Lopez, Bebe Rexha, Diana Ross and Andy Grammer. Keith Urban and Brett Young will perform at Jack Daniel’s Music City Midnight: New Year’s Eve in Nashville. “NBC Nightly News” and “Dateline NBC” anchor Lester Holt will also appear on stage before the iconic ball drop. “NBC’s New Year’s Eve” will be televised from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET, followed by the New Year’s countdown segment 11:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. ET. “NBC’s New Year’s Eve” is executive produced by Daly, Teigen and John Irwin through NBCUniversal Television Studio and Irwin Entertainment. It is co-executive produced by Casey Spira.
New Year’s Eve Live With Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen
Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper (Photo courtesy of CNN)
For the second year in a row, longtime friends Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen will co-host CNN’s New Year’s Eve celebration, which begins at 8 p.m. ET. CNN’s 11th annual New Year’s Eve Show, which is telecast live from New York City’s Times Square has a more star-studded lineup this year than in previous years. Gwen Stefani is scheduled to perform from her Las Vegas residency, while Keith Urban (who also appears on NBC’s New Year’s Eve Special), Dave Chappelle, Patti LaBelle and Jack Black also round out the show’s celebrity lineup. New Year’s Eve Live With Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen will also spotlight Broadway musicals such as “The Band’s Visit,” “Wicked,” “Tootsie” and “Come From Away.” CNN’s New Year’s Eve Show begins at 8 p.m. ET, and will end at approximately 1:05 p.m. ET. CNN anchors Don Lemon and Brooke Baldwin will host a countdown from New Orleans at 12:30 a.m. ET.In 2017, Cohen replaced Kathy Griffin, who was notoriously fired from the show in May of that year for publicly posting a photo of herself holding up a fake bloody head of President Donald Trump. Griffin and Cooper had co-hosted CNN’s New Year’s Eve Show since 2007, but the Cooper/Cohen duo brought in the show’s highest ratings so far. Cooper and Cohen have an established rapport, since they have done numerous speaking engagements together.
Carson Daly on “The Voice” (Photo by Tyler Golden/NBC)
Chrissy Teigen at the 2018 E! People’s Choice Awards at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, on November 11, 2018. (Photo by Todd Williamson/E! Entertainment)
Leslie Jones at the 70th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on September 17, 2018. (Photo by Trae Patton/NBC)
The following is a press release from NBC:
NBC has it all on New Year’s Eve as Carson Daly and Chrissy Teigen host “NBC’s New Year’s Eve” live from Times Square in New York with Leslie Jones. Keith Urban will perform live from Nashville and host the Jack Daniel’s Music City Midnight: New Year’s Eve from Nashville’s Bicentennial State Park. This incredible line up of talent will introduce the biggest musical acts of the year (to be announced) and join the crowd in saying goodbye to 2018.
The special will air Monday, Dec. 31 from 10-11 p.m. ET/PT, will break for local news and return for the final countdown from 11:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
CARSON DALY
Carson Daly serves as host and producer for the 15th season of the hit NBC series “The Voice.” The series has received seven consecutive Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Reality Competition Program and won in 2013, 2015-17. Additionally, “The Voice” received a Producers Guild Award for Outstanding Producer of Competition Television for the sixth year in a row. Daly joined NBC’s morning show “Today” in 2013 and is host of the Orange Room, its digital studio. Daly’s long-running late night NBC series, “Last Call with Carson Daly,” is currently entering its 18th season. “Last Call” has garnered acclaim for its documentary style, emphasis on exceptional storytelling and status as late-night TV’s unofficial music tastemaker. After getting his start in radio as the host at the top-rated morning-drive radio program on 97.1 AMP-FM Los Angeles, Daly quickly landed one of the most coveted positions in the business — the early evening voice of L.A.’s influential and highly rated alternative rock station KROQ-FM. MTV soon recognized his talent and brought him to New York. As host and executive producer of MTV’s “Total Request Live (TRL),” Daly transformed an afternoon music video program into a must-stop on the publicity circuit for musicians, movie stars and entertainers. It was Daly’s guy-next-door charm that made him appealing as he entered living rooms daily to offer exactly what the audience desired.
CHRISSY TEIGEN
Chrissy Teigen is a bestselling cookbook author, model and television host. In 2016, she released her #1 New York Times best-selling cookbook, “Cravings: Recipes for All the Food You Want to Eat.” Earlier this year she followed that publication up with her highly anticipated second cookbook, “Cravings: Hungry for More,” in addition to launching her kitchen and tabletop collection, “Cravings by Chrissy Teigen,” which is available exclusively at Target. Teigen can also be seen on Paramount Network’s smash hit competition show, “Lip Sync Battle.”
LESLIE JONES
Leslie Jones is currently starring in her fifth season of “Saturday Night Live.” Her work on the longstanding sketch show has garnered her two Emmy Award nominations and inclusion on the Time 100 list. Jones covered the most recent Summer and Winter Olympics for NBC and was the host of the 2017 BET Awards. She is currently recording one of the lead roles in “Angry Birds 2” for Sony Pictures. Jones also starred in Paul Feig’s reboot of “Ghostbusters,” alongside Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig and Kate McKinnon. Her other film credits include Chris Rock’s “Top Five,” Judd Apatow’s “Trainwreck” and the animated film “Sing.” Jones is from Memphis, Tenn.
The 10th annual Nashville New Year’s Eve event will take place near the Tennessee State Capitol at Nashville’s Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. The music-filled evening caps off with a Music Note Drop and fireworks to ring in the New Year.
“NBC’s New Year’s Eve” is executive produced by Daly, Teigen and John Irwin through NBCUniversal Television Studio and Irwin Entertainment. It is co-executive produced by Casey Spira and directed by Ryan Polito.
Keith Urban at the 52nd Annual CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on November 14, 2018. (Photo courtesy of ABC/Image Group LA)
Chris Stapleton at the 52nd Annual CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on November 14, 2018. (Photo courtesy of ABC/Image Group LA)
Keith Urban was named Entertainer of the Year, while Chris Stapleton won the most prizes (three) at the 52nd Annual CMA Awards, which took place at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on November 14, 2018. Stapleton was named Male Vocalist of the Year, while his “Broken Halos” single (which he co-wrote) was named Song of the Year and Single of the Year.
Carrie Underwood, who hosted the CMA Awards for the 11th consecutive year with Brad Paisley, took the prize for Female Vocalist of the Year. Kasey Musgraves was the only other female artist to win at the 2018 CMA Awards: She won Album of the Year for “Golden Hour.”
Other winners were Old Dominion (Group of the Year), Brothers Osborne (Duo of the Year) and Mac McAnally (Musician of the Year).
Performers included Urban, Stapleton with Maren Morris, Underwood, Paisley, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Dan + Shay, Old Dominion, Dierks Bentley with Brothers Osborne, Florida Georgia Line with Bebe Rexha, Kacey Musgraves, Pistol Annies, Thomas Rhett, Eric Church, Lauren Alaina, Brad Paisley, Ricky Skaggs and Mavis Staples.
Presenters included Jimmie Allen, Bobby Bones, Kane Brown, Sharna Burgess, Olivia Culpo, Mackenzie Foy, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Dustin Lynch, Martina McBride and Carly Pearce, Dennis Quaid, Lionel Richie, Noah Schnapp, Lara Spencer, Rita Wilson and Trisha Yearwood.
Here is the complete list of nominees and winners of the 2018 CMA Awards:
*=winner Entertainer of the Year
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Kenny Chesney
Chris Stapleton Keith Urban*
Single of the Year Award goes to artist, producer(s) and mix engineer(s)
Chris Stapleton – “Broken Halos”* Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton Mix Engineer: Vance Powell
Jason Aldean featuring Miranda Lambert – “Drowns the Whiskey”
Producer: Michael Knox
Mix Engineer: Jeff Braun
Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line – “Meant to Be”
Producer: Willshire
Mix Engineer: Serban Ghenea
Dan + Shay – “Tequila”
Producers: Scott Hendricks, Dan Smyers
Mix Engineer: Jeff Juliano
Album of the Year Award goes to artist and producer(s)
Chris Stapleton – “From a Room: Volume 2”
Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton
Kacey Musgraves – “Golden Hour”* Producers: Ian Fitchuk, Daniel Tashian, Kacey Musgraves
Keith Urban – “Graffiti U”
Producers: Keith Urban, Dan McCarroll, J.R. Rotem, Josh Kerr, Jason Evigan, Greg Wells, Benny Blanco, Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid, Jesse Shatkin, Jimmy Robbins, Oscar Holter, Matt Rad, Eric Valentine, Ian Kirkpatrick, Mike Elizondo, Captain Cuts, Ross Copperman, Dann Huff, Peter Karlsson
Thomas Rhett – “Life Changes“
Producers: Julian Bunetta, Jesse Frasure, Dann Huff, Joe London, Thomas Rhett
Dierks Bentley – “The Mountain”
Producers: Ross Copperman, Jon Randall Stewart, Arturo Buenahora Jr.
Song of the Year Award goes to songwriter(s)
“Body Like a Back Road”
Songwriters: Zach Crowell, Sam Hunt, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
“Broken Halos”* Songwriters: Mike Henderson, Chris Stapleton
“Drowns the Whiskey”
Songwriters: Brandon Kinney, Jeff Middleton, Josh Thompson
“Drunk Girl”
Songwriters: Scooter Carusoe, Tom Douglas, Chris Janson
“Tequila”
Songwriters: Nicolle Galyon, Jordan Reynolds, Dan Smyers
Female Vocalist of the Year
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Maren Morris
Kacey Musgraves Carrie Underwood*
Male Vocalist of the Year
Dierks Bentley
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett Chris Stapleton*
Keith Urban
Vocal Group of the Year
Lady Antebellum
LANCO
Little Big Town
Midland Old Dominion*
Vocal Duo of the Year Brothers Osborne*
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Maddie & Tae
Sugarland
Musician of the Year
Jerry Douglas, Dobro
Paul Franklin, Steel Guitar
Dann Huff, Guitar Mac McAnally, Guitar*
Derek Wells, Guitar
Award winners announced prior to the 2018 CMA Awards telecast:
Musical Event of the Year Award goes to each artist
Dierks Bentley featuring Brothers Osborne – “Burning Man”
Maren Morris featuring Vince Gill – “Dear Hate”
Jason Aldean featuring Miranda Lambert – “Drowns the Whiskey” David Lee Murphy with Kenny Chesney – “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright”*
Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line – “Meant to Be”
Music Video of the Year Award goes to artist and director(s)
Sugarland featuring Taylor Swift – “Babe”
Director: Anthony Mandler
Carrie Underwood– “Cry Pretty”
Director: Randee St. Nicholas
Chris Janson – “Drunk Girl”
Director: Jeff Venable
Thomas Rhett – “Marry Me”* Director: TK McKamy
Dan + Shay – “Tequila”
Director: Patrick Tracy
New Artist of the Year
Lauren Alaina Luke Combs*
Chris Janson
Midland
Brett Young
Broadcast Personality of the Year
National
“American Country Countdown” (Kix Brooks) – Westwood One
“Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40” (Bob Kingsley) – Westwood One “Country Countdown USA” (Lon Helton) – Westwood One*
“The Mayor of Music Row” (Charlie Monk) – Sirius XM Satellite Radio
“The Music Row Happy Hour” (Buzz Brainard) – Sirius XM Satellite Radio
Major Market “Bud and Broadway” (Bud Ford, Jerry Broadway, Kelly Rebal, “Captain Mac Douglas” Gregory Paul Ford, “T.Wall” Tom Wall, and “Sweet Becca” Walls) – WIL St. Louis, MO*
“Double-L” (Lois Lewis) – KNIX Phoenix, AZ
“Hawkeye in the Morning” (“Hawkeye” Mark Louis Rybczyk, Jasmine Sadry, and “Connected K” Katelyn Maida) – KSCS Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
“KYGO Morning Show” (Tracy Dixon, Guy David, and Patrick Knight) – KYGO Denver-Boulder, CO
“Tim, Ben and Brooke” (Tim Hattrick, Ben Campbell, and Brooke Hoover) – KNIX Phoenix, AZ
Large Market “Jim, Deb & Kevin” (Jim Denny, Deborah Honeycutt, and Kevin Freeman) – WFMS Indianapolis, IN*
“Obie & Ashley in the Morning” (Obie Diaz and Ashley Stegbauer) – WWKA Orlando, FL
“Q Morning Crew” (Mike Wheless and Janie Carothers) – WQDR Raleigh-Durham, NC
“The Randy, Jamie, and Jojo Show” (Randy Carroll, Jamie Martin, and Jojo Meza) – KAJA San Antonio, TX
“Ridder, Scott and Shannen” (“Ridder” Shaun Ridderbush, Scott Dolphin, and Shannen Oesterreich) – WMIL Milwaukee-Racine, WI
Medium Market
“The 97.5 WPCV Breakfast Club” (Roger Todd, “Julie K.” Kansy, and “D.J. Thee Trucker” Dale Sellers) – WPCV Lakeland-Winter Haven, FLA
Brent Michaels – KUZZ Bakersfield, CA “Ken, Kelley, and Daniel” (Ken Hicks, Kelley Bradshaw, and Daniel Wyatt) – WUSY Chattanooga, TN*
“The Odd Squad” (Roger Rhodes, Robyn Adair, and Dan Carson) – CKRY Calgary, AB
“Scott and Sarah in the Morning” (Scott Wynn and Sarah Kay) – WQMX Akron, OH
Small Market
“Barrett, Fox & Berry” (Bill Barrett, Tim Fox, and Tracy Berry) – KKNU Eugene-Springfield, OR
“The Cat Pak Morning Show” (Brent Lane and Candy Cullerton) – WYCT Pensacola, FL
“The Eddie Foxx Show” (Eddie Foxx and Sharon Green) – WKSF Asheville, NC
“The Good Morning Guys” (Todd Harding, Susan Moore, and Brian Gary) – KUAD Ft. Collins-Greeley, CO “Steve and Jessica Mornings” (Steve Waters and Jessica Cash) – WFLS Fredericksburg, VA*
Radio Station of the Year
Major Market KKBQ Houston-Galveston, TX*
KNIX Phoenix, AZ
KUPL Portland, OR
WKKT Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, NC-SC
WSOC Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, NC-SC
Large Market
KCYY San Antonio, TX
KUBL Salt Lake City-Ogden-Provo, UT
WQIK Jacksonville, FL WUBE Cincinnati, OH*
WWKA Orlando, FL
Medium Market
KUZZ Bakersfield, CA
WBBS Syracuse, NY
WHKO Dayton, OH WUSY Chattanooga, TN*
WYRK Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY
Small Market
KCLR Columbia, MO
KKNU Eugene-Springfield, OR KTTS Springfield, MO*
WCOW La Crosse, WI
WKSF Asheville, NC
The following is a press release from the Country Music Association and ABC:
The Country Music Association has announced the final nominees for “The 52nd Annual CMA Awards,” as Chris Stapleton tops the list of finalists with five nominations. Producer and musician Dann Huff receives four nominations, the second most nominations this year, while nine garners three each—Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Dan + Shay, Florida Georgia Line, Chris Janson, Miranda Lambert, Midland, Thomas Rhett and Keith Urban.
Luke Bryan, Dan + Shay and Sugarland appeared on ABC’s “Good Morning America” today, live from Luke’s 32 Bridge Food + Drink, Bryan’s new restaurant and bar in downtown Nashville, to reveal six of the 12 categories on air. Immediately following the broadcast, Dan + Shay and Sugarland announced the remaining six categories in addition to the CMA Broadcast Awards nominees on GoodMorningAmerica.com as well as “Good Morning America’s” Facebook Live and simulcast on the top-rated show’s YouTube channel. The livestream can also be viewed on CMA’s Facebook page.
“Today kicks off CMA Awards season where we get to honor the best of the best in our outstanding format,” said CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern. “There were some great breakout performances this year and the diversity of the nominations honors new faces and some favorite returning names.”
Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood return for an 11th year to host “The 52nd Annual CMA Awards,” Country Music’s Biggest Night™, broadcasting live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville Wednesday, Nov. 14 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EDT), on the ABC Television Network.
CHRIS STAPLETON – FIVE NOMINATIONS
Entertainer of the Year, Single of the Year (“Broken Halos”), Album of the Year (“From A Room: Volume 2”), Song of the Year (“Broken Halos”), Male Vocalist of the Year
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4DXSi4AfCE
Stapleton leads this year’s CMA Awards nominations with five, adding to his previous 11 nominations and seven wins. He lands his third consecutive nod for Entertainer of the Year in addition to nominations in the Single and Song of the Year categories for “Broken Halos,” produced by Dave Cobb and Stapleton, mixed by Vance Powell, and written by Mike Henderson and Stapleton. Stapleton earns his third nomination for Album of the Year for “From A Room: Volume 2,” produced by Cobb and Stapleton. He previously won Album for his first two solo albums, “Traveller,” awarded in 2015, and “From A Room: Volume 1,” awarded in 2017. Stapleton also receives his fourth consecutive nomination for Male Vocalist of the Year, a category he remains undefeated in, having won the past three years.
DANN HUFF – FOUR NOMINATIONS
Single of the Year (“Drinkin’ Problem”), Album of the Year (“Graffiti U”), Album of the Year (“Life Changes”), Musician of the Year (Guitar)
Producer and musician Dann Huff garners the second most nominations, receiving four nominations for his behind-the-scenes work with multiple artists. Huff is a 31-time nominee with three previous wins for Musician of the Year and two previous wins for Single of the Year. This year, he’s once again nominated in both of these categories. His Single nomination for producing Midland’s “Drinkin’ Problem” earns Huff his sixth nomination in the category. He also lands two Album of the Year nods for his production work on Keith Urban’s “Graffiti U” and Thomas Rhett’s “Life Changes.” Huff earns his 18th nomination in the Musician of the Year category, which he last won in 2016.
JASON ALDEAN – THREE NOMINATIONS
Entertainer of the Year, Single of the Year (“Drowns the Whiskey”), Musical Event of the Year (“Drowns the Whiskey”)
Jason Aldean adds three nominations to his 14 career nominations. His Entertainer of the Year nomination is his first since 2015 and his fourth nomination in the category. This year, Aldean lands two nominations alongside Miranda Lambert for Single of the Year, along with producer Michael Knox and mix engineer Jeff Braun, and Musical Event of the Year for their collaboration “Drowns the Whiskey.” Aldean has two previous nominations for Musical Event, having won in 2011 for his song “Don’t You Wanna Stay” with Kelly Clarkson, as well as two nominations for Single.
DIERKS BENTLEY – THREE NOMINATIONS
Album of the Year (“The Mountain”), Male Vocalist of the Year, Musical Event of the Year (“Burning Man”)
Dierks Bentley earns his sixth career nomination for Album of the Year, alongside producers Ross Copperman, Jon Randall Stewart, and Arturo Buenahora Jr., while also marking his fifth consecutive nomination for Male Vocalist of the Year. He also lands a nod alongside Brothers Osborne for Musical Event of the Year for their collaboration “Burning Man,” Bentley’s third nomination in the category. He won Musical Event in 2016 for his song “Different For Girls” (Feat. Elle King). With this year’s nominations, Bentley collects 24 total career nominations.
DAN + SHAY – THREE NOMINATIONS
Single of the Year (“Tequila”), Vocal Duo of the Year, Music Video of the Year (“Tequila”)
Adding to their four career nominations, Dan + Shay receive three nominations this year, with two first-time nominations for “Tequila” in the Single of the Year and Music Video of the Year categories. “Tequila” lands the song’s producers, Dan + Shay’s Dan Smyers along with Scott Hendricks, as well as mix engineer Jeff Juliano, nominations for Single, while director Patrick Tracy earns his first nomination for Music Video. Dan + Shay also land a nomination for Vocal Duo of the Year, their fifth consecutive nomination in the category. Smyers earns a second nomination for Song of the Year for co-writing “Tequila” alongside Nicolle Galyon and Jordan Reynolds. A win in any category this year would mark Dan + Shay’s first-ever CMA Award.
FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE – THREE NOMINATIONS
Single of the Year (“Meant to Be”), Vocal Duo of the Year, Musical Event of the Year (“Meant to Be”)
Florida Georgia Line becomes six-time Vocal Duo of the Year nominees this year in addition to landing nominations for Single of the Year and Musical Event of the Year for “Meant to Be,” their collaboration with Bebe Rexha. “Meant to Be” also earns Single nominations for producer Willshire and mix engineer Serban Ghenea. Florida Georgia Line previously won in the Single category in 2013 for their song “Cruise.” This year marks Rexha’s first-ever CMA Awards nominations.
CHRIS JANSON – THREE NOMINATIONS
Song of the Year (“Drunk Girl”), Music Video of the Year (“Drunk Girl”), New Artist of the Year
With three nominations this year, Chris Janson ties Midland for the top-earning first-time nominee. His song “Drunk Girl” lands nods for Song of the Year, alongside co-writers Scooter Carusoe and Tom Douglas, and Music Video of the Year, directed by Jeff Venable. Janson is also up for New Artist of the Year.
MIRANDA LAMBERT – THREE NOMINATIONS
Single of the Year (“Drowns the Whiskey”), Female Vocalist of the Year, Musical Event of the Year (“Drowns the Whiskey”)
Not only is Miranda Lambert the most-awarded female in CMA Awards history with 13 total wins, but she’s also the reigning Female Vocalist of the Year, earning her 12th consecutive nomination in the category this year. Lambert collects two nominations with her Jason Aldean collaboration “Drowns the Whiskey” for Single of the Year, along with producer Michael Knox and mix engineer Jeff Braun, as well as for Musical Event of the Year, bringing her total career nominations to 47.
MIDLAND – THREE NOMINATIONS
Single of the Year (“Drinkin’ Problem”), Vocal Group of the Year, New Artist of the Year
Midland ties for the top-earning first-time nominees, matching Chris Janson’s three nominations this year. The trio lands a Single of the Year nomination for “Drinkin’ Problem” along with producers Huff, Shane McAnally, and Josh Osborne, and mix engineer Justin Niebank. Midland also receives nominations for Vocal Group of the Year and New Artist of the Year.
THOMAS RHETT – THREE NOMINATIONS
Album of the Year (“Life Changes”), Male Vocalist of the Year, Music Video of the Year (“Marry Me”)
Thomas Rhett collects his second consecutive nomination in the Male Vocalist of the Year category this year. His album “Life Changes” earns his first-ever Album of the Year nomination, which he shares with producers Julian Bunetta, Jesse Frasure, Huff, and Joe London. Thomas Rhett also receives a nomination for Music Video of the Year for his song “Marry Me,” directed by TK McKamy.
KEITH URBAN – THREE NOMINATIONS
Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year (“Graffiti U”), Male Vocalist of the Year
This year marks Keith Urban’s 14th nomination for Male Vocalist of the Year, 11th nomination in the Entertainer of the Year category, and his sixth nomination in the Album of the Year category for “Graffiti U,” bringing his career nominations to 45 with 11 total wins. Urban shares the nomination with the albums producers Dan McCarroll, J.R. Rotem, Josh Kerr, Jason Evigan, Greg Wells, Benny Blanco, Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid, Jesse Shatkin, Jimmy Robbins, Oscar Holter, Matt Rad, Eric Valentine, Ian Kirkpatrick, Mike Elizondo, Captain Cuts, Copperman, Huff, and Peter Karlsson. Urban is the reigning Single of the Year winner for his song “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” which he also produced.
Winners of “The 52nd Annual CMA Awards” will be determined in a final round of voting by eligible voting CMA members. The third and final ballot will be emailed to CMA members Monday, Oct. 1. Voting for the CMA Awards final ballot ends Tuesday, Oct. 23 (6:00 p.m. CDT). All balloting is tabulated by the professional services firm Deloitte.
“The 52nd Annual CMA Awards” is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer, Gary Halvorson is the Director, and David Wild is the Head Writer.
Here is the complete list of nominations for the 2018 CMA Awards:
Entertainer of the Year
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Kenny Chesney
Chris Stapleton
Keith Urban
Single of the Year Award goes to artist, producer(s) and mix engineer(s)
Chris Stapleton – “Broken Halos”
Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton
Mix Engineer: Vance Powell
Jason Aldean featuring Miranda Lambert – “Drowns the Whiskey”
Producer: Michael Knox
Mix Engineer: Jeff Braun
Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line – “Meant to Be”
Producer: Willshire
Mix Engineer: Serban Ghenea
Dan + Shay – “Tequila”
Producers: Scott Hendricks, Dan Smyers
Mix Engineer: Jeff Juliano
Album of the Year Award goes to artist and producer(s)
Chris Stapleton – “From a Room: Volume 2”
Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton
Kacey Musgraves – “Golden Hour”
Producers: Ian Fitchuk, Daniel Tashian, Kacey Musgraves
Keith Urban – “Graffiti U”
Producers: Keith Urban, Dan McCarroll, J.R. Rotem, Josh Kerr, Jason Evigan, Greg Wells, Benny Blanco, Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid, Jesse Shatkin, Jimmy Robbins, Oscar Holter, Matt Rad, Eric Valentine, Ian Kirkpatrick, Mike Elizondo, Captain Cuts, Ross Copperman, Dann Huff, Peter Karlsson
Thomas Rhett – “Life Changes“
Producers: Julian Bunetta, Jesse Frasure, Dann Huff, Joe London, Thomas Rhett
Dierks Bentley – “The Mountain”
Producers: Ross Copperman, Jon Randall Stewart, Arturo Buenahora Jr.
Song of the Year Award goes to songwriter(s)
“Body Like a Back Road”
Songwriters: Zach Crowell, Sam Hunt, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
“Broken Halos”
Songwriters: Mike Henderson, Chris Stapleton
“Drowns the Whiskey”
Songwriters: Brandon Kinney, Jeff Middleton, Josh Thompson
“Drunk Girl”
Songwriters: Scooter Carusoe, Tom Douglas, Chris Janson
“Tequila”
Songwriters: Nicolle Galyon, Jordan Reynolds, Dan Smyers
Female Vocalist of the Year
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Maren Morris
Kacey Musgraves
Carrie Underwood
Male Vocalist of the Year
Dierks Bentley
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton
Keith Urban
Vocal Group of the Year
Lady Antebellum
LANCO
Little Big Town
Midland
Old Dominion
Vocal Duo of the Year
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Maddie & Tae
Sugarland
Musical Event of the Year Award goes to each artist
Dierks Bentley featuring Brothers Osborne – “Burning Man”
Maren Morris featuring Vince Gill – “Dear Hate”
Jason Aldean featuring Miranda Lambert – “Drowns the Whiskey”
David Lee Murphy with Kenny Chesney – “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright”
Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line – “Meant to Be”
Musician of the Year
Jerry Douglas, Dobro
Paul Franklin, Steel Guitar
Dann Huff, Guitar
Mac McAnally, Guitar
Derek Wells, Guitar
Music Video of the Year Award goes to artist and director(s)
Sugarland featuring Taylor Swift – “Babe”
Director: Anthony Mandler
Carrie Underwood– “Cry Pretty”
Director: Randee St. Nicholas
Chris Janson – “Drunk Girl”
Director: Jeff Venable
Thomas Rhett – “Marry Me”
Director: TK McKamy
Dan + Shay – “Tequila”
Director: Patrick Tracy
New Artist of the Year
Lauren Alaina
Luke Combs
Chris Janson
Midland
Brett Young
Broadcast Personality of the Year
National
“American Country Countdown” (Kix Brooks) – Westwood One
“Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40” (Bob Kingsley) – Westwood One
“Country Countdown USA” (Lon Helton) – Westwood One
“The Mayor of Music Row” (Charlie Monk) – Sirius XM Satellite Radio
“The Music Row Happy Hour” (Buzz Brainard) – Sirius XM Satellite Radio
Major Market
“Bud and Broadway” (Bud Ford, Jerry Broadway, Kelly Rebal, “Captain Mac Douglas” Gregory Paul Ford, “T.Wall” Tom Wall, and “Sweet Becca” Walls) – WIL St. Louis, MO
“Double-L” (Lois Lewis) – KNIX Phoenix, AZ
“Hawkeye in the Morning” (“Hawkeye” Mark Louis Rybczyk, Jasmine Sadry, and “Connected K” Katelyn Maida) – KSCS Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
“KYGO Morning Show” (Tracy Dixon, Guy David, and Patrick Knight) – KYGO Denver-Boulder, CO
“Tim, Ben and Brooke” (Tim Hattrick, Ben Campbell, and Brooke Hoover) – KNIX Phoenix, AZ
Large Market
“Jim, Deb & Kevin” (Jim Denny, Deborah Honeycutt, and Kevin Freeman) – WFMS Indianapolis, IN
“Obie & Ashley in the Morning” (Obie Diaz and Ashley Stegbauer) – WWKA Orlando, FL
“Q Morning Crew” (Mike Wheless and Janie Carothers) – WQDR Raleigh-Durham, NC
“The Randy, Jamie, and Jojo Show” (Randy Carroll, Jamie Martin, and Jojo Meza) – KAJA San Antonio, TX
“Ridder, Scott and Shannen” (“Ridder” Shaun Ridderbush, Scott Dolphin, and Shannen Oesterreich) – WMIL Milwaukee-Racine, WI
Medium Market
“The 97.5 WPCV Breakfast Club” (Roger Todd, “Julie K.” Kansy, and “D.J. Thee Trucker” Dale Sellers) – WPCV Lakeland-Winter Haven, FLA
Brent Michaels – KUZZ Bakersfield, CA
“Ken, Kelley, and Daniel” (Ken Hicks, Kelley Bradshaw, and Daniel Wyatt) – WUSY Chattanooga, TN
“The Odd Squad” (Roger Rhodes, Robyn Adair, and Dan Carson) – CKRY Calgary, AB
“Scott and Sarah in the Morning” (Scott Wynn and Sarah Kay) – WQMX Akron, OH
Small Market
“Barrett, Fox & Berry” (Bill Barrett, Tim Fox, and Tracy Berry) – KKNU Eugene-Springfield, OR
“The Cat Pak Morning Show” (Brent Lane and Candy Cullerton) – WYCT Pensacola, FL
“The Eddie Foxx Show” (Eddie Foxx and Sharon Green) – WKSF Asheville, NC
“The Good Morning Guys” (Todd Harding, Susan Moore, and Brian Gary) – KUAD Ft. Collins-Greeley, CO
“Steve and Jessica Mornings” (Steve Waters and Jessica Cash) – WFLS Fredericksburg, VA
Radio Station of the Year
Major Market
KKBQ Houston-Galveston, TX
KNIX Phoenix, AZ
KUPL Portland, OR
WKKT Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, NC-SC
WSOC Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, NC-SC
Large Market
KCYY San Antonio, TX
KUBL Salt Lake City-Ogden-Provo, UT
WQIK Jacksonville, FL
WUBE Cincinnati, OH
WWKA Orlando, FL
Medium Market
KUZZ Bakersfield, CA
WBBS Syracuse, NY
WHKO Dayton, OH
WUSY Chattanooga, TN
WYRK Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY
Small Market
KCLR Columbia, MO
KKNU Eugene-Springfield, OR
KTTS Springfield, MO
WCOW La Crosse, WI
WKSF Asheville, NC
Artists from the 2018 iHeartCountry Festival with hosts Candace Cameron Bure (seated at far left) and Bobby Bones (center) (Photo courtesy of Fox)
The following is a press release from Fox:
Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX), in partnership with iHeartMedia, will air the all-new special iHeartCountry Festival on Sunday, Aug. 5 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.
Hosted by iHeartMedia on-air radio personality Bobby Bones and actress Candace Cameron Bure (“Fuller House”), the two-hour television special will showcase thrilling performances and never-before-seen collaborations from some of the most celebrated country music stars. Filmed at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, TX, the event will feature performances by Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Sugarland, Dustin Lynch, Cole Swindell, Maren Morris, Luke Combs, Billy Currington, Dan + Shay and Mason Ramsey, among others.
The special also includes behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the artists, as well as guest appearances by Gavin DeGraw, Jana Kramer, Sam Palladio, Josh Henderson, Danielle Bradbery, Ryan Hurd and cast members from FOX’s hit drama “The Gifted.”
iHeartCountry Festival is co-produced by John Sykes, Tom Poleman, Lee Rolontz, Michael Dempsey and Joe Sungkur.
About iHeartMedia
With over a quarter of a billion monthly listeners in the U.S. and over 131 million social followers, iHeartMedia has the largest national reach of any radio or television outlet in America. As the leading media company in the U.S., iHeartMedia serves over 150 local markets through 849 owned radio stations, and the company’s radio stations and content can be heard on AM/FM, on satellite, at iHeartRadio.com, on the company’s station websites and on iHeartRadio, iHeartMedia’s digital music, podcast, on demand and live streaming radio service, available on over 250 platforms and 2,000 devices, including on digital auto dashes, tablets, wearables and smartphones, on virtual assistants, smart speakers, TVs and gaming consoles.
iHeartRadio offers users the country’s top live radio stations, personalized custom artist stations created by just one song or seed artist, on demand features and the top podcasts and personalities. The all-in-one digital service has more than 1.7 billion downloads, 110 million registered users and is the No. 1 commercial radio podcaster in the U.S.
iHeartMedia’s platforms include radio broadcasting, online, mobile, digital, social, podcasts, personalities and influencers, live concerts and events, syndication, music research services and independent media representation. iHeartMedia is a division of iHeartMedia, Inc. (PINK: IHRTQ). Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.
Carrie Underwood at the 52nd Annual ACM Awards at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on April 2, 2017. (Photo by Francis Specker/CBS)
The following is a press release from the Academy of Country Music:
The Academy of Country Music® revealed today that thirteen-time ACM Award® winner Carrie Underwood will perform the world television premiere of her soon-to-be-released single live on the 53rd Academy of Country Music Awards™, joining a star-studded lineup of performers and presenters.
Underwood is nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year as well as Vocal Event of the Year for “The Fighter” with Keith Urban. The 53rd ACM Awards, hosted by Reba McEntire, will broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on the CBS Television Network.
Previously announced ACM Awards performers include Lauren Alaina, Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Kelly Clarkson, Florida Georgia Line, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Midland, Maren Morris, Jon Pardi, Bebe Rexha, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban and Brett Young. Previously announced presenters include David Boreanaz, Drew Brees, AJ Buckley, Cam, Sam Elliot, Eve, Ashton Kutcher, Dustin Lynch, Nancy O’Dell, Rebecca Romijn, Max Thieriot and Lindsey Vonn.
Tickets to the ACM Awards are now on sale at www.axs.com. For more information on the ACM Awards and all ACM events including ACM Party for a Cause®, visit www.ACMcountry.com and www.PartyForaCause.com. You can like Academy of Country Music on Facebook or follow on Twitter at @ACMawards and Instagram @ACMAwards for more immediate updates.
About the Academy of Country Music Awards
The 53rd Academy of Country Music Awards™ is dedicated to honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent in the country music industry. The show is produced for television by dick clark productions and will broadcast LIVE from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 8:00 PM live ET/PT on the CBS Television Network. Allen Shapiro, Mike Mahan, R.A. Clark, Barry Adelman and Mark Bracco are executive producers. Pete Fisher is executive producer for the Academy of Country Music.
The following is a press release from the MusiCares Foundation:
Grammy winners John Legend, Lorde, and Keith Urban will perform at the 2018 MusiCares® Person of the Year tribute concert honoring Fleetwood Mac on Jan. 26. Grammy-nominated singer/songwriters HAIM and OneRepublic and singer/songwriter Harry Styles will also join the performance lineup. Grammy winners Fleetwood Mac will close the evening’s performances. More guest performers will be announced shortly.
Attendees will include Neil Portnow, President/CEO of MusiCares and the Recording Academy™; Michael McDonald, Chair of MusiCares; Alexandra Patsavas, Chair Emeritus of MusiCares; and John Branca, Honorary Chair of MusiCares.
Past MusiCares Person of the Year honorees include: Tony Bennett, Bono, Natalie Cole, Phil Collins, David Crosby, Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan, Gloria Estefan, Aretha Franklin, Don Henley, Billy Joel, Elton John, Quincy Jones, Carole King, Paul McCartney, Luciano Pavarotti, Tom Petty, Bonnie Raitt, Lionel Richie, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Barbra Streisand, James Taylor, Brian Wilson, Stevie Wonder, and Neil Young.
Fleetwood Mac—the first band to be honored as the 2018 MusiCares Person of the Year—will be celebrated for their extraordinary creative accomplishments and significant charitable work. Proceeds from the annual Person of the Year tribute—now in its 28th year—provide essential support for MusiCares, which ensures music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical, and personal need.
The 2018 MusiCares Person of the Year tribute will feature a star-studded concert, award presentation, and live auction. It will be followed by the official Person of the Year after-party celebration, and a silent auction offering an exclusive and unparalleled selection of luxury items, VIP experiences, and one-of-a-kind celebrity memorabilia for bidding guests. Delta is the official airline partner of the MusiCares Person of the Year live, silent, and online auctions. Individual orchestra seats range from $1,750 to $8,500 and are available as a part of a VIP private purchase. Exclusive VIP ticket packages are also available and priced from $17,500 to $150,000. A limited number of VIP experience packages will be available for $75,000 that include: 10 orchestra seats, red carpet entrance, access to artist rehearsal (day before event), private pre-show reception with dedicated staff, enhanced Person of the Year after-party celebration experience, and an exclusive, limited-edition commemorative item. For more information on purchasing VIP ticket packages to the event, or placing ads/messages in the tribute journal, please contact Dana Tomarken at MusiCares, 310.581.8727. Individual tickets for mezzanine seats are on-sale to the general public. Prices range from $356 to $606 (inclusive of the facility charge) and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com.
The MusiCares Person of the Year tribute is one of the most prestigious events held during Grammy Week and was last held in New York City in 2003. The celebration culminates with the 60th Annual Grammy Awards® at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. The telecast will be broadcast live on the CBS Television Network at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT.
The MusiCares Foundation® offers health and human services and programs to members of the music community, including emergency financial assistance for basic living expenses such as rent, utilities, and car payments; medical expenses, including doctor, dentist and hospital bills; and treatment for HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, hepatitis C, and other critical illnesses. MusiCares offers nationwide educational workshops covering a variety of subjects, including financial, legal, medical, and substance abuse issues, and programs in collaboration with health care professionals that provide services such as flu shots, hearing tests and medical/dental screenings. MusiCares provides access to addiction recovery treatment and sober living resources for members of the music community. Staffed by qualified chemical dependency and intervention specialists, MusiCares offers Safe Harbor Room® support, sponsored in part by the Bohemian Foundation, to provide a network to those in recovery while they are participating in the production of televised music shows and other major music events. MusiCares holds weekly addiction support groups for people to discuss how to best cope with the issues surrounding the recovery process. The MusiCares Sober Touring Network is a database of individuals across the United States who can take music people to recovery support meetings while on the road.
With four awards, Keith Urban was the top winner of the fan-voted 2017 CMT Music Awards, which took place at Music City Center in Nashville on June 7. The show was hosted by “Nashville” co-star Charles Esten and televised live on CMT, Spike and TV Land. Urban won in all of the categories in which he was nominated: Video of the Year (for “Blue Ain’t Your Color”), Male Video of the Year (for “Blue Ain’t Your Color”), Collaboration Video of the Year (for “The Fighter” with Carrie Underwood) and Social Superstar of the Year. Urban and Underwood also performed “The Fighter” at the CMT Music Awards. Underwood won two awards, including Female Video of the Year (for “Church Bells”). She now holds the record for winning the most CMT Music Awards, with 17 total.
Other performances at the 2017 CMT Music Awards, as described in a CMT press release:
The show kicked off with a celebration of the life and music of the late Gregg Allman. Jason Aldean, Darius Rucker and Charles Kelley wowed the audience with an acapella version of “Midnight Rider” before seguing into a full on jam featuring former Allman Brothers band member Derek Trucks, while images of Allman filled Music City Center, earning a standing ovation.
Rock icon Peter Frampton and Brothers Osborne owned the CMT outdoor stage with a gritty, guitar-fueled performance of “It Ain’t My Fault.”
Miranda Lambert celebrated the power of pink plastic with the world premiere performance of “Pink Sunglasses” in front of thousands of fans adorning their own beloved pink shades.
Backed by a sexy squad of dancers, Thomas Rhett got the audience on their feet with his hit “Craving You.”
With thousands of fans lining the streets, The Chainsmokers and Florida Georgia Line performed an EDM/country mash-up of “Last Day Alive” for the first time anywhere from a rooftop high a top the Nashville skyline.
Blake Shelton sang of yesteryear with his hit “Every Time I Hear That Song.”
Brett Eldredge brought the beat and an entire drumline for “Somethin’ I’m Good At.”
Little Big Town delivered an emotionally charged world premiere performance of “When Someone Stops Loving You.”
Jason Derulo and Luke Bryan continued their budding bromance and showed why they were winners of the “CMT Performance of the Year” award with their electrifying mash-up of “Strip it Down” and “Want to Want Me.”
Earth Wind & Fire closed out the show with Lady Antebellum with a country funk mash-up of “You Look Good” and “September.”
This year, the CMT Music Awards featured a second concert stage sponsored by Firestone that included performances from some of country’s hottest new artists including Brett Young, Jon Pardi, Lauren Alaina, Midland and Chris Lane.
Presenters included Ashton Kutcher, Clare Bowen, Danny Masterson, Dustin Lynch, Hoda Kotb, Jada Pinkett Smith, Johnny Galecki, Josh Henderson, Katherine Heigl, Kathie Lee Gifford, Kid Rock, Rachel Bilson, RaeLynn, Reba McEntire, Bobby Bones, Cody Alan and Katie Cook.
Here is the complete list of winners and nominees for the 2017 CMT Music Awards:
* = winner
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video of the year; awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration) and the video director. Final nominees announced during live telecast, with final voting held online at CMT.com during the show.
Artists of Then, Now & Forever – “Forever Country”
Brad Paisley – “Today”
Brett Eldredge –“Wanna Be That Song”
Carrie Underwood – “Church Bells”
Cole Swindell –“Middle Of A Memory”
Dierks Bentley feat. Elle King – “Different For Girls”
Florida Georgia Line –“H.O.L.Y.”
Jon Pardi – “Dirt On My Boots”
Keith Urban – “Blue Ain’t Your Color”*
Kelsea Ballerini – “Peter Pan”
Little Big Town – “Better Man”
Luke Bryan – “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day”
Miranda Lambert – “Vice”
Thomas Rhett – “Star Of The Show”
MALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a male artist; awarded to the artist
Blake Shelton – “Came Here To Forget”
Eric Church – “Record Year”
Jason Aldean – “Lights Come On”
Keith Urban – “Blue Ain’t Your Color”*
Luke Bryan – “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day”
Thomas Rhett – “Star Of The Show”
FEMALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a female artist; awarded to the artist
Carrie Underwood – “Church Bells”*
Kelsea Ballerini – “Peter Pan”
Lauren Alaina – “Road Less Traveled”
Maren Morris – “80s Mercedes”
Miranda Lambert – “Vice”
Reba McEntire – “Back To God”
DUO VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a duo; awarded to the artists
Big & Rich feat. Tim McGraw – “Lovin’ Lately”
Brothers Osborne – “21 Summer”
Dan + Shay – “How Not To”
Florida Georgia Line – “H.O.L.Y.”*
LoCash – “I Know Somebody”
GROUP VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a group; awarded to the artists
Eli Young Band – “Saltwater Gospel”
Lady Antebellum – “You Look Good”
Little Big Town – “Better Man”*
Midland – “Drinkin’ Problem”
Old Dominion – “Song For Another Time”
BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video from an artist’s major breakthrough album; awarded to the artist (male, female or group/duo)
Brett Young – “In Case You Didn’t Know”
Jon Pardi – “Dirt On My Boots”
Kane Brown – “Used To Love You Sober”
Lauren Alaina – “Road Less Traveled”*
Luke Combs – “Hurricane”
RaeLynn – “Love Triangle”
COLLABORATION VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video from a collaboration; awarded to the artists
Artists of Then, Now & Forever – “Forever Country”
Chris Young feat. Vince Gill – “Sober Saturday Night”
Dierks Bentley feat. Elle King – “Different For Girls”
Florida Georgia Line feat. Tim McGraw – “May We All”
Keith Urban feat. Carrie Underwood – “The Fighter”*
Kenny Chesney with P!nk – “Setting The World On Fire”
CMT PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
Musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on CMT; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo)
Jason Aldean – “Hicktown” (From CMT Concert of the Summer)
Jason Derulo and Luke Bryan – “Want To Want Me” (From CMT Crossroads)*
John Mellencamp and Darius Rucker – “Pink Houses” (From CMT Crossroads)
With seven nominations, Keith Urban is the leading contender at the 52nd Annual Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, which will be held April 2, 2017, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley will host the ACM Awards for the second year in a row. CBS will have the live U.S. telecast of the show, which is produced by Dick Clark Productions and ACM. The ACM’s professional membership selects the nominees and winners of the ACM Awards.
Other multiple nominees for this year’s ACM Awards include Miranda Lambert and Maren Morris, who received six nominations each; Tim McGraw and Florida Georgia Line, who have five nominations each; and Bentley, Thomas Rhett and Chris Stapleton, who received three nominations each.
Here is the complete list of nominations for the 52nd Annual ACM Awards:
Entertainer of the Year
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Florida Georgia Line
Carrie Underwood
Keith Urban
Male Vocalist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Dierks Bentley
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton
Keith Urban
Female Vocalist of the Year
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Maren Morris
Kacey Musgraves
Carrie Underwood
Vocal Duo of the Year
Big & Rich
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Maddie & Tae
Vocal Group of the Year
Eli Young Band
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Old Dominion
Rascal Flatts
New Male Vocalist of the Year Presented by T-Mobile
Kane Brown
Chris Janson
Chris Lane
Jon Pardi
Brett Young
New Female Vocalist of the Year Presented by T-Mobile
Lauren Alaina
Cam
Brandy Clark
Maren Morris
* four nominees only
New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year Presented by T-Mobile
A Thousand Horses
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
LOCASH
Maddie & Tae
Album of the Year [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
“Black” – Dierks Bentley (Producers: Ross Copperman, Arturo Buenahora Jr.; Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville)
“Dig Your Roots” – Florida Georgia Line (Producer: Joey Moi; Record Label: Big Machine Label Group)
“Hero” – Maren Morris (Producers: busbee, Brad Hill, Maren Morris; Record Label: Columbia Nashville)
“Ripcord” – Keith Urban (Producers: Jeff Bhasker, busbee, Nathan Chapman, Nitzan Kaikov, Dann Huff, Tyler Johnson, Johnny Price, Nile Rodgers, Keith Urban, Greg Wells; Record Label: Hit Red Records, Capitol Records Nashville)
“The Weight of These Wings” – Miranda Lambert (Producers: Frank Liddell, Eric Masse, Glenn Worf; Record Label: RCA Nashville, Vanner Records)
Single Record of the Year [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
“Blue Ain’t Your Color” – Keith Urban (Producers: Dann Huff, Keith Urban; Record Labels: Hit Red Records, Capitol Records Nashville)
“H.O.L.Y.” – Florida Georgia Line (Producer: Joey Moi; Record Label: Big Machine Label Group)
“Humble and Kind” – Tim McGraw (Producers: Byron Gallimore, Tim McGraw; Record Label: McGraw Music, Big Machine Records)
“My Church” – Maren Morris (Producers: busbee, Maren Morris; Record Label: Columbia Nashville)
“Vice” – Miranda Lambert (Producers: Frank Liddell, Eric Masse, Glenn Worf; Record Label: RCA Nashville, Vanner Records)
Song of the Year [Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]
“Blue Ain’t Your Color” – Keith Urban (Songwriters: Clint Lagerberg, Hillary Lindsey, Steven Lee Olsen; Publishers: WB Music Corp (ASCAP), Music Of The Corn (ASCAP), HillarodyRathbone Music (ASCAP), BMG Gold Songs (ASCAP), House of Sea Gayle Music (ASCAP), Spirit Catalog Holdings (S.a.r.l.), Spirit Two Nashville (ASCAP))
“Die a Happy Man” – Thomas Rhett (Songwriters: Thomas Rhett, Sean Douglas, Joe Spargur; Publishers: EMI Blackwood Music Inc (BMI), Cricket On The Line (BMI), Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp (BMI), Eastman Pond Publishing (BMI), Music of Big Deal (BMI), Nice Life (BMI), Frederic And Reid Music (BMI), BMG Platinum Songs (BMI), Brodsky Spensive Publishing (BMI))
“Humble and Kind” – Tim McGraw (Songwriter: Lori McKenna; Publishers: Songs of Universal Inc (BMI), Hoodie Songs (BMI))
“Kill a Word” – Eric Church Featuring Rhiannon Giddens (Songwriters: Eric Church, Luke Dick, Jeff Hyde; Publishers: Emileon Songs (BMI), Little Louder Songs (BMI), Longer And Louder Music (BMI), Mammaw’s Fried Okra Music (BMI), Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI))
“Tennessee Whiskey” – Chris Stapleton (Songwriters: Dean Dillon, Linda Hargrove; Publishers: Universal-Songs Of PolyGram International (BMI), EMI Algee (BMI))
“Vice” – Miranda Lambert (Songwriters: Miranda Lambert, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne; Publishers: Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI), Pink Dog Publishing (BMI), Smack Hits (GMR), Kobalt Music Group, Ltd. (GMR), Anderson Fork In The Road Music (ASCAP), Kobalt Music Publishing America, Inc. (ASCAP), Smackville Music (ASCAP))
Video of the Year Presented by Xfinity [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]
“Fire Away” – Chris Stapleton (Director: Tim Mattia; Producer: Jennifer Rothlein)
“Forever Country” – Artists of Then, Now & Forever (Director: Joseph Kahn; Producers: Nathan de la Rionda, Jil Hardin, Charleen Manca, Joanna Carter, Chandra LaPlume, Sarah Trahern, Damon Whiteside)
“Humble and Kind” – Tim McGraw (Director: Wes Edwards; Producer: Jennifer Rothlein)
Peter Pan – Kelsea Ballerini (Director: Kristin Barlowe; Producer: Michelle Abnet)
Vocal Event of the Year [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
“Different for Girls” – Dierks Bentley Featuring Elle King (Producers: Ross Copperman, Arturo Buenahora Jr.; Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville
“Forever Country” – Artists of Then, Now & Forever (Producer: Shane McAnally; Record Label: MCA Nashville)
“May We All” – Florida Georgia Line Featuring Tim McGraw (Producer: Joey Moi; Record Label: Big Machine Label Group)
“Setting the World on Fire” – Kenny Chesney featuring P!nk (Producers: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney; Record Labels: Blue Chair Records, Columbia Nashville)
“Think of You” – Chris Young featuring Cassadee Pope (Producers: Corey Crowder, Chris Young; Record Labels: RCA Nashville, RCA Records)
IMPORTANT NOTE: Awards counts for artists reflect categories in which they have been recognized as individuals or as part of their duo or group. In some cases, an artist may receive more than one nomination which factors into their official count. For example, Keith Urban received two nominations in the Album of the Year category—one each as artist and producer—because that category recognizes both.
March 14, 2017 UPDATE: These winners have been announced, and they will be performing at the 2017 ACM Awards:
Brothers Osborne – New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year presented by T-Mobile
Maren Morris (previously announced performer) – New Female Vocalist of the Year presented by T-Mobile
Jon Pardi – New Male Vocalist of the Year presented by T-Mobile
