CMA AWARDS - EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Matt Case - November 8ht - 4:55am PST 

NASHVILLE, TN — Country music’s biggest night is set to dazzle with a fresh look and an array of unexpected moments as the 57th Annual CMA Awards takes center stage at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Co-hosted by country superstar Luke Bryan and football legend Peyton Manning, this year’s event promises a spectacle unlike any in its storied history, complete with a revamped stage design and an evening teeming with surprises.

Robert Deaton, the award show’s seasoned director, is at the helm of the transformation, guaranteeing a visual feast for viewers. “We’ve overhauled the aesthetic to make the stages bigger and more dynamic, ensuring that our country music luminaries shine, fitting their status as some of the world’s biggest artists,” Deaton revealed, hinting at unprecedented elements poised to captivate audiences both in the arena and at home.

The buzzworthy lineup includes a special collaboration between chart-toppers Morgan Wallen, HARDY, and music maverick Post Malone, with a setlist curated to thrill die-hard country aficionados. Deaton, sharing his own excitement, urged fans not to miss out on what's to be a memorable crossover.

Morgan Wallen; Photo Courtesy Instagram, HARDY; Photo by Natasha Moustache/CMA, Post Malone; Photo by Andrew Wendowski

A poignant highlight of the evening will be the Jimmy Buffett tribute. 

With a stellar cast comprising Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Zac Brown, and Mac McAnally honoring the icon’s enduring legacy. The homage is not only set to touch the heartstrings but also to embody the festive spirit synonymous with Buffett’s music.

The CMA Awards stage will also showcase a diverse roster of performances from rising and established stars alike, including Jelly Roll, K. Michelle, Little Big Town, and Chris Stapleton, among others. Star-studded presentations will round out the night, with appearances from country luminaries and celebrities across entertainment spheres, from Paula Abdul to World Series MVP Corey Seager and comedian Nate Bargatze.

Fans eager for this unprecedented evening of music, tributes, and surprises can tune in live on ABC on Wednesday, Nov. 8, from 8:00 to 11:00 PM ET, with the event streaming on Hulu the following day. As preparations for the live telecast reach a fever pitch, the anticipation for what’s billed as an unforgettable night in music history continues to grow.