Morgan Wallen, Kelsea Ballerini, HARDY, and more are among the just-announced star-studded 2022 CMA Awards performers.
On Tuesday morning (Oct. 25), The Country Music Association revealed the first round of performers for the upcoming 56th Annual CMA Awards.
Jimmie Allen, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Bryan, Kelly Clarkson, HARDY, Marcus King, Miranda Lambert, Carly Pearce, Carrie Underwood, Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson, and Zac Brown Band are confirmed to take the stage for performances during the live broadcast from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 8 PM EST.
CMA Awards co-host and nominee this year, Bryan will deliver a moving performance of his latest single “Country On.” The most nominated female artist of all time, with three nominations this year including CMA Entertainer of the Year, Lambert will perform her song “Geraldene” from her CMA Album of the Year-nominated Palomino. Reigning CMA Female Vocalist and five-time nominee this year Pearce will perform a special song from her most recent album. With three nominations this year including CMA Entertainer of the Year, Underwood will perform her newest single “Hate My Heart.” Receiving his first CMA Entertainer of the Year nod, two-time nominee this year Wallen will perform his latest single “You Proof.”
The broadcast will open with a star-studded tribute to Country Music Hall of Fame legend Loretta Lynn.
The show will feature a slew of special collaborations including Kelsea Ballerini, Carly Pearce and Kelly Clarkson performing “YOU’RE DRUNK, GO HOME.” In addition to Ballerini, Pearce and Clarkson, three-time CMA Awards nominee this year HARDY will be joined by Wilson, the top nominee this year with six nods, for their powerful duet “wait in the truck.” Vying for CMA Vocal Group this year, Zac Brown Band will perform their latest single “Out In The Middle,” featuring reigning CMA New Artist of the Year Allen and blues guitar phenom King.
Additional performers and presenters for “The 56th Annual CMA Awards” will be announced in the weeks ahead.
Nominees for The 56th Annual CMA Awards were revealed on Wednesday (Sept. 7) and Lainey Wilson, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce and Chris Stapleton are among the most-nominated.
Wilson, a first-time nominee, leads the pack with a whopping six nominations, including Album of the Year (Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’), Female Vocalist of the Year, Music Video of the Year (“Never Say Never”), Musical Event of the Year (“Never Say Never”), New Artist of the Year, Song of the Year (“Things A Man Oughta Know”).
McBryde, Pearce, Stapleton and songwriter/producer Shane McAnally follow behind with five nods each with Cody Johnson and producer/songwriter Josh Osborne after with four nominations.
Luke Combs, HARDY, Miranda Lambert, Midland, and Carrie Underwood secure three nominations a piece.
Wilson, BRELAND, Walker Hayes, Parker McCollum, and more are first-time CMA Awards nominees.
Stapleton, Morgan Wallen, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, and Luke Combs are vying for the night’s highest honor, Entertainer Of The Year, an award Combs won in 2021.
“It’s thrilling to celebrate these deserving nominees while our industry is returning to live music,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “This year’s slate is impressive, with some nominees logging historic milestones while others are just getting started. No matter what stage in their career, they each bring a unique voice and unforgettable story to life, showing that Country Music is stronger than ever! We look forward to honoring them this November.”
“Country Music’s Biggest Night” will be co-hosted by two-time CMA Entertainer Of The Year Luke Bryan and NFL superstar Peyton Manning.
“Being a part of such a historical night that honors my peers and Country Music is such a privilege,” Bryan previously stated. “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.”
The 56th Annual CMA Awards will air LIVE from Nashville on Wednesday, November 9 (8-11 pm EST) on ABC.
Tickets for “The 56th Annual CMA Awards” are on-sale today starting at 10:00 AM/CT through Ticketmaster.
