The 2022 CMA Awards are right around the corner, which means monologues are being written, speeches are being prepared, and performances are being practiced. This year, Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning will serve as co-hosts, following in the footsteps of other duos like Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood (who tallied an 11-year run as co-hosts), Reba McEntire and Randy Travis, Glen Campbell and Charley Pride and more.
This isn’t Bryan’s first time hosting the awards show. He hosted the CMA Awards solo in 2021. He also has plenty of emcee experience under his belt as he served as a host for the Academy of Country Music Awards from 2013-2017.
While Manning hasn’t had experience as the main speaker for country music’s biggest night, he does have ties to country music. The Tennessee native appeared in a comedic sketch during the annual ceremony back in 2016. That same year, the former NFL quarterback, who has won two Super Bowls throughout his career returned to the CMA Awards to present the prestigious Pinnacle Award to Kenny Chesney.
This is the first time the CMA Awards have chosen to bring on a sports star to tag team announcements in front of attendees, presenters, and winners. So it’s no doubt that Manning has been in crunch-mode gearing up for the big event. And judging by the latest promo video for the CMA Awards, he has been actively preparing for his upcoming role with his country crooning buddy by his side.
“Luke, are you ready to host the CMA Awards?” Manning asks Bryan in the hilarious clip.
“Man, I’m fired up!” Bryan – a two-time CMA Award winner – replies, going into high five his buddy.
“That is no good,” Manning says after the two of them fail to correctly slap hands. “We’ve got to get in sync. We need to get in some practice.”
The two celebrities then proceed to enter into a “Boot Camp,” running through awards-show drills that consist of naming country artists on celebrity flashcards that show the faces of McEntire and Darius Rucker. They then run through some vocal warm-ups and exercises before selecting some accessories to add to their show-day wardrobe. And when it comes time to create a play on a whiteboard, Bryan has to remind Peyton that the two aren’t about to head into a football game.
“It’s not gonna happen. It’s an award show,” Bryan tells Manning, who had laid out the details of a football route, showing the direction he would take if someone were to attack him from the audience.
Bryan originally announced the news of the two sharing co-hosting duties at the 2022 CMA Awards while appearing on an episode of Live with Kelly and Ryan.
Earlier this year, Manning took to Instagram with a video featuring him on stage with Bryan.
“My @cma Awards audition tape must have been a hit!” He joked “See y’all Wednesday, Nov. 9 on ABC.”
“I cannot wait to head to Nashville and take the CMA Awards stage alongside my friend Luke Bryan,” Manning said in a statement upon the announcement release. “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.”
“Being a part of such a historical night that honors my peers and country music is such a privilege,” Bryan shared. “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!”
The 56th annual CMA Awards will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena Wednesday, (Nov. 9) on ABC.
