The CMT Artists of the Year ceremony will be packed with talent. Artist of a Lifetime honoree, Alan Jackson, will perform, along with fellow honorees Carly Pearce, Cody Johnson, Kane Brown and Breakout Artist of the Year Lainey Wilson. Walker Hayes will perform with Ciara for a world-premiere collaboration, and Riley Green will pay tribute to honoree Luke Combs with a special performance.
In addition, Chris Stapleton, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Dan + Shay, Dustin Lynch, Gary LeVox, Kelsea Ballerini, Kelsey Asbille and Shane McAnally will serve as presenters.
“We are honored to recognize the astounding achievements of this illustrious group of artists over the past year,” says Margaret Comeaux, CMT’s Senior Vice President of Production, Music & Events. “Carly, Cody, Kane, Luke and Walker all represent the vibrant future of the country music format, as they defy convention and blaze new trails, breaking industry records and genre barriers. We can’t wait to celebrate their extraordinary accomplishments alongside their fellow artists and friends.”
Jackson joins an elite list of artists, including Loretta Lynn, Randy Travis, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Kenny Rogers and Merle Haggard in being named the CMT Artist of a Lifetime.
“I believe I’ve made more videos than just about anybody, and I know how important they have been in bringing my songs to life for the fans, so thank you CMT for all the years and for this sweet honor,” Jackson said of the accolade. “I’m very proud.”
Wilson is one of only a handful of artists, including Mickey Guyton, Ashley McBryde, Ballerini and Stapleton.
“This past year has been a wild ride,” Wilson said of the award. “To be considered for this award reinforces that the years of hard work my team and I have put in was all worth it. The team at CMT feels like family, and the way they genuinely support artists on their platform is so special and important for dreamers like me.”
The CMT Artists of the Year ceremony will take place at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center. The show will premiere on CMT on Friday, October 14, at 9:00 PM ET on CMT.
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