The 2022 CMT Artists of the Year honorees have just been announced. This year’s event will honor Carly Pearce, Walker Hayes, Cody Johnson, Luke Combs and Kane Brown at a special ceremony on October 14 at Nashville’s Scheremerhorn Symphony Center.
“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.”
The award is especially meaningful for Pearce, who along with Hayes and Johnson is being honored for the first time. The recognition comes after a whirlwind year for the Grand Ole Opry member, which includes opening for Kenny Chesney‘ on his Here and Now Tour, earning a No. 1 hit with Ashley McBryde for “Never Wanted To Be That Girl,” and earning numerous awards and accolades, including both the CMA Award for Female Vocalist of the Year, and the ACM Award for Female Artist of the Year.
Pearce spoke out about the honor on social media.
“The last year of my life has been out of a country music fairytale,” Pearce posted. “The dreams I’ve had since I was a little girl made their way to reality. Thank you, CMT, for naming me one of their Artists of the Year. What a year it’s been for a girl who always wanted to sing country music.”
The last year of my life has been out of a country music fairytale. The dreams I’ve had since I was a little girl made their way to reality. Thank you @CMT for naming me one of their Artists of the Year. What a year it’s been for a girl who always wanted to sing country music🥲❤️ pic.twitter.com/kDg2PW4Oz1
— Carly Pearce (@carlypearce) September 21, 2022
Pearce will likely have plenty to celebrate next year as well. The 32-year-old is hard at work on a new album, which comes only a year after the release of her 29: Written in Stone album, which chronicled her broken heart following her split from Michael Ray.
“I just don’t think I can be 29 and divorced forever,” Pearce explained to Everything Nash. “I’m really excited about it. I write from where I am in my life. So I think that you’re gonna see this new season of life for me, and more confidence in the kind of country music that I make, and really just waving my flag in that.”
The CMT Artists of the Year ceremony will air at 9:00 PM ET on CMT on October 14.