Several new artists have been added to the list of presenters for the upcoming People’s Choice Country Awards, taking place on Thursday, September 26.
Scotty McCreery, Parker McCollum, Ashley Cooke, Bailey Zimmerman, Chase Rice, Cody Rhodes, Dasha, Orville Peck, Priscilla Block, Shaboozey, Tanner Adell, TODAY show’s Dylan Drery and actor and comedian Matt Rife will present the trophies throughout the evening.
In addition, both Brad Paisley and rapper mgk will perform, joining a previously-announced list that includes Keith Urban, Kane Brown, Kelsea Ballerini, Lady A, Miranda Lambert, The War and Treaty and McCollum. Carly Pearce, Dan + Shay, Little Big Town and comedian Nate Bargatze were also announced earlier as presenters.
Brown will receive the Country Champion Award, given to him because of his philanthropy. Wynonna Judd was the 2023 recipient.
“Since the beginning of his career, Kane Brown has ensured that his legacy will extend beyond music,” Jen Neal, Executive Vice President, Live Events and Specials, NBCUniversal Entertainment, says. “His dedication to empowering and supporting younger generations is nothing short of inspiring, and we’re thrilled to honor him with the Country Champion Award.”
The news comes as both McCreery and McCollum are just two of the presenters having unforgettable years. McCreery celebrated his sixth chart-topping single this year with “Cab In A Solo,” the debut single from his Rise & Fall album released in April. The record, which debuted at No. 1 when it was released, includes his current Top 40 single, “Fall of Summer.”
“It took a lot for me to get to this place,” McCreery shared with Everything Nash and other outlets, at a recent media event. “I think for one, growing up. I started so young, as we all know … I remember people being like, ‘What’s this kid going to sing about?’ It used to tick me off, but now I’m like, ‘What was I singing about?’ I hadn’t lived a lot of life. But those days were not that long ago, in the grand scheme of things, where I’d never had a No. 1.
“I had songs that I believed in, but wasn’t sure if they’d get out there,” he continued. “Ever since ‘Five More Minutes,’ and just the roll we’ve been on, it feels good. It feels very fulfilling. My fans have been by my side since before No.1s and it’s just grown since then.”
McCollum also just celebrated his fourth No. 1 single, with “Burn It Down.” He is back at radio with “What Kinda Man,” from a forthcoming new album. McCollum also joins Miranda Lambert on a song, “Santa Fe,” from her just-released Postcards From Texas album. More importantly than any professional accomplishments, McCollum just became a father, when he and his wife, Hallie Ray, welcomed their first child, son Yancey Tyler McCollum, into the world last month.
See a complete list of nominees for the People’s Choice Country Awards here. Shania Twain will host this year’s ceremony. The People’s Choice Country Awards, which are fan-voted, will air live on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 8:00 PM ET on NBC and Peacock from the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.