Kane Brown and Kelsea Ballerini.Photo: John Shearer / Getty for CMT
We’re counting down the days until the 2023CMT Music Awards!
The fan-voted country music award show will air live from the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, on Sunday and will steam live on CBS and Paramount+ at 8 p.m. ET.
This year, fans can expect a star-studded performance lineup with acts likeAlanis Morissette,Gwen StefaniandShania Twaintaking the stage. Meanwhile,Kelsea Balleriniand Kane Brown are set to return as co-hosts.
Here’s everything you need to know about the fun-filled night!
Kelsea Ballerini and Kane Brown are back to host
Kane Brown and Kelsea Ballerini hosting in 2021.John Shearer/2021 CMT Awards/Getty Images for CMT
Ballerini and Brown, both 29, are returning as co-hosts for Ballerini’s third time and Brown’s fourth to take on the night.
“The CMT Awards are really a true snapshot of the sound of country music right now, and honoring newer artists and collaborations, and things that are pushing boundaries,“Ballerini said earlier this week. “I think I can probably speak for both of us to say that that’s always where our music’s really lain, and something that’s important to us.”
She continued: “To be able to be on stage and host the show with someone that I feel like I’m really similar to in that way is very cool.”
Check out PEOPLE’s full CMT Awards coverage to get the latest news on country’s big night.
Kane Brown and Kelsea Ballerini.John Shearer / Getty for CMT
“Our goal is to highlight and complement all of the nominees and amazing performances of the artists there, and just tee them up to do their thing,” he said. “I really just try and be me when it comes to hosting.”
Last year, Brown joined as co-host when the “Heartfirst” singertested positive for COVID-19 the morning of the award showand was forced to complete her hosting duties from home.
Lainey Wilson leads the pack with the most nominations
Lainey Wilson.Brett Carlsen/Getty Images
Lainey Wilsonleads the pack this year with four nominations, including video of the year, female video of the year, collaborative video of the year and CMT performance of the year.
Trailing her with three nods each are co-host Brown,Cody Johnsonand first-time nomineeJelly Roll. Ballerini is up for two awards, including the coveted video of the year.
2023 also marks the first year that the show will separate the breakthrough video of the year award into male and female categories.
Expect a star-studded performance lineup
Alanis Morissette, Gwen Stefani and Shania Twain.Gregory Pace/Shutterstock, Kevin Mazur/Getty, Kate Green/Getty
The star-studded performances begin with Gary Clark Jr.’s Stevie Ray Vaughan tribute.
Alanis Morissette,Gwen StefaniandShania Twain— who is receiving this year’s Equal Pay award — will also take the stage at the award show.
TheJagged Little Pillsongstress, 48, will make her CMT Music Awards debut with a performance of “You Oughta Know” withIngrid Andress, Wilson,Madeline EdwardsandMorgan Wadeto celebratethe 10-year anniversaryof CMT Next Women of Country franchise. Meanwhile, Stefani, 53, will also mark her debut with a performance alongsideCarly Pearce.
Billy Gibbons, Chuck Leavell,Cody Johnson, Paul Rodgers, Slash and Warren Haynes will be honoring Lynyrd Skynyrd and founding memberGary Rossington after his death in March.LeAnn RimesandWynonna Juddwill also join in on the tribute as they fill the role of The Honkettes.
Ballerini and Brown (along with his wifeKatelyn) will also take the stage at the award show. More performers includeBlake Shelton,Cody JohnsonandKeith Urban. The award show will also feature rising country stars on the Ram Trucks Side Stage includingMegan Moroney,Jackson Dean,Nate Smith,Lily Rose, Avery Anna and Chapel Hart.
Watch your favorite stars present awards
Jon Pardi, Megan Thee stallion, Noah Schnapp and Charles Esten.Jason Kempin/Getty Images; Kevin Mazur/Getty Images; Frazer Harrison/Getty; Emma McIntyre/Getty Images
The star-studded lineup begins with Pearce, Underwood, Charles Esten,Dixie D’Amelio, Dustin Lynch HARDY, Ian Bohen and Jen Landon.
More presenters includeJon Pardi, Rimes, Madison Bailey, Max Thieriot,Megan Thee Stallion,Noah Schnapp, Parker McCollum, Peter Frampton, Twain, Steve Howey and Travis Kelce.
How to watch
The 2023 CMT Music Awards will air live on CBS at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 2, and is also available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+.
source: people.com
