CMA Awards 2021: Everything to Know About Country Music's Biggest Night

Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton.Photo: John Shearer/Getty; Jason Kempin/Getty; John Shearer/WireImage

Country music’s best and brightest are just about ready for their moment in the spotlight at the 2021CMA Awards!

Now in its 55th year, the Country Music Association’s annual awards show will broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, with awhopping 20 performancesandLuke Bryanas host.

Here is everything to know about country music’s biggest night, which will air on ABC.

Luke Bryan Will Host

Last year’s show marked the first since 2008 thatCarrie Underwooddidn’t serve as host, and this year will make history, too.

Bryan, 45, will assume his duties solo, making him the first person to do so sinceVince Gillin 2003.

TheAmerican Idoljudge, whose hit “Buy Dirt” withJordan Davisis nominated for musical event of the year, said hethought long and hard before accepting the gig, as it comes with a load of responsibility.

“The pressure that comes along with that can be overwhelming, but knowing I get to help honor and celebrate so many of my friends, I knew it was something I couldn’t turn down,” he said in a statement.

It seems Bryan is confident he made the right choice, as he celebrated the show onTwitterThursday, writing, “Tune in to the#CMAawardsnext Wednesday at 8/7c on ABC to watch me host AND perform. Let’s have some fun.”

RELATED VIDEO: 2020 CMA Awards: Biggest Moments From the Big Night in Country Music

Get to Know the Nominees

Chris Stapletonand Eric Church are tied for the most nominations this year, with five apiece — and all in the same categories.

The country stars will go head-to-head in the entertainer of the year, male vocalist of the year, album of the year, single of the year and song of the year categories.

Other famous faces also have multiple nominations under their belts:Ashley McBryde,Miranda Lambert, Luke Combs andBrothers Osborneare all nominated three times, whileDierks BentleyandCarly Pearceare each in the running for two trophies.

Who Is Performing?

Blake Shelton, Mickey Guyton, Eric Church.Trae Patton/NBC/ Getty; Jason Davis/Getty; Jason Kempin/Getty

This year, the question is more like whoisn’tperforming?

More than two dozen of the most popular names in country music will hit the stage for 20 different performances — including hostLuke Bryan, who will sing his new single “Up.”

With some help fromBRELANDandHARDY,Dierks Bentleywill sing “Beers on Me,” andZac Brown Bandwill unite the crowd with “Same Boat.”

Jason Aldeanand Carrie Underwood will team up for “If I Didn’t Love You,” whileOld Dominionwill perform “If I Was on a Boat That Day,” and Chris Stapleton will get frosty with “Cold.”

Eric Church will wax nostalgic with “Heart on Fire,” andKane BrownandChris Youngare on hand to pay tribute to their hometown pals with “Famous Friends.”

Blake Sheltonis slated to hit the stage for “Come Back as a Country Boy,” whileJimmie Allenwill sing “Freedom Was a Highway” andDan + Shaywill tackle “I Should Probably Go to Bed.”

Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde will duet on “Never Wanted to Be That Girl,” and that’s not even all — Luke Combs,Miranda Lambert, Brothers Osborne,Mickey GuytonfeaturingBrittney Spencerand Madeline Edwards and Oscar winnerJennifer Hudsonwill also take the stage.

Check out PEOPLE’sfull CMA Awards coverageto get the latest news on country music’s biggest night.

Who Is Presenting?

The CMAs will bring even more star power to the stage with an impressive lineup of presents.

Country starsKelsea Ballerini,Darius Rucker,Florida Georgia Line,Lady A,Alan Jackson,Trace Adkins,Trisha Yearwood,Russell Dickerson,Ingrid Andress,Scotty McCreery,Deana CarterandLainey Wilsonwill all be on hand to present, as will musiciansLauren Daigle,Amy GrantandElle King.

Faith Fennidy, a young Black activist who inspired change after she was sent home from school when officials said her braids violated school policy, will also take the stage as will newly mintedWorld Series champion Freddie Freemanof the Atlanta Braves.

Famed quarterbackKurt Warnerwill present, and so will actorZachary Levi, who is set to portray the athlete in the upcoming biopicAmerican Underdog.

Other presenters includeKaty PerryandLionel Richie, who make up theAmerican Idoljudges panel alongside CMAs hostLuke Bryan,The Wonder YearsstarsDulé Hilland Saycon Sengbloh,The GoldbergsactressHayley Orrantia, andSusan Sarandon.

How Can I Watch?

The CMA Awards, the longest-running annual music awards program in network television, will broadcast live from Nashville on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

source: people.com