NASHVILLE—The countdown is on! With “The 56th Annual CMA Awards” airing in just a few short hours, early winners were revealed this morning in two categories. Ashley McBryde and Carly Pearce earn trophies for their CMA Musical Event of the Year nomination, produced by Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, while Cody Johnson takes home the win for CMA Music Video of the Year, directed by Dustin Haney.
The announcement took place live on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” as the show broadcasted live from Bridgestone Plaza in downtown Nashville. Two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year Keith Urban took the stage to perform a medley of “Better Life,” "Long Hot Summer," "Raise 'Em Up," and “Blue Ain't Your Color," along with additional performances of "Brown Eyes Baby" and "Wasted Time." Catch CMA Awards hosts Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning giving viewers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at this year’s show HERE.
With unforgettable performances from some of the biggest names in music, “The 56th Annual CMA Awards” airs live TONIGHT (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on ABC. Artists taking the CMA Awards stage include Jimmie Allen, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne, Bryan, Brandy Clark, Kelly Clarkson, Luke Combs, Caylee Hammack, HARDY, Cody Johnson, Elle King, Marcus King, Miranda Lambert, Patty Loveless, Ashley McBryde, Reba McEntire, John Osborne, Jon Pardi, Carly Pearce, Katy Perry, Pillbox Patti, Chris Stapleton, Cole Swindell, The Black Keys, The War and Treaty, Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood, Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson, and Zac Brown Band.
Tonight’s CMA Awards presenters include Mookie Betts, BRELAND, Jessica Chastain, Jordan Davis, Sarah Drew, Cole Hauser, Tyler Hubbard, Wynonna Judd, Lady A, Rex Linn, Little Big Town, Parker McCollum, Reba McEntire, Ben and Erin Napier, Jeannie Seely, Michael Shannon, and Lainey Wilson.
“The 56th Annual CMA Awards” is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer, Alan Carter is the Director, and Jon Macks is the Head Writer.
About the CMA Awards
The first “CMA Awards Banquet and Show” was held in 1967. The following year, the CMA Awards was broadcast for the first time – making it the longest running, annual music awards program on network television. The CMA Awards have aired on ABC since 2006. ABC is the network home of the CMA Awards and CMA’s other two television properties, “CMA Fest” and “CMA Country Christmas.”