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CMT today revealed an all-star tribute to country legend and 2018 “Artist of a Lifetime” Award recipient, Loretta Lynn, featuring Sheryl Crow, Dierks Bentley and Martina McBride. The trio will perform LIVE from Nashville at the 9th annual “2018 CMT Artists of the Year” special on Wednesday, October 17 at 8:00pm ET/PT. Some of music’s biggest stars are set to present at the event, including Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban, Smokey Robinson, singer-songwriter Elle King, Hillary Scott, Jimi Westbrook, Phillip Sweet, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood, along with a special introduction by platinum-selling artist, Trisha Yearwood. They all join previously announced presenter Sissy Spacek.
For the first-time ever the annual “CMT Artists of the Year” special is dedicated to the women of country music – past, present and future. This year’s all-female “Artists of the Year” are Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Kelsea Ballerini, Maren Morris, Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman and Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott. The coveted “Artist of a Lifetime” award presented by Ram Trucks will be given to icon Loretta Lynn.
To continue this year’s celebration of women, CMT last week added seven female-powered powerhouse performances to the “2018 CMT Artists of the Year” lineup: Carrie Underwood with CMT Next Women of Country and tour mates Maddie & Tae and Runaway June; Miranda Lambert and Pistol Annies; Kelsea Ballerini with Alison Krauss; Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapmanwith soul legend Gladys Knight; and Hillary Scott with singer-songwriter Tori Kelly and Grammy-award winning gospel artist Kirk Franklin. In addition, honoree Maren Morriswill join forces with Brandi Carlile for a powerful tribute to late icon Aretha Franklin.
In addition to the “2018 CMT Artists of the Year” live special, CMT will further its commitment to female artists through a day-long “Women of Country Music” takeover across all CMT platforms where music lives including music hours on CMT, the 24/7 digital channel CMT Music and CMT Radio’s widely-syndicated shows “CMT Radio LIVE” and “CMT After Midnite” to encourage and inspire increased female airplay on October 17.
A staunch advocate for country music’s female artists, CMT launched its dedicated “Next Women of Country” campaign in 2013 as a way to give female artists voice and airplay across all CMT platforms. The franchise has received critical acclaim, and in five years since launch CMT has expanded to include tours, digital programming and more. Ballerini and Morris are both alumnae of the “Next Women” franchise.
Last year’s special notched its highest ratings to date and ranked as the most watched in the event’s eight-year history. More than 1.1 million fans tuned in to the premiere telecast and the encore. Socially, #CMTAOTY trended nationally on Twitter during the show and the special ranked as the #1 Most Social Entertainment Program in Primetime on Cable.
Previous “CMT Artists of the Year” performances have included Adele and Darius Rucker performing Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now;” Meghan Trainor, Jill Scott and Kelsea Ballerinihonoring Shania Twain with a medley of her biggest hits; Jason Aldean, Keith Urban and Chris Stapleton in a moving Tom Petty tribute with “I Won’t Back Down;” Adam Lambert and Leona Lewis paying tribute to Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush;” and Maroon 5covering Taylor Swift’s “Mine.” The show has featured appearances by Ellen DeGeneres, Matthew McConaughey, Selena Gomez, Billy Bob Thornton, Roger Clemens, Morgan Freeman, the cast of Nashville and more.
Former “CMT Artists of the Year” honorees include Blake Shelton (2015), Brad Paisley(2011), Carrie Underwood (2010, 2012, 2016), Cast of “Nashville” (2015), Chris Stapleton (2015, 2016, 2017), Eric Church(2012), Florida Georgia Line (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), Hunter Hayes (2013), Jason Aldean (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), Keith Urban (2017), Kelsea Ballerini(2016), Kenny Chesney (2011, 2012), Kenny Rogers (2015), Lady Antebellum (2010, 2011), Little Big Town (2015), Luke Bryan(2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), Merle Haggard (2014), Miranda Lambert (2012, 2014), Sam Hunt (2015, 2017), Shania Twain(2016), Taylor Swift (2010, 2011), Thomas Rhett (2016), Tim McGraw (2013) and Toby Keith (2012.)
CMT is the leading authority on country music and lifestyle, offering a mix of original series, music events and specials. CMT is everywhere its fans are including two cable channels (CMT and the 24-hour music channel, CMT Music), radio (CMT Radio), digital (CMT App, CMT.com) and social (CMT on Facebook, CMT on Instagram and CMT on Twitter). CMT is a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB). For more information, please visit CMT Press.
HONOREES CARRIE UNDERWOOD, MIRANDA LAMBERT, KELSEA BALLERINI, MAREN MORRIS, LITTLE BIG TOWN’S KAREN FAIRCHILD AND KIMBERLY SCHLAPMAN AND LADY ANTEBELLUM’S HILLARY SCOTT SET TO PERFORM
ADDITIONAL PERFORMERS INCLUDE GLADYS KNIGHT, TORI KELLY, ALISON KRAUSS, PISTOL ANNIES, BRANDI CARLILE, KIRK FRANKLIN, MADDIE & TAE AND RUNAWAY JUNE LIVE FROM NASHVILLE OCTOBER 17
To continue this year’s celebration of women, CMT has added seven new powerhouse performances to the “2018 CMT Artists of the Year” lineup: Carrie Underwood with CMT Next Women of Country and tour mates Maddie & Tae and Runaway June; Miranda Lambert and Pistol Annies; Kelsea Ballerini with Alison Krauss; Karen Fairchildand Kimberly Schlapman with soul legend Gladys Knight; and Hillary Scott with singer-songwriter Tori Kelly and Grammy-award winning gospel artist Kirk Franklin. In addition, honoree Maren Morris will join forces with Brandi Carlile for a powerful tribute to late icon Aretha Franklin. The 9thannual special premieres LIVE from Nashville on Wednesday, October 17 at 8:00pm ET/PT, only on CMT.
In recognition of the undeniable influence and impact of female artists in country music, the “2018 CMT Artists of the Year” special is dedicated to the women of country music—past, present and future. This year’s all-female “Artists of the Year” are Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Kelsea Ballerini, Maren Morris, Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman and Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott. The coveted “Artist of a Lifetime” award presented by Ram Trucks will be given to country music icon Loretta Lynn.
In addition to the “2018 CMT Artists of the Year” live special, CMT will further its commitment to female artists through a day-long “Women of Country Music” takeover across all CMT platforms where music lives including music hours on CMT, the 24/7 digital channel CMT Music and CMT Radio’s widely-syndicated shows “CMT Radio LIVE” and “CMT After Midnite” to encourage and inspire increased female airplay on October 17.
A staunch advocate for country music’s female artists, CMT launched its dedicated “Next Women of Country” campaign in 2013 as a way to give female artists voice and airplay across all CMT platforms. The franchise has received critical acclaim, and in five years since launch CMT has expanded to include tours, digital programming and more. Ballerini and Morris are both alumnae of the “Next Women” franchise.
Last year’s special notched its highest ratings to date and ranked as the most watched in the event’s eight-year history. More than 1.1 million fans tuned in to the premiere telecast and the encore. Socially, #CMTAOTY trended nationally on Twitter during the show and the special ranked as the #1 Most Social Entertainment Program in Primetime on Cable.
Previous “CMT Artists of the Year” performances have included Adele and Darius Rucker performing Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now;” Meghan Trainor, Jill Scott and Kelsea Ballerinihonoring Shania Twain with a medley of her biggest hits; Jason Aldean, Keith Urban and Chris Stapleton in a moving Tom Petty tribute with “I Won’t Back Down;” Adam Lambert and Leona Lewis paying tribute to Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush;” and Maroon 5covering Taylor Swift’s “Mine.” The show has featured appearances by Ellen DeGeneres, Matthew McConaughey, Selena Gomez, Billy Bob Thornton, Roger Clemens, Morgan Freeman, the cast of Nashville and more.
Former “CMT Artists of the Year” honorees include Blake Shelton (2015), Brad Paisley(2011), Carrie Underwood (2010, 2012, 2016), Cast of “Nashville” (2015), Chris Stapleton (2015, 2016, 2017), Eric Church(2012), Florida Georgia Line (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), Hunter Hayes (2013), Jason Aldean (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), Keith Urban (2017), Kelsea Ballerini(2016), Kenny Chesney (2011, 2012), Kenny Rogers (2015), Lady Antebellum (2010, 2011), Little Big Town (2015), Luke Bryan(2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), Merle Haggard (2014), Miranda Lambert (2012, 2014), Sam Hunt (2015, 2017), Shania Twain(2016), Taylor Swift (2010, 2011), Thomas Rhett (2016), Tim McGraw (2013) and Toby Keith (2012.)
CMT is the leading authority on country music and lifestyle, offering a mix of original series, music events and specials. CMT is everywhere its fans are including two cable channels (CMT and the 24-hour music channel, CMT Music), radio (CMT Radio), digital (CMT App, CMT.com) and social (CMT on Facebook, CMT on Instagram and CMT on Twitter). CMT is a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).
Loretta Lynn
In a year of celebrating the achievements of women in country music, CMT today announced that Loretta Lynn will be honored with the “Artist of a Lifetime” award presented by Ram Trucks at this year’s all-female “CMT Artists of the Year” event premiering live Wednesday, October 17 at 8:00 PM ET/PT. Academy Award winner and “Coal Miner’s Daughter” actress Sissy Spacek will bestow the award to Lynn, who joins previous recipients of the honor including Shania Twain (2016), Kenny Rogers (2015), and Merle Haggard (2014).
“I’m always so proud when I receive any awards for my music, but when I heard it was this year’s “Artist of a Lifetime” award it made me really happy,” says Loretta Lynn. “It’s an honor to be able to make music that people enjoy and I’m really excited to have a new album coming out. Thank you CMT for acknowledging me with this award and for honoring the women in country music at Artists of the Year.”
Loretta Lynn has long been established as the undisputed Queen of Country Music, with more than 50 years of recording and touring to her name. A self-taught guitarist and songwriter, Lynn was one of the most distinctive performers in Nashville in the 1960s and 1970s. She shook up Nashville by writing her own songs, many of which tackled boundary-pushing topics drawn from her own life experiences as a wife and mother. “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” “Fist City” and “Don’t Come Home A’ Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind)” are just three of 16 country No. 1 singles. She has sold over 45 million records worldwide. Lynn’s latest studio album, Wouldn’t It Be Great, (Legacy Recordings, a division of Sony Music Entertainment) will be released Friday, September 28.
Sissy Spacek has been one of the industry’s most respected actresses in a career spanning four decades. Her many honors include an Academy Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, five additional Oscar nominations, a Grammy nomination, three Golden Globe Awards and numerous critics awards. In 1980, Spacek starred as Loretta Lynn in the acclaimed biopic “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” winning the Oscar and Golden Globe Award for her performance. Spacek also swept the New York Film Critics Circle, Los Angeles Film Critics, National Board of Review, and National Society of Film Critics Awards for her portrayal of the country music legend. Some of Spacek’s other film credits include “A Home at the End of the World,” “The Straight Story,” “Affliction,” “JFK,” “The Long Walk Home,” “Hot Rod,” “Night, Mother,” “Four Christmases,” “Get Low”, “The Help” and “The Old Man and The Gun”.
For the first-time ever the annual “CMT Artists of the Year” special is dedicated to the women of country music—past, present and future. This year’s all-female “Artists of the Year” celebration will honor Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Kelsea Ballerini,
Maren Morris, Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman, and Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott.
As in past years, the event will feature surprise musical pairings and guests that will be announced at a later date. In addition, CMT will further its commitment to female artists through a day-long “Women of Country Music” takeover across all CMT platforms where music lives including music hours on CMT, the 24/7 digital channel CMT Music and CMT Radio’s widely-syndicated shows “CMT Radio LIVE” and “CMT After Midnite” to encourage and inspire increased female airplay on October 17.
A staunch advocate for country music’s female artists, CMT launched its dedicated “Next Women of Country” campaign in 2013 as a way to give female artists voice and airplay across all CMT platforms. The franchise has received critical acclaim, and in five years since launch CMT has expanded to include tours, digital programming and more. Ballerini and Morris are both alumnae of the “Next Women” franchise.
Last year’s special notched its highest ratings to date and ranked as the most watched in the event’s eight-year history. More than 1.1 million fans tuned in to the premiere telecast and the encore. Socially, #CMTAOTY trended nationally on Twitter during the show and the special ranked as the #1 Most Social Entertainment Program in Primetime on Cable.
Previous “CMT Artists of the Year” performances have included Adele and Darius Rucker performing Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now;” Meghan Trainor, Jill Scott and Kelsea Ballerini honoring Shania Twain with a medley of her biggest hits; Jason Aldean, Keith Urban and Chris Stapleton in a moving Tom Petty tribute with “I Won’t Back Down;” Adam Lambert and Leona Lewis paying tribute to Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush;” and Maroon 5 covering Taylor Swift’s “Mine.” The show has featured appearances by Ellen DeGeneres, Matthew McConaughey, Selena Gomez, Billy Bob Thornton, Roger Clemens, Morgan Freeman, the cast of Nashville and more.
Former “CMT Artists of the Year” honorees include Blake Shelton (2015), Brad Paisley (2011), Carrie Underwood (2010, 2012, 2016), Cast of “Nashville” (2015), Chris Stapleton (2015, 2016, 2017), Eric Church (2012), Florida Georgia Line (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), Hunter Hayes (2013), Jason Aldean (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), Keith Urban (2017), Kelsea Ballerini (2016), Kenny Chesney (2011, 2012), Kenny Rogers (2015), Lady Antebellum (2010, 2011), Little Big Town (2015), Luke Bryan (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), Merle Haggard (2014), Miranda Lambert (2012, 2014), Sam Hunt (2015, 2017), Shania Twain (2016), Taylor Swift (2010, 2011), Thomas Rhett (2016), Tim McGraw (2013) and Toby Keith (2012.)
CMT is the leading authority on country music and lifestyle, offering a mix of original series, music events and specials. CMT is everywhere its fans are including two cable channels (CMT and the 24-hour music channel, CMT Music), radio (CMT Radio), digital (CMT App, CMT.com) and social (CMT on Facebook, CMT on Instagram and CMT on
Twitter). CMT is a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB). For more information, please visit CMT Press.
CMT today announced two new digital expansions of “Hot 20 Countdown,” including the new multiplatform series “Country on Campus,” hosted by veteran sportscaster Bonnie Bernstein and “Hot 20 Live,” a weekly live digital series from Ole Red in downtown Nashville. “Country on Campus” showcases country artists’ passion for college football and debuts in “Hot 20” this Saturday, September 15 at 9am ET/PT with special guest, PLATINUM-selling, 5-time #1 hitmaker Dustin Lynch. “Hot 20 Live” airs on the Hot 20 Facebook page with guests Runaway June this Friday, September 14 at 5:30pm ET.
Produced by renowned veteran sports journalist Bonnie Bernstein (ESPN/CBS), “Country on Campus” celebrates college football through the eyes of country music, going behind-the-scenes with five artists, exploring the history behind the stars’ football loyalties and capturing their unique access to their favorite teams. Country superstar and lifelong University of Florida fan Dustin Lynch is slated as the first guest on this weekend’s installment, with cameo appearances by Gator greats Steve Spurrier, Tim Tebow and Cris Collinsworth. Each feature will launch exclusively on “Hot 20 Countdown”, with extended cuts available on CMT.com and across “Hot 20’s” digital platforms.
The much-needed Friday afternoon happy hour is here with “Hot 20 Live,” hosted by CMT’s Marley Sherwood and featuring Runaway June on this week’s episode. Airing live from Ole Red, the Broadway honky tonk inspired by country music superstar Blake Shelton’s satirical hit “Ol’ Red,” “Hot 20 Live” includes interviews and performances from country music’s up-and-coming artists, and previews the weekend’s all-new episode of “Hot 20 Countdown. Fans can get their weekend started early by joining the party in downtown Nashville while enjoying delicious food, specialty cocktails and live music, and interacting with the live show on CMT’s Hot 20 Facebook page every Friday afternoon.
“Country on Campus” is produced by Bernstein’s Walk Swiftly Productions and WhaleRock Industries for CMT, with CMT’s Quinn Brown, Bernstein and WhaleRock’s Laura Sweet serving as executive producers. “Hot 20 Live” is produced by WhaleRock Industries for CMT, with CMT’s Quinn Brown and WhaleRock’s Laura Sweet serving as executive producers.
CMT is the leading authority on country music and lifestyle, offering a mix of original series, music events and specials. CMT is everywhere its fans are including two cable channels (CMT and the 24-hour music channel, CMT Music), radio (CMT Radio), digital (CMT App, CMT.com) and social (CMT on Facebook, CMT on Instagram and CMT on Twitter). CMT is a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).
In recognition of the undeniable influence and impact of female artists in country music, CMT today announced that for the first-time ever the annual “CMT Artists of the Year” special is dedicated to the women of country music—past, present and future. This year’s all-female “Artists of the Year” celebration will honor CarrieUnderwood, Miranda Lambert, Kelsea Ballerini, Maren Morris, Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman, and Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott. The 90-minute special will premiere on Wednesday, October 17 at 8:00 PM, ET/PT only on CMT.
“This year, we’re evolving the special to reflect what’s happening right now in culture and in the lives of our fans,” said Leslie Fram, Senior Vice President of Music & Talent, CMT.“In this monumental year for women, dedicating one of the biggest nights in the genre to applaud female country artists not only solidifies our commitment, but we hope will spark a much-needed change in the industry.”
As in past years, the event will feature surprise musical pairings and guests that will be announced at a later date. In addition, CMT will further its commitment to female artists through a day-long “Women of Country Music” takeover across all CMT platforms where music lives including music hours on CMT, the 24/7 digital channel CMT Music and CMT Radio’s widely-syndicated shows “CMT Radio LIVE” and “CMT After Midnite” to encourage and inspire increased female airplay on October 17.
A staunch advocate for country music’s female artists, CMT launched its dedicated “Next Women of Country” campaign in 2013 as a way to give female artists voice and airplay across all CMT platforms. The franchise has received critical acclaim, and in five years since launch CMT has expanded to include tours, digital programming and more. Ballerini and Morris are both alumnae of the “Next Women” franchise.
Last year’s special notched its highest ratings to date and ranked as the most watched in the event’s eight-year history. More than 1.1 million fans tuned in to the premiere telecast and the encore. Socially, #CMTAOTY trended nationally on Twitter during the show and the special ranked as the #1 Most Social Entertainment Program in Primetime on Cable.
Previous “CMT Artists of the Year” performances have included Adele and Darius Rucker performing Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now;” Meghan Trainor, Jill Scott and Kelsea Ballerinihonoring Shania Twain with a medley of her biggest hits; Jason Aldean, Keith Urban and Chris Stapleton in a moving Tom Petty tribute with “I Won’t Back Down;” Adam Lambert and Leona Lewis paying tribute to Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush;” and Maroon 5covering Taylor Swift’s “Mine.” The show has featured appearances by Ellen DeGeneres, Matthew McConaughey, Selena Gomez, Billy Bob Thornton, Roger Clemens, Morgan Freeman, the cast of Nashville and more.
Former “CMT Artists of the Year” honorees include Blake Shelton (2015), Brad Paisley(2011), Carrie Underwood (2010, 2012, 2016), Cast of “Nashville” (2015), Chris Stapleton (2015, 2016, 2017), Eric Church(2012), Florida Georgia Line (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), Hunter Hayes (2013), Jason Aldean (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), Keith Urban (2017), Kelsea Ballerini(2016), Kenny Chesney (2011, 2012), Kenny Rogers (2015), Lady Antebellum (2010, 2011), Little Big Town (2015), Luke Bryan(2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), Merle Haggard (2014), Miranda Lambert (2012, 2014), Sam Hunt (2015, 2017), Shania Twain(2016), Taylor Swift (2010, 2011), Thomas Rhett (2016), Tim McGraw (2013) and Toby Keith (2012.)
CMT is the leading authority on country music and lifestyle, offering a mix of original series, music events and specials. CMT is everywhere its fans are including two cable channels (CMT and the 24-hour music channel, CMT Music), radio (CMT Radio), digital (CMT App, CMT.com) and social (CMT on Facebook, CMT on Instagram and CMT on Twitter). CMT is a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB). For more information, please visit CMT Press.
In celebration of the life of Hollywood Icon Burt Reynolds, who passed away earlier today, CMT will be encoring the “The Bandit,” the 2016 documentary about the famous film “Smokey & The Bandit.” CMT will air “The Bandit” on Friday, September 7 at 8pm and 10 pm EST, as well as on Saturday, September 8 at 12pm EST after “CMT Hot 20 Countdown.” One of Reynolds’ films “Without a Paddle,” will also air on Friday, September 7 immediately following the 10 pm documentary.
“The Bandit,” is an original documentary about 70s superstar Burt Reynolds, his best friend, roommate and stunt-double Hal Needham, and the making of their unlikely smash hit “Smokey & The Bandit.” The film tells the action-packed story of the making of the iconic film, while tracing the vivid personal journeys of Reynolds and Needham from obscurity to stardom and highlighting one of the most extraordinary relationships in Hollywood history. Featuring new interviews with Reynolds, rare archive material, including footage from Reynold’s personal archive, as well as candid interviews with the late Hal Needham, the documentary tells an exhilarating and moving story about loyalty, friendship and creative risk. Jesse Moss produces and directs. Amanda McBaine produces for Mile End Films. Jayson Dinsmore, Lewis Bogach and John Miller-Monzon executive produce for CMT.
ACM Awards New Male Vocalist of the Year Brett Young will bring his “crowd-pleasing” (Arizona Central) set to fans across the country this fall with CMT ON TOUR: HERE TONIGHT. The headline dates follow last year’s sold-out tour and will launch November 16 in Royal Oak, MI. Drawing from his debut PLATINUM-certified album on BMLG Records, Young’s four consecutive PLATINUM No. 1 chart-toppers will set the pace each night as he also previews new music and continues to captivate crowds “like a seasoned pro” (The Press-Enterprise) with his “flawless vocals” (Billboard). Featuring special guests Tyler Rich and Rachel Wammack, tickets for CMT ON TOUR: HERE TONIGHT go on sale in select markets this Friday, August 24 at 10:00A local time via www.BrettYoungMusic.com. Additional markets will be announced in the coming weeks.
“This tour has got me pumped already,” said Young. “We teamed up with CMT to name it after a new song I’ve been working on. It’s all about losing track of time because you’re so wrapped up in the moment. That’s what I want it to be all about out with the fans each night, and Rachel and Tyler are going to be a great way to get it started.”
First Announced CMT ON TOUR: HERE TONIGHT 2018 Dates:
November 16 – Royal Oak, MI – Royal Oak Theatre
November 17 – Northfield, OH – Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park – Hard Rock Live
November 18 – Saint Louis, MO – The Pageant
November 29 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore Charlotte
November 30 – Columbia, SC – Township Auditorium
December 1 – North Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues
December 2 – Lake Buena Vista, FL – House of Blues
December 6 – Albany, NY – Palace Theatre
December 9 – New York, NY – Playstation Theatre
December 14 – Atlanta, GA – Coca Cola Roxy Theatre
December 16 – Kansas City, MO – Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland
Young became one of Country music’s new class of hitmakers and is the only current debut Country artist to score four chart-toppers on the Mediabase Country Chart. Alongside the blazing success at radio, his songs have been amplified by an extraordinary response to his music videos with “In Case You Didn’t Know” surpassing 197 million views and “Mercy” spending six consecutive weeks atop Vevo’s Top Country chart. Named as the only Country act on Billboard’s Top 10 New Artists, Young continues to impress the genre and beyond with nominations from the ACM, Billboard, Teen Choice, CMT and CMA Awards. Young is currently on Thomas Rhett’s LIFE CHANGES TOUR 2018 and is set headline a sold-out show Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium for the first time on October 10. For additional information, visit brettyoungmusic.com.
Raised in Yuba City, a small farming community in Northern California, Tyler Rich found his love of music gathered around a Christmas tree alongside family singing holiday classics and Creedence Clearwater Revival before being introduced to the Country sounds of George Strait, Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson. Fast forward to earning a degree in Economics, Tyler moved pursued a different game of numbers – music – exploring various genres with songwriting and bands before taking the leap as a solo artist signed with The Valory Music Co. While introducing his amplified sound and infectious energy coast to coast, the 2018 CMT Listen Up Artist has become a road warrior performing alongside Dustin Lynch, Sam Hunt, Brett Eldredge, Justin Moore, Cole Swindell, Dan + Shay. His lead single “The Difference” has already scored the No. 1 spot on SiriusXM, crossed over 18 million streams and solidified his national television debut on NBC’s TODAY. The Rhett Akins, Ben Burgess, Devin Dawson and Jacob Durrett-penned song offers a glimpse into his real-life courtship with fiancée actress Sabina Gadecki. For additional tour dates and more, visit TylerRich.com.
Rachel Wammack, a 24-year old native from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, describes her sound as the trifecta of Country, Soul and Adult Pop. Being influenced heavily from the rich music history of her hometown, Rachel had no choice but to be shaped and sharpened by the artistic gusto that comes when those sounds merge. Rachel honed her craft not only as vocalist, but as a songwriter. At the age of 12, Rachel wrote her first song. Throughout the following adolescent years, Rachel expressed her art in her songwriting, storytelling, playing in the High school band, and pursuing a degree in professional writing. At the age of 17 she was discovered by a Sony Music Nashville executive while Rachel was performing at a fine cuisine, piano restaurant in Muscle Shoals. Five years and many written songs later, Rachel would receive a record deal from Sony Music Nashville. In April 2018 Rachel released her self-titled, four song EP via the RCA Records Nashville imprint, giving her ever growing fan base a taste of the music that’s still to come. Wammack’s EP, which includes her newly-released debut single “Damage,” proves that the young singer/songwriter is standing at the starting line of what promises to be an exciting, self-fulfilling and stunning career. For additional information, visit RachelWammack.com.
The Sisterhood Band on the CMT Music Awards red carpet.
The loudest night in country music kicked it up a notch as the biggest stars in the genre and beyond took on Nashville for the “2018 CMT Music Awards.” In a night of firsts, Blake Shelton won his first-ever Video of the Year Award for “I’ll Name The Dogs;” Little Big Town hosted for the first-time; and Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley, Florida Georgia Line, Kelly Clarkson, Little BigTown, Sam Hunt and Backstreet Boys seized the moment to debut new music for the first-time anywhere. A slew of new artists walked away with their first buckles, including Dan + Shay (Duo Video of the Year), Carly Pearce (Breakthrough Video of the Year), Kane Brown (Collaborative Video of the Year with Lauren Alaina), Backstreet Boys (CMT Performance of the Year with Florida Georgia Line) and Ludacris (Female Video of the Year with Carrie Underwood). Carly Pearce and Kane Brown won the first awards of their careers. Carrie Underwood’s win for “Female Video of the Year” extends her record for most “CMT Music Awards” wins with a grand total of 18.
The show kicked off with a star-studded tongue-in-cheek sendup that has the royal family in Nashville to escape the prying paparazzi, only to find themselves engulfed in the bachelorette party capital of the country. The sketch featured Kelly Ripa, Ryan Seacrest, hosts Little Big Town, Blake Shelton, Kelsea Ballerini, Midland, Dustin Lynch, Jake Owen, Jon Pardi, Trace Adkins,Darius Rucker (as the Queen, no less), and Florida Georgia Line as Princes William and Harry.
Drake White on the CMT Music Awards red carpet.
Little Big Town got the crowd jumping with their first-ever live performance of the danceable “Summer Fever” surrounded by large gold orbs, while Blake Shelton took to the rooftop of his new restaurant, Ole Red, in downtown Nashville for an intimate performance of his hit “Turnin’ Me On.”
Bordered by a dramatic white curtain, Jason Aldean delivered a stirring rendition of his hit “Drowns the Whiskey,” while Kelsea Ballerini offered a beautiful twist on love with her hit, “I Hate Love Songs.”
Dierks Bentley and Brothers Osborneshared the stage surrounded by fire for a hard-rocking version of Bentley’s single, “Burning Man.” Luke Bryan performed his summer anthem “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset” aptly at dusk on the crowd-filled outdoor stage.
Florida Georgia Line turned the Bridgestone Arena into a cozy backyard get-together with the first-ever-live performance of their new single “Simple,” while Carrie Underwood dazzled the audience with her soaring power ballad “Cry Pretty.”
Sam Hunt roamed the streets Nashville’s famed Broadway before taking the outdoor stage in front of thousands of country music fans and fireworks for first-ever-performance of “Downtown’s Dead,” while Dan & Shay, in their first-ever CMT Music Awards appearance, delivered a sobering sweeping rendition of their smash, “Tequila.”
Chris Stapleton’s unmistakably powerful voice boomed through the streets of downtown Nashville for a priceless performance of “Millionaire,” while pop royalty Backstreet Boys got the entire house dancing with an electric first-time-ever performance of their new single, “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” proving that great music transcends genres.
Accompanied by an all-female choir, Kelly Clarkson made her CMT Music Awards debut by reclaiming the classic “American Woman” as a fiery female-empowerment anthem from the forthcoming series “American Woman,” starring Alicia Silverstone, Mena Suvari and Jennifer Bartles, premiering tomorrow night, Thursday, June 7 at 10pm ET/PT on Paramount Network.
The evening concluded with a bang as Darius Rucker and The Troublemakers –Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan and Charles Kelley – turned the Bridgestone Arena into a local honky tonk with their first-ever-live performance of the seminal Drivin’ N Cryin’ classic, “Straight To Hell.”
Furthering its commitment to new artists, CMT’s Ram side-stage featured performances of CMT Next Women of Music artists Carly Pearce and Lindsay Ell, as well as CMT Listen Up Artists DevinDawson, LANCO and Russell Dickerson.
The A-list roster of presenters from music, television and film includes Backstreet Boys, Brett Young, Bobby Bones, Carly Pearce,Chrissy Metz (“This Is Us”), Cody Alan (Radio and TV Personality), Courtney Force (NHRA racing), Dustin Lynch, Garrett Hedlund (“Mudbound,” “Country Strong”), Hoda Kotb (“NBC’s TODAY”), Joel McHale(“The Joel McHale Show”), Jon Pardi, Kaitlin Doubleday (“Nashville”), Katie Cook (TV personality), Keith Urban, Lauren Alaina, Leon Bridges, Lennon Stella (“Nashville”), Lindsey Vonn (US Ski Team), Luke Combs, Maisy Stella (“Nashville”), P.K. Subban(Nashville Predators), RaeLynn, Rascal Flatts and Sugarland.
The winners of the 2018 CMT MUSIC AWARDS are:
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video of the year; awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration) and the video director. Final nominees announced the morning of the show, with final voting held on social media during the live telecast.
MALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a male artist; awarded to the artist
FEMALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a female artist; awarded to the artist
DUO VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a duo; awarded to the artists
GROUP VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a group; awarded to the artists
BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video from an artist’s major breakthrough album; awarded to the artist (male, female or group/duo)
COLLABORATIVE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video from a collaboration; awarded to the artists
CMT PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
Musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on CMT; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo)
For more information, follow @CMT on Twitter and Instagram, use hashtag #CMTawards and like the CMT Music Awards on Facebook.
About CMT
CMT is the leading authority on country music and lifestyle, offering a mix of original series, music events and specials. CMT is everywhere its fans are including two cable channels (CMT and the 24-hour music channel, CMT Music), radio (CMT Radio), digital (CMT App, CMT.com) and social (CMT on Facebook, CMT on Instagram and CMT on Twitter). CMT is a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB). For more information, please visit CMT Press.
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