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“2018 CMT Music Awards” Featuring This Summer’s Newest Music With Multiple World Premiere Television Performances

By on June 5, 2018 in In The Press

CMT today revealed that some of music’s biggest stars will perform brand-new songs for the first time ever on television when the “2018 CMT Music Awards” premieres LIVE from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena tomorrow, June 6 at 8pm ET/PT. The performances will not only feature the newest songs that will become the soundtrack to the summer, but they will use the CMT stage to introduce their new music to the world.

“CMT music fans have an unquenchable thirst for music discovery. This show features the freshest and most exciting summer songs ever presented on one stage,” said Margaret Comeaux, executive producer, CMT Music Awards.

The line-up of world television premiere performances includes:

  • Darius Rucker featuring Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan and Charles Kelley – “Straight to Hell”
  • Dierks Bentley featuring Brothers Osborne – “Burning Man”
  • Florida Georgia Line – “Simple”
  • Kelly Clarkson – “American Woman”
  • Little Big Town – “Summer Fever”
  • Sam Hunt – “Downtown’s Dead”
  • Backstreet Boys – “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”

The performers join previously announced performers Blake Shelton, Chris Stapleton, Jason Aldean and Kelsea Ballerini to round out the ultimate night of country music in Nashville.

The latest announcement follows renewed ratings growth and critical acclaim for CMT music specials and events due in part to a creative refresh featuring current and genre-bending artist pairings and pro-social elements. In October, “CMT Artists of the Year” notched its highest rating to date and now ranks as one of the fastest growing award shows, while “CMT Crossroads” recently garnered its highest ratings in five years with an episode featuring Backstreet Boys and Florida Georgia Line. The network recently finished its highest-rated quarter since 2014 and notched its fifth consecutive quarter of year-over-year ratings growth. April 2018 was CMT’s best April performance in 4 years, extending to 17 the channel’s streak of consecutive months of year-over-year ratings growth among Adults 18-49 and Women 18-49. (L+SD, CMT Total Day)

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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“2018 CMT Music Awards” To Feature Superstar Presenters From Music, Television, Sports And Film    

By on June 4, 2018 in In The Press

With only two days to go before the big night, the “2018 CMT Music Awards” announced today the list of presenters featuring everyone from music industry icons to sports legends and Hollywood stars. The A-list roster includes Backstreet Boys, Bobby Bones, Brett Young, 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”), Johnny Knoxville (“Action Point”), Kaitlin Doubleday (“Nashville”), Katie Cook (TV personality), 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 “2018 CMT Music Awards” will premiere LIVE from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 6th at 8:00 pm ET/ PT.

Country music’s loudest night will be hosted by three-time nominees Little Big Town, who willalso join the list of knockout performers including Blake Shelton; Carrie Underwood; Chris Stapleton; Dan + Shay; Darius Rucker featuring Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan and Charles Kelley; Dierks Bentley featuring Brothers Osborne; Florida Georgia Line; Jason Aldean; Kelly Clarkson; Kelsea Ballerini; Luke Bryan and Sam Hunt. Breakthrough artists Carly Pearce, Devin Dawson, LANCO, Lindsay Ell, Russell Dickerson and Walker Hayes will perform on the Ram Trucks Side Stage.

The “2018 CMT Music Awards” nominations announcement made history, as pop sensations Bebe Rexha, with her record-breaking, chart-topping collaboration “Meant to Be” with Florida Georgia Line, and Justin Timberlake, with “Say Something” featuring Chris Stapleton, received first time nods for the highly coveted “Video of the Year.” The additional lineup of country stars vying for the title include Blake Shelton, Brett Young, Brothers Osborne, Carrie Underwood featuring Ludacris, Dan + Shay, Jason Aldean, Kane Brown featuring Lauren Alaina, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs and Thomas Rhett. Up for four nominations each, Carrie Underwood (who also currently holds the title of most “CMT Music Awards” wins), Florida Georgia Line and Jason Aldean are tied for most nods.

Fans have until the end of the day today, June 4th, to vote for their favorite artists via CMT.com for categories including “Video of the Year,” “Male Video of the Year,” “Female Video of the Year,”, “Duo Video of the Year,” “Group Video of the Year,” “Breakthrough Video of the Year,” “Collaborative Video of the Year” and “CMT Performance of the Year.”

The presenters announcement follows renewed ratings growth and critical acclaim for CMT music specials and events due in part to a creative refresh featuring current and genre-bending artist pairings and pro-social elements. In October, “CMT Artists of the Year” notched its highest rating to date and now ranks as one of the fastest growing award shows, while “CMT Crossroads” recently garnered its highest ratings in five years with an episode featuring Backstreet Boys and Florida Georgia Line. The network recently finished its highest-rated quarter since 2014 and notched its fifth consecutive quarter of year-over-year ratings growth. April 2018 was CMT’s best April performance in 4 years, extending to 17 the channel’s streak of consecutive months of year-over-year ratings growth among Adults 18-49 and Women 18-49. (L+SD, CMT Total Day)

Follow @CMT on Twitter and Instagram, use hashtag #CMTawards and like the CMT Music Awards on Facebook.

Tickets are still available at TICKETMASTER.

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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CMT Hosts Free Events In Nashville Beginning June 3 To Celebrate The “CMT Music Awards”

By on May 31, 2018 in In The Press
SUNDAY, JUNE 3
 
1-5 p.m.        CMT AND THE PEDIGREE BRAND’S FIRST-EVER “PAWS & PLAY” MUSIC FESTIVAL
Location:       Cumberland Park (592 S. 1st Street, Nashville, TN 37213)
 
CMT and the PEDIGREE brand are teaming up for the first “Paws & Play” Music Festival in Nashville on Sunday, June 3. The free event is the official kickoff to “CMT Music Awards” week and celebrates the role four-legged family members play in making lives better. Dogs (and their humans) can participate in a number of family-friendly events, including performances by country singer/songwriter, The Voice champion and CMT Music Award winner Cassadee Pope, doggie yoga, canine massage, games, photo opps, food trucks, a beer and wine garden and much more. The event is hosted in association with adoption partner, Nashville Humane Association, who will feature adoptable dogs onsite looking for fur-ever homes. No RSVP necessary.
 
*Performances by Cassadee Pope are at 2:00 and 3:30 p.m.
MONDAY, JUNE 4
 
7-10 p.m.       RAM TRUCKS PRESENTS “DRIVE: ARTISTS TO WATCH” AT THE CMT MUSIC AWARDS
Location:       TopGolf Nashville (500 Cowan Street, Nashville, TN 37207)
Get up close and personal with Nashville’s hottest rising country stars at this exclusive CMT concert    at the city’s newest hangout, TopGolf. Scheduled to perform are Devin Dawson, Walker Hayes and LANCO. Must RSVP to attend. Event is 18 and up.
 
TUESDAY, JUNE 5
 
12-4 p.m.       CMT MUSIC AWARDS AND BAR-S BLOCK PARTY
Location:        Schermerhorn Symphony Center Plaza (1 Symphony Pl, Nashville, TN 37201)
 
Bar-S and CMT invite you to kick off the summer with the ultimate downtown block party, featuring live music and free food for the whole family. Festivities include performances and meet-and-greets with artists Bailey Bryan, Kelleigh Bannen and The Sisterhood Band, along with carnival games, prizes and a chance to win tickets to the CMT Music Awards on Wednesday night.
 
Performances are as follows:

 

  • 12:15 p.m.              Bailey Bryan
  • 1:45 p.m.               Kelleigh Bannen
  • 3:15 p.m.               The Sisterhood Band

 

 
8:30 p.m.       CMT CROSSROADS taping with Leon Bridges and Luke Combs
Location:        5th & Broadway (outdoor stage) – fans are encouraged to arrive early. Gates will open at 7:00 p.m., first-come, first-served, standing room only.
CMT’s iconic music franchise takes over the streets of downtown Nashville with a one-of-a-kind pairing featuring Leon Bridges and Luke Combs.
 
 
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6
 
7-9:30 a.m.     CMT SWEAT WITH BARRY’S BOOTCAMP
Location:        Schermerhorn Symphony Center Plaza (1 Symphony Pl, Nashville, TN 37201)
Get down before the world gets up! A one-of-a-kind morning workout event, CMT Sweat is the can’t-miss kickoff to the CMT Music Awards, powered by Barry’s Bootcamp. Join some of Barry’s top national trainers for an early-morning workout, and enjoy a performance by singer/songwriter Kalie Shorr, music curated by DJ Ivy, appearance by Danielle Bradbery and other surprise guests as they turn your early morning into the ultimate calorie-shredding exercise session. Must RSVP to attend.
 
12-4 p.m.       CMT MUSIC AWARDS AND BAR-S BLOCK PARTY
Location:        Schermerhorn Symphony Center Plaza (1 Symphony Pl, Nashville, TN 37201)
Bar-S and CMT invite you to kick off the summer with the ultimate downtown block party, featuring live music and free food for the whole family. Festivities include performances and meet-and-greets with artists Carly Pearce, Morgan Evans, Tyler Rich and Delta Rae, along with carnival games, prizes and a chance to win tickets to the CMT Music Awards on Wednesday night.
Performances are as follows:

 

  • 12:00 p.m.              Carly Pearce
  • 1:00 p.m.               Morgan Evans
  • 2:15 p.m.               Tyler Rich
  • 3:30 p.m.               Delta Rae

 

1-7 p.m.        HERSHEY’S “CERTIFIED COUNTRY GOLD” AT THE CMT MUSIC AWARDS
Location:       Bridgestone Plaza (501 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203)
 
CMT and Hershey’s are throwing a free karaoke party all day long from the heart of downtown Nashville. Fans are invited to hop on the karaoke RV, grab a mic and belt out Country Gold hits. Enjoy free Hershey’s Gold, a digital photo booth and certified gold prizes, including a chance to attend the CMT Music Awards on Wednesday night.
 
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Events are free and open to the public. Some events require advance registration. RSVP links included above.
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CMT And PEDIGREE Invite Dogs (And Owners) To First “Paws & Play” Music Festival On Sunday, June 3 in Nashville

By on May 23, 2018 in In The Press

CMT and the PEDIGREE brand are teaming up for the first “Paws & Play” Music Festival in Nashville on Sunday, June 3. The free event is the official kickoff to “CMT Music Awards” week and celebrates the role four-legged family members play in making lives better.

WHAT:   CMT AND THE PEDIGREE BRAND’S FIRST-EVER “PAWS & PLAY” MUSIC FESTIVAL

WHERE:  Cumberland Park (592 S 1st St, Nashville, TN 37213)

WHEN:    Sunday, June 3 at 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Dogs (and their humans) can participate in a number of family-friendly events, including performances by country singer/songwriter, The Voice champion and CMT Music Award winner Cassadee Pope, doggie yoga, canine massage, games, photo opps, food trucks, a beer and wine garden and much more. The event is hosted in association with adoption partner, Nashville Human Association, who will feature adoptable dogs onsite looking for fur-ever homes.

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CMT’s “Music City” Debuts Tonight, Premiere Party Highlights

By on March 1, 2018 in Music, Special Events, The Latest

Last Wednesday, we were fortunate to attend the official premiere party celebrating CMT’s new docu-series, “Music City” at The Back Corner in Nashville.

Partygoers were treated to a special sneek peak of the new series and full band performances from 2 of the cast members, in addition to a few words from the producer Adam DiVello.

Spotted on the red carpet and in attendance were Whitney Port from MTV’s “The Hills” and “The City”, producer Adam DiVello, the cast of “Music City”, country artist Jerrod Niemann, Luke Pell from “The Bachelorette”, country artist Brooke Eden, country artist Stephen Barker Liles from Love and Theft, and many more.

The show promises to be an entertaining journey into the lives of a hip 20-something crowd in Nashville.  It’s created by the same producer of MTV’s popular docu-series, “The Hills“, Adam DiVello.

Stay tuned for our interview with cast member Jackson Boyd.

Don’t forget to tune-in tonight at 9pm/central for the debut of “Music City” on CMT.

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Additional Cast Members Announced For CMT’s “Music City” Debuting March 1st

By on February 10, 2018 in In The Press
CMT announced yesterday the addition of 3 cast members to their new docu-series, “Music City”, set to debut on March 1st 10pm ET/PT on CMT.

Alexandra Harper

ALEXANDRA HARPER is a Nashville native and pageant queen who has her eyes on the title of Miss Tennessee USA. Obsessed with following in her mother’s footsteps and earning the crown, Alexandra has been training with her cousin Jackson and will stop at nothing to win.

Bryant Lowry

 
BRYANT LOWRY is a drummer in an up-and-coming Nashville band. Aside from drumming, Bryant is also a music producer and tv/film composer. He’s determined to put his career first and knows he’ll never love anyone as much as he loves music. Bryant admires Nashville greatly for its endless opportunities and all the musically-minded people who live here.
Instagram: @bryant_lowry

Sarah Thomas


SARAH THOMAS is a Texas native who followed her musical dreams to Nashville. After a bad breakup left her wounded, Sarah has struggled to find someone who won’t break her heart in a city where everyone is looking out for themselves. Worried she may have to relocate, Sarah is giving her career and her personal life a final push in the hopes that she will finally find what she is looking for.

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CMT Next Women Of Country Artist: Lindsay Ell

By on January 17, 2018 in A Closer Look @, artist spotlight, Artists to Watch, Music

Lindsay Ell at CMT Next Women of Country celebration this past November.

I had the pleasure of catching up with several of CMT Next Women of Country artists this past November as we celebrated 5 years of this program created by Leslie Fran to spotlight up and coming female country artists.

One of the artists I was able to talk with was critically-aclaimed songstress & multi-instrumentalist Lindsay Ell signed to Broken Bow Records.

In the fall of 2017, Lindsay released her debut full length album, THE PROJECT, produced by the uber-talented Kristian Bush (Sugarland), who she credits for helping her find her sound.  The album debuted at #1 and since then, Ell has been on a musical whirlwine ride traveling across the U.S. and internationally to tour with Brad Paisley to performing alongside multiple guitar legends in Guitar Legends for Heroes on November 29, 2017 at Terminal 5 in New York City, an all-star show benefitting our military, veterans and their loved ones.

Lindsay Ell performing with multiple guitar legends at Guitar Legends for Heroes in NYC Nov. 2017.
Photo credit: Lucas Kammerer

Two of Lindsay’s favorite songs on her album that she co-wrote are “Champagne” and “Castle” since both allow her to “step outside of her comfort zone” and have fun on stage.

Find Lindsay Ell’s THE PROJECT on iTunes and Google Play.

Lindsay’s favorite memories this year have come from being on tour with Brad Paisley.  Aside from simply being a great experience in front of huge crowds, Paisley does things for his tourmates like renting out a movie theatre to watch the latest installment of “Spiderman”, renting out a go-kart track to race go-karts, and much more.

She had a blast on the road in 2017 and is currently preparing to rejoin country superstar Brad Paisley on the road for his WEEKEND WARRIOR WORLD TOUR  kicking-off on January 25th in Los Angeles at STAPLES Center.

She will also be joining Sugarland for a few dates on their STILL THE SAME TOUR.

For more information and dates to find out where you can see Lindsay, please visit: www.lindsayell.com/tour

Needless to say, things aren’t slowing down anytime soon for Ell, and we wish her the best of luck in the year ahead! Find her on social media to keep up with what she has going on daily.

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CMT Unveils Cast Of “Music City” From The Creator Of “The Hills” And “Laguna Beach” Premiering Thursday, March 1 At 10pm ET/PT

By on January 17, 2018 in In The Press

CMT today announced the cast of “Music City,” the latest series from famed executive producer Adam DiVello, who has created iconic shows such as “The Hills” and “Laguna Beach,” in association with Lionsgate. The docu-series premieresThursday, March 1 at 10 PM ET/PT.

The highly-anticipated “Music City” follows a group of friends entering the next chapter of their lives while chasing dreams of success, fame and romance in Nashville. Faced with real choices that carry real stakes for their careers, their relationships and their futures, they must navigate the rocky road on the journey of self-discovery.

Meet the cast of “Music City”:

RACHYL – A Colorado native who moved to Nashville with her husband, Kerry, and their two-year-old son, Wolfgang, to support Kerry’s dreams of singing/songwriting. Feeling often like a single parent, Rachyl struggles to balance motherhood with her goals of attending law school. Instagram: @rachyldegman

KERRY – A country singer/songwriter originally from Beaverton, Oregon. Kerry, along with his wife, Rachyl, and their two-year-old son, Wolfgang, moved from California to Nashville so Kerry could pursue his musical dreams. As his career blossoms, Kerry must navigate the temptations of life on the road and learn firsthand the personal sacrifice that comes with following your dreams. Instagram: @kerrydegman

JESSICA – Better known to her friends as JMack, Jessica is an all-American Southern belle originally from Little Rock, Arkansas. She has lived in Nashville for nearly five years and is pursuing her dreams as a singer/songwriter in country music, while also searching for the man of her dreams. Instagram: @jessicamackmusic

JACKSON – A fitness instructor and personal trainer born and bred in Nashville, with Southern charm and looks to kill. When he is not helping his friends and family get into shape, he can be found cooking at home or hanging out downtown with friends. Instagram: @jacks_boyd

ALISA – A Los Angeles native who moved to Nashville to pursue her ambition of singing and writing country music, despite her family’s doubts. With no formal training, she’s trying to get traction in a city where everyone has dreams of making it big. She’s also searching for someone to sweep her off her feet, a task that’s been challenging considering she’s picky to a fault. Instagram: @alisabethfuller

CMT continues its year of record growth notching its 13th consecutive month of year-over-year ratings growth among Adults 18-49 and Women 18-49 in Total Day to earn its best year since 2014. Last quarter, CMT generated the highest year-over-year gainsof any Top 50 ad-supported entertainment cable channel among Women 18-49. (Total Day, L+SD)

“Music City” is produced by Done and Done Productions in association with Lionsgate. Adam DiVello serves as creator and executive producer.

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LIFE AND SONGS OF KRIS KRISTOFFERSON Premiering TONIGHT On CMT at 9pm/Central

By on October 27, 2017 in In The Press

The Life & Songs of Kris Kristofferson, an all-star concert taped live in Nashville, will premiere Oct. 27 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on CMT.

CMT will present the concert as 90-minute broadcast, and Blackbird Presents Records will release the full-length concert film as a CD/DVD combo. The broadcast, concert film and music release features a collection of legendary singers, songwriters and rising stars who came together in March 2016 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena for a once-in-a-lifetime concert to celebrate Kristofferson and his classic songs.

The Life & Songs of Kris Kristofferson features performances, in-depth interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage with Kristofferson, Jessi Alexander, Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley, Ryan Bingham, Rosanne Cash, Eric Church, Jessi Colter, Rodney Crowell, Larry Gatlin, Emmylou Harris, Jack Ingram, Shooter Jennings, Jamey Johnson, Alison Krauss, Martina McBride, the Travelin’ McCourys, Reba McEntire, Buddy Miller, Willie Nelson, Jennifer Nettles, Jon Randall, Darius Rucker, Hank Williams Jr. and Lee Ann Womack.

Performances includes McEntire’s take on “Me and Bobby McGee,” Lady Antebellum’s version of “Help Me Make It Through the Night” and Church’s interpretation of “To Beat the Devil.” Other highlights include a special performance of “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” by Nelson and Kristofferson and an all-star grand finale performance of “Why Me.”

The CD/DVD version is available for immediate preorder at Blackbird Presents and Pledge Music. Fans can also get exclusive merchandise from PledgeMusic, including a limited edition framed gig poster from the night of the show, color photo, and an Epiphone limited edition 1963 J-45 guitar, all signed by Kris Kristofferson. Merchandise bundles which include the official concert T-shirt, hat and CD/DVD are available from Blackbird Presents.

Keith Wortman is creator and executive producer of the show. Grammy winner Don Was served as music director alongside famed songwriter-producer Buddy Cannon.

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2017 CMT’s ARTISTS OF THE YEAR: Reaching New Heights & Night Of Healing

By on October 22, 2017 in Music, Special Events, The Latest

On Wednesday, October 18th, CMT hosted its 5th annual ARTISTS OF THE YEAR once again at the beautiful Schermerhorn Symphony Center in downtown Nashville sponsored by RAM Trucks and Variety.

Honorees this year were: Florida Georgia Line, Keith Urban, Jason Aldean, Chris Stapleton, Luke Bryan, and Sam Hunt.

In previous years, the night has focused solely on honoring the selected honorees from country music.  However, due to the recent onslaught of devastating events affecting so many in our country from the Route 91 mass shooting in Las Vegas to so many suffering after the damage of several hurricanes, the night turned its focus towards the healing power that can be found in music and remembering those lost this year in the genre.

The crisp fall night began with a lavish pre-party sponsored by Variety in the beautiful main lobby entrance area of the elegant symphony hall.  The wine flowed and decadent hors d’oeuvres were served by an attentive waitstaff along with a vast selection of cheese and fruit from a decorative centerpiece table setting.

Following the pre-party, we were seated inside at tables in the beautifully-decorated performance area of the venue for the prompt start of the live taped show.  Again, an attentive waitstaff took our drink orders throughout the show and made it an enjoyable evening for all in attendance.

Some of the biggest names in the music industry from artists to behind-the-scenes from labels, management, public relations, booking agencies, producers, and many more.  All decked out in beautiful dresses and suits fitting of this elagant occassion.

The show opened with a beautiful and powerful collaboration between Andra Day and Little Big Town setting the perfect tone for the evening with “Rise Up”.

Some of my favorite moments were Lionel Richie’s introduction of Luke Bryan.  He was charming, funny, and does he EVER age?! Keith Urban’s performance of his recent hit and what he has dubbed his “sexiest song” to date when interviewed during his #1 party for this song, “Blue Ain’t Your Color”.  It was raw, poignant, and even sexier than ever, which I did not think was possible, but he nailed it, as always.  The Backstreet Boys sang a beautiful, 5-part harmony version of “Holy” honoring their friends and tourmates, Florida Georgia Line.  I’m especially ready for a full on collaboration between the two vocal groups after what I saw of them at the recent CMT CROSSROADS.

My absolute favorite moment of the evening came at the very end closing out the show as Jason Aldean was honored and took the stage joined by his friends in a show of solidarity: Little Big Town, Chris Stapleton, and Keith Urban.  Luke Bryan introduced them to the stage and explained that Aldean had a hard time trying to select what he would sing to commemorate the evening, that he kept coming back to a classic Tom Petty song he started singing as an artist when he first moved to Nashville, “I Won’t Back Down”.

With the recent passing of this musical legend and the circumstances Jason Aldean found himself in just 2 weeks ago as he performed in Las Vegas and was on stage when the shooting happened, it was a very fitting song selection.  All of the country music industry found itself impacted in some way as it hit home all across Music Row and heartbroken as this tragic occurrence happened at a country music festival in Las Vegas.  A song about strength in the face of adversity and a show of solidarity among a few friends, was a perfect message, heartfelt, and felt very healing for all present.  Near the end of the performance everyone in the audience stood up, unprompted, in a united stand of support and show of strength to clap along.  It was a beautiful moment.

Following the show, we were treated by a fun after party, again sponsored by Variety in the same area as the show took place.  We did have to leave the ornate and elagant room as the catering staff set-up for the after party.  Catering for the night was provided by G Catering.

Everyone was ready to celebrate a very special evening following the show  Again, the cocktails and wine were flowing from open bars.  It was a festive and playful atmosphere this time as waitstaff dressed as delivery staff served guests mini gourmet pizzas in small boxes, Chinese food served in mini Chinese take out boxes from an old-fashioned bicycle in its baskets, with hamburger and taco stands to the sides serving mini boxes topped with the CMT ARTISTS OF THE YEAR logo.

It was a perfect ending to a perfect night, and one that I hope to be fortunate enough to partake in again next fall.

Singer Philip Phillips, who performed Sam Hunt’s “Body Like A Backroad” during the show mixing with guests at the after party.

Jason Aldean & friends’ heartfelt version of “I Won’t Back Down” is available now for purchase and downloads from iTunes and Google Play.  All money raised from the sales will be donated to charity and the victims of the recent tragedies.

Record audience numbers were set by the televised airing of this year’s ARTISTS OF THE YEAR on CMT. Soaring well above audience numbers of its airings in the past 4 years.

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