Luke Bryan is crashing the CMA’s party.
The country singer and “American Idol” judge will host the Country Music Association Awards live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, next month, ABC announced Monday.
“The CMA Awards is one of the biggest nights of the year for country music,” Bryan, 45, said in a statement.
“Being asked to host the CMA Awards was definitely something I put a lot of thought into before answering. 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.”
Bryan, a two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year, follows Reba McEntire and Darius Rucker, who hosted last year’s show.
“I mean, growing up in Georgia, I remember watching Vince Gill, Reba, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Rogers, Barbara Mandrell, to name a few. They were so good,” Byran said.
“And then becoming a part of this amazing Country Music family and sitting on the front row while Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood and Darius Rucker took the reins, all of these artists are heroes and friends, and I am honored to have my name included in this group. I’m looking forward to making it fun and memorable and using this platform to continue to make country music shine.”
Nominations, announced last month, were led by Eric Church and Chris Stapleton with five each, followed by Gabby Barrett with four. Miranda Lambert, Brothers Osborne, Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Ashley McBryde, Maren Morris and Chris Young were each nominated for three awards.
Church, Combs, Lambert, Chris Stapleton and Underwood are all up for entertainer of the year.
Performers and presenters have not yet been announced.
The CMA Awards will air live on ABC on Nov. 10 from 8-11 p.m. ET.
