Kelsea Ballerini is returning to host the CMT Music Awards for the fourth year, this time taking the helm solo. She will also perform during the live broadcast, taking place on April 7.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be back for my 4th year with my CMT family to host this year’s CMT Music Awards in Austin, Texas,” Ballerini said. “Hosting an awards show that celebrates the music that the fans love most has been an honor and I know this year will be another unforgettable night.”
The upcoming CMT Music Awards mark the first time Ballerini will host the ceremony by herself, after previously hosting alongside Kane Brown for the last three years, although she insists she is up for the challenge.
“It’s definitely new grounds for me,” Ballerini told People. “But it’s my fourth year hosting, so I feel like I’ve learned a lot. And the good thing about CMTs is there’s such a light energy, so there’s not a pressure that I feel to be perfect. I just want to be fun, honor the night and help people have a good time.”
Ballerini’s career has continued to grow, especially in the last year. The Tennessee native released her deeply personal Rolling Up The Welcome Mat, which was nominated for a Grammy Award, followed by Rolling Up The Welcome Mat (For Good).
“Making this record was simply my way of making sense of a really emotionally complicated place in my life,” Ballerini said when the Grammy Awards nominations were announced. “I went to one of my best friends and collaborators, Alysa Vanderheym, and she quietly and diligently helped me write my truth. I really don’t have the words for the pride I feel for this music and the way that it’s connected with people.”
Ballerini wrote all of the songs on Rolling Up The Welcome Mat as a response to her divorce from Morgan Evans after five years of marriage, unaware that the project would resonate with so many people.
“I thought when Alysa and I were making Rolling Up The Welcome Mat, it was something I would release and never revisit,” Ballerini later said, when releasing Rolling Up The Welcome Mat (For Good). “I wasn’t sure what was going to happen, and that wasn’t the point of the music. Now, in hindsight and with a full heart, I want all those people who came alongside me and supported this album to know that I will never be able to fully express my gratitude, but (For Good) is my best attempt.”
The 2024 CMT Music Awards will air live from the Moody Center in Austin, Texas on Sunday, April 7th, at 8:00 PM ET on CBS. The show will also be available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+.
Jelly Roll was the big winner of the 2023 CMT Music Awards, winning three trophies, while Lainey Wilson followed with two wins. Nominees, performers and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets are available now at Ticketmaster and MoodyCenterATX.com.
Find all of Ballerini’s music and tour dates at KelseaBallerini.com.
Photo Credit: John Shearer for CMT
