Lee Brice Tests Positive for COVID-19, Will Miss CMA Awards Performance

Lee Brice has tested positive for COVID-19. The “Memory I Don’t Mess With” singer reportedly discovered he tested positive when he arrived at rehearsal for the upcoming 2020 CMA Awards. Lee is nominated for two CMA Awards, for Music Video of the Year and Musical Event of the Year, both for “I Hope You’re Happy Now” with Carly Pearce, and was also slated to perform the No. 1 song.

According to the Associated Press, the father of three is “in good spirits and not experiencing any symptoms.” He will self-isolate at home until he is cleared by a doctor.

“Lee would like to thank the CMAs and all of his incredible fans for his nominations and is wishing his fellow nominees an incredible evening celebrating the best of country music,” a representative for Lee said in a statement.

Although the 2020 CMA Awards will be virtual this year, all of the artists will be together in one room, for the first time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are thrilled to have this incredible group of artists taking the stage at the CMA Awards this year! It is a privilege to bring these live performances to our viewing audience with the energy and excitement that the CMA Awards are known for,” Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer, said in a statement.

“And although the show will feel a bit more intimate this year, we look forward to hosting our nominated artists and their guests as we celebrate the best of country music in a fully safe and physically distant environment,” she continued. “It will be an honor to bring the biggest Country stars in the world together – in one room – for the first time this year. You won’t want to miss it!”

Lee previously opened up about the honor of receiving the two nominations. Although the South Carolina native has been nominated a total of seven times, he has yet to take home a coveted trophy, which he insists doesn’t bother him at all.

“I always look at it, like if I get nominated or if I win something, those shows are really just icing on top of the already good cake,” Lee told Everything Nash. “I get to play music. I get to produce. I get to play guitar. I get to write songs. I can’t ask for anything more than that. I don’t know how it all works with that stuff, but it’s kind of cool that I am up with some stuff this year.”

The 2020 CMA Awards will air live from the Music City Center in Nashville, on Wednesday, November 11, at 8:00 PM ET on ABC.