Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning are reprising their role as CMA Awards hosts again in 2023. The singer and football player, who first hosted the live ceremony together in 2022, have been announced again as hosts this year. Bryan hosted the show by himself in 2021.
“It’s always a huge honor to be a part of this show, to be in the building,” Bryan said ahead of last year’s ceremony. “And obviously, hosting last year was really, really special for me. When you look at me growing up as a kid, worshipping country music, and dreaming of being a part of country music, hosting the CMAs is a pretty big deal for me.”
Bryan and Manning have been friends off-stage for years, although the singer admitted he wasn’t initially sure if their camaraderie would translate to successful co-hosts.
“Peyton and I, we’ve got a good history together. We’re going on a ten-year friendship. He’s very busy, and I’m very busy, so we don’t see each other as much as we’d like, but when we do get together, we really have a great time, and a lot of laughs. So it’s interesting — you’re friends with him and go play golf, but then, we actually got to do work together, so it’s interesting to learn how he goes about his hosting duties and learning what our chemistry will be.”
When announcing that Bryan and Manning would be hosting the CMA Awards together last year, the Georgia native said he was eager to team up with the sports legend for country music’s biggest night.
“Being a part of such a historical night that honors my peers and country music is such a privilege,” Bryan said at the time. “When I was asked if Peyton Manning was someone I would consider co-hosting with I didn’t hesitate. We have become great friends through the years and what he brings to the table is gonna make it even more of a blast. I know he’s been to the CMA Awards before, but he’s never been with me. Hey Peyton, I hope you’re ready for the night of your life!”
Bryan just released his latest single, “But I Got A Beer In My Hand.” He will spend much of the next few months on the road, with his Country On Tour, which kicks off on June 15. He will also embark on his Farm Tour in September.
“The Farm Tour has grown throughout the years. The fact that we can set a stage up in a hayfield or some kind of field and people flock to it is what I envisioned when I created Farm Tour, and to obviously help some kids with scholarships and stuff like that,” Bryan tells his record label. “But the Farm Tour has grown every year, and it’s always something we look forward to. It’s really an exciting time to be able to just be out on a farm on a fall night. Sometimes it’s cool and it’s perfect jacket weather, and everybody’s just enjoying music and having fun. And it’s happening in these little towns that have never gotten a show like this.
“So, it’s always fun knowing that I leave these little towns, and they can go, ‘Hey, we got to go party out in a field and hear a bunch of Nashville country music singers roll in,’ and give them a great show,” he adds. “So many great memories through the years.”
Last year, Lainey Wilson won the CMA Award for Female Vocalist of the Year, while Chris Stapleton won for Male Vocalist of the Year. Luke Combs won the CMA Award for Entertainer of the Year.
The 2023 CMA Awards will air live on Wednesday, November 8, at 8:00 PM ET on ABC.
