The first round of performers for the upcoming 2022 CMT Music Awards has been announced, with several artists taking the stage during the live broadcast. Luke Combs and Keith Urban will both perform, along with Kane Brown, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Maren Morris with Ryan Hurd, Carly Pearce, Cole Swindell with Lainey Wilson, and the show’s co-host, Kelsea Ballerini.
Brown leads the list of CMT Music Awards nominees with four nods. The “Leave You Alone” singer is nominated for two CMT Performance of the Year trophies, for both his “Ride Wit Me” performance with Nelly, Blanco Brown and Breland, from CMT Crossroads: Nelly & Friends, and his cover of Randy Travis‘ “Three Wooden Crosses,” from the 2021 CMT Artists of the Year ceremony. He is also nominated for Male Video of the Year and the night’s highest honor, Video of the Year, both for “One Mississippi.”
While specific songs have not been revealed, Swindell and Wilson will sing their current Top 10 hi, “Never Say Never.”
Ballerini, Mickey Guyton, Breland and Johnson are each nominated for three trophies. In addition to her multiple nods, as well as performing, Ballerini will also host the ceremony, alongside actor Anthony Mackie.
“I’m thrilled to be returning as host at this year’s CMT Awards with Anthony Mackie!” Ballerini gushes. “This award show is always a special one, as it revolves around the fans and celebrates their favorite artists. This year is especially cool to be a part of as CMT grows into a network spot and expands for even more fans to get involved. It’s going to be a big one and I can’t wait!”
“I had the pleasure of presenting at last year’s CMT Music Awards and received the warmest welcome from the country music community and the city of Nashville,” Mackie adds. “I can’t wait to get back to Music City to co-host this year’s awards with the amazing Kelsea Ballerini.”
The 2022 CMT Music Awards will air live from Nashville on Monday, April 11, at 8:00 PM ET on CBS. The CMT Music Awards are fan-voted. Voting is open now at vote.cmt.com.
