CMTCMT is unveiling its class of 2016, proclaiming Carrie UnderwoodChris StapletonFlorida Georgia LineLuke Bryan and Thomas Rhett its latest Artists of the Year. While all the other hitmakers have previously been honored on the yearly special, this is Thomas Rhett’s first time to join the group.

Last year, Chris Stapleton was the first-ever recipient of the Breakout Artist of the Year title. This year, they’ll bestow that mantle on Kelsea Ballerini.

The 7th annual CMT Artists of the Year special will air Thursday, October 20 at 9 p.m. ET from Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center, with performers and presenters to be announced in the coming weeks.

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