CMAHosts Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood will likely make jokes about this year’s multiple high-profile break-ups in country music, at least partially because Miranda Lambert’s ex, Blake Shelton, has given them his permission. Keith Urban will sing “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16” and he will sing with John Mellencamp — but we don’t know if the rock legend will sing on the #1 hit that namechecks his earlier alter-ego. These are just some of the knowns and unknowns of this year’s 49th Annual CMA Awards.
Eric Church and Little Big Town have the best odds of taking home a trophy, with five nominations each. Kenny Chesney and Miranda aren’t far behind, with four apiece. Sam Hunt, Kacey Musgraves, Chris Stapleton, and Maddie & Tae are all triple-threats when it comes to CMA nods.
Duo of the Year nominees Maddie & Tae admit they’re not even letting themselves think much about the possibility of winning. “That hasn’t even, honestly, crossed our mind, because, you know, we’re brand new. We’re the only female act too and we’re up against some really great duos. But, um, I don’t know what,” Maddie says, beginning to contemplate who she’d thank. “I know the first one will be God, of course, but then I don’t really know, like of course family and all that, but it’d be hard because that’s not what we’re expecting. It’d be a total curveball, ’cause we have no idea.”
Add nominees Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Blake Shelton, and Zac Brown Band to the mix, and you’ll have a near complete list of all the show’s performances.
“I’m comfortable just getting to go up and perform and get to play a song, ‘Beautiful Drug,’ that’s off our new album, getting to do it live in front of everybody at home and getting to perform it and try to help everybody there have a good time,” Zac says, admitting he’s not overly concerned about whether he wins or not.
The 3-hour extravaganza will start with Hank Williams, Jr. and Eric performing a new version of “Are You Ready for the Country,” before seguing into Keith’s stage time with Mellencamp. Chris Stapleton may’ve secured the most high-profile guest, inviting Justin Timberlake to join him for a set that will include “Tennessee Whiskey” from his CMA-nominated album. Thomas Rhett and Fall Out Boy will trade lines on “Crash and Burn” and “Uma Thurman.” Vegas co-headliners and old friends Reba and Brooks & Dunn will also collaborate.
While we don’t know who will win, we do know who’ll be handing out the CMA statues. Kiefer Sutherland, Steve Martin, and Wicked City’s Erika Christensen visit from the world of Hollywood. Edie Brickell and Pentatonix stop by from the pop world. Brett Eldredge, Charles Kelley, Jennifer Nettles, Darius Rucker, Cole Swindell, and Lee Ann Womack will pass out trophies to their country compadres.
Originating live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, the 49th Annual CMA Awards begin making their way into the history books at 8 p.m. ET tonight.
Here’s a complete list of the 2015 nominees:
Entertainer of the Year
Garth Brooks
Luke Bryan
Kenny Chesney
Eric Church
Miranda Lambert
Female Vocalist
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Kacey Musgraves
Carrie Underwood
Lee Ann Womack
Male Vocalist
Dierks Bentley
Luke Bryan
Eric Church
Blake Shelton
Chris Stapleton
Album of the Year
Jason Aldean, Old Boots, New Dirt
Kacey Musgraves, Pageant Material
Little Big Town, Pain Killer
Kenny Chesney, The Big Revival
Chris Stapleton, Traveller
New Artist of the Year
Kelsea Ballerini
Sam Hunt
Maddie & Tae
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton
Song of the Year (Award to Songwriter)
“American Kids,” Kenny Chesney
“Girl Crush,” Little Big Town
“Like a Cowboy,” Randy Houser
“Like a Wrecking Ball,” Eric Church
“Take Your Time,” Sam Hunt
Single of the Year
“American Kids,” Kenny Chesney
“Girl Crush,” Little Big Town
“I Don’t Dance,” Lee Brice
“Take Your Time,” Sam Hunt
“Talladega,” Eric Church
Group of the Year
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Rascal Flatts
The Band Perry
Zac Brown Band
Vocal Duo of the Year
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Maddie & Tae
Thompson Square
Musical Event of the Year
Django and Jimmie, Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard
“Lonely Tonight,” Blake Shelton featuring Ashley Monroe
“Raise ‘Em Up,” Keith Urban featuring Eric Church
“Smokin’ and Drinkin’,” Miranda Lambert featuring Little Big Town
“Wild Child,” Kenny Chesney with Grace Potter
Music Video of the Year
“Biscuits,” Kacey Musgraves
“Girl Crush,” Little Big Town
“Girl in a Country Song,” Maddie & Tae
“Little Red Wagon,” Miranda Lambert
“Something in the Water,” Carrie Underwood
Musician of the Year
Sam Bush
Jerry Douglas
Paul Franklin
Dann Huff
Mac McAnally
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