Valory Music Co.One of the more interesting collaborations on this year’s CMA Awards will no doubt be the sight of Thomas Rhett teaming up with the pop-rock band Fall Out Boy. How’d that come about? Turns out T.R. is a longtime fan of the Chicago group, and says the opportunity to actually get to play with them is “pretty awesome.”
“I was in a couple of rock bands in middle school and high school,” says Thomas. “And I remember playing in my church one night, playing the drums and we actually played a Fall Out Boy song as our song. So to be playing on a legit, real stage at the CMAs with them is going to be pretty awesome.” As for what the two acts will play, Thomas says it’ll be a combination of his hit “Crash and Burn,” and their hit “Uma Thurman.”
“I got to talk to them on the phone the other day about what parts they want to sing on my song and vice versa,” he says. “And it was just like, ‘Man, let’s just get up there and see how it goes.’ ‘Cause I know their song really well and they know mine, so we’re just going to kinda trade off.”
In addition to performing, Thomas is also up for Best New Artist…for the second time. He says he’s not sure how one can possibly be a “new” artist twice, but says he thinks it’s a positive thing.
“You know, I think the fact that I can still be nominated for New Artist means I’m fresh in some people’s eyes, which is a good thing,” he says. “I think as long as you can stay fresh you’re doing something right.”
In the past T.R. has admitted that he used to be terrified sitting in the audience waiting for his name to be called at an awards show, but he says he doesn’t feel that way anymore. “I think I’ve realized my career is in a really good spot and I’ve put music out that I believe in and has done well,” he says. “So win or lose, I still get to play shows, which is nice.”
See if Thomas can take home the Best New Artist trophy this Wednesday night, when the CMAs air live from Nashville on ABC, starting at 8 p.m. ET.
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