Dierks Bentley Shares What To Expect From CBS’ ‘New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash’
Country music artists will help ring in the new year on a national scale on New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash, airing on CBS on Friday, December 31. The five-hour special will see live performances from more than 50 artists at Nashville’s Bicentennial Park and other venues around the city. Performer Dierks Bentley says the event will be the top viewing option for New Year’s Eve night.
“When I found out this big CBS special was happening in my adopted hometown of Nashville where I’ve lived for almost 30 years, I really wanted to be part of it because it’s a special moment for the city, it’s a special moment for country music,” Bentley told Sounds Like Nashville and other reporters. “I love our town and I love country music and I watch the stuff out of New York and some of the other networks that do New Year’s Eve countdowns, and there’s no reason why country music shouldn’t be the number one thing everyone’s watching at home on New Year’s Eve.”
Bentley will be joined by the rest of the show’s star-studded lineup, which includes Jason Aldean, Jimmie Allen, Kelsea Ballerini, Gabby Barrett, Brooks & Dunn, Luke Bryan, Elle King, Miranda Lambert, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, Cole Swindell and Zac Brown Band. The show also added performances from Lady A, Ingrid Andress, BRELAND, King Calaway, Riley Green, Sam Hunt, Chris Janson, Jon Pardi, Carly Pearce and Lainey Wilson. With so many top-tier artists on one stage, Bentley predicts that all-star collaborations will take place.
“I think they have 50 different artists performing for this event, so definitely would love to have some collaborations,” says Bentley. “I’ve looked around to see who else is also playing on the stage with me and there’s some great artists there, so if they’re hanging around we’re definitely going to be pulling people up and trying to make it great.”
As for his set list, Bentley is planning to “bring the party” with some of the upbeat tunes from his catalog. TV and radio personality Bobby Bones and Entertainment Tonight’s Rachel Smith will also be on hand to host the show and count down until midnight on the East Coast. The traditional Music Note Drop will signify the start of the new year in Nashville.
“When people tune into the New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash on CBS, they’re going to see genuine fun,” says Bentley. “People really enjoying being there.”
New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash will air on CBS at 8pm ET on Friday, December 31. It will also be available live and on demand on Paramount+.
