50th Annual CMA Awards: What To Expect

The anticipation for “Country Music’s Biggest Night” is higher than ever before. Not only will we celebrate 50 years of country music, but many major players in the genre will return to the show for the first time in years. Rumor has it we’ll see some of the best classic acts mixed in with the newest rising superstars — it doesn’t get any better than that! Plus, co-host Carrie Underwood will don 11 different dresses (yes, ELEVEN!), some of which will pay tribute to decades past. The 50th annual CMA Awards air live Wednesday, Nov. 2 at 8/7c on ABC but until then, find out what we’re looking forward to seeing!

The Hosts:
Superstars Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood are slated to host the CMA Awards for the ninth consecutive year. This year, we celebrate 50 years of Country Music history and we have no doubt the duo have an extraordinary night planned. Be sure to tune in to the show immediately at 8/7c to watch their monologue. It’s always a highlight of the show! 

The Performers:
Alabama, Brooks & Dunn, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Charley Pride, Reba, George Strait, Kelsea Ballerini, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, Tim McGraw, Little Big Town, Dierks Bentley, Maren Morris, Eric Church,  Charlie Daniels, Randy Travis, Ricky Skaggs, Roy Clark, Clint Black, Jason Aldean, Jennifer Nettles, Martina McBride, Chris Stapleton, Thomas Rhett, Elle King, Pentatonix, and Dwight Yoakam will all take the stage during the star-studded evening. From what we hear, there will be some epic pairings of the artists of “then” and “now,” so don’t miss a second of the show!

The Presenters:
While most of the performers are country acts, a number of the night’s presenters come from outside of the genre. The list of stars range anywhere from athletes to actors, and everyone in between. Presenters for the 50th annual CMA Awards include the “Final Five” Olympic gymnasts Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas, Laurie Hernandez, Madison Kocian, and Aly Raisman; three-time CMA Award winner and Country Music Hall of Fame member Bill Anderson; 2016 CMA Awards nominee Cam; Josh Dallas, best known for his role of Prince Charming/David Nolan on ABC’s Once Upon A Time; Actress Jennifer Garner; three-time CMA Award winner Lee Greenwood; ESPNCollege GameDay’s Kirk Herbstreit; Country Music Hall of Fame member Brenda Lee; four-time CMA Award winner Barbara Mandrell; NFL Legend Peyton Manning; actor Matthew McConaughey; Wendi McLendon-Covey and Hayley Orrantia from ABC’s The Goldbergs; 1974 CMA Female Vocalist of the Year Olivia Newton-John; two-time CMA Award winners and Country Music Hall of Fame members The Oak Ridge Boys; ESPN’s Samantha Ponder; actress Sharon Stone; 2016 CMA Awards nominee Cole Swindell; and actress Lily Tomlin.

Most Anticipated Moments:
We anticipate a huge tribute to the past 50 years of country music during Wednesday night’s telecast. If the “Forever Country” song, featuring 30 major artists, is any indication, we’re in for a real treat!

Winners: This year’s competition is more fierce than ever before! Who will take home the trophies on Wednesday? Only time will tell! Until then, check out our CMA Awards predictions HERE.

The 50th Annual CMA Awards airs 8:00-11:00 PM/ET on We from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.