A cavalcade of female artists are set to kick off the 53rd annual CMA Awards, delivering a special performance meant to highlight the impact of women in country music.
Led by show co-hosts Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton, the show-opening number will also feature Terri Clark, Sara Evans, Crystal Gayle, The Highwomen (Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris and Amanda Shires), Martina McBride, Jennifer Nettles, Tanya Tucker and Gretchen Wilson, with each performing iconic country songs from across decades of the genre’s history.
Meanwhile, another newly announced performance will again put the spotlight on country’s female stars. Kelsea Ballerini is set to team up with Lindsay Ell, Maddie & Tae, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce and Runaway June, who will share the stage on “an iconic CMA Song of the Year and CMA Single of the Year,” featuring a special appearance by Little Big Town.
Previously announced solo performances include Eric Church, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Dan + Shay, and more, plus collaborations between Brooks & Dunn and Brothers Osborne, Blake Shelton and Garth Brooks, Lady Antebellum and Halsey, Kacey Musgraves with Willie Nelson and others. The 53rd annual CMA Awards air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena November 13 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
