Kenny Chesney Tapped to Close 2022 CMT Music Awards
Monday night (April 11) is going to be one to remember.
The final piece of the 2022 CMT Music Awards puzzle has fallen into place, with Kenny Chesney announced as the grand-finale performer.
Set to take the stage as the show wraps up on April 11, Chesney is currently gearing up for the start of his first tour since 2019, and says he actually asked to be included in the show. His band is in such fine form that he wants to take them out for a spin on live TV, and that’s a request CMT was all about granting.
“You just know when something’s white hot,” the superstar says of his band’s newfound chemistry. “I can’t wait for people to see where this band is, and I realized: even when we get to Raymond James Stadium on April 23, most people won’t get to see it until we hit their town!
“I know there are some very passionate people who are coming into Tampa to be part of flying the No Shoes Nation Flag for the first time since 2019, and I can’t wait to hear them roar,” he goes on. “But when I realized the CMT Music Awards were happening next week, I asked if they could find space for us to debut this band, to play one of those songs that defined what we do live all those years ago – and they said, ‘C’mon.’”
Co-hosted by Keslea Ballerini and Anthony Mackie, this year’s CMT Music Awards mark the first time the show has aired on CBS, and the show will also feature performances by Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Keith Urban and a reunion of The Judds, among other can’t miss moments. Chesney is up for two awards alongside the night’s co-host for “Half of My Hometown,” and now plans to finish the show with a No Shoes bang.
“It’s always great to be able to close down the night!” he says. “For us, to be part of what will change people’s lives, to show what’s possible and to celebrate how rocking the music is? That’s why we all do what we do. And as everyone knows, my road family and I live by the battle cry – ‘Who lives like we do? WE DO!’ So, here’s to Monday night, and seeing how live this can be.”
Kenny Chesney’s Here And Now 2022 Tour kicks off April 23 in Tampa, Florida. The 2022 CMT Music Awards air live from Nashville on April 11, broadcasting on CBS at 8/7c for the first time. Take a look at a full list of the night’s nominees here, and learn more about the night’s performers here.
