Kenny Chesney Toasts End of 2022 CMT Music Awards With ‘Beer In Mexico’

Kenny Chesney brought the house down with his show-closing number at the 2022 CMT Music Awards, popping the top on the nostalgic hit, “Beer In Mexico.”

Serving as a teaser of the fun that waits for country fans as summer tour season rolls around, the legendary “King of the Road” simply did what he does best. Dressed for comfort in faded jeans, a blue T-shirt and white hat, Chesney rolled with ease through the feel good anthem, all about letting worries fade with the tropical sun.

The hit maker and stadium-filling superstar scored his 34th Number One with “Knowing You” at the end of 2021, and is currently gearing up for his long-postponed return to touring. Kicking off later this month, his 2022 Here and Now Tour marks Chesney’s first run in more than three years — since before the pandemic started — and his CMT Music Awards performance was a preview of what he has planned. Announced as a performer last week, Chesney claimed rehearsals for the tour were going so well that he personally asked to be included in the night’s show.

“[W]hen 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,’” Chesney is quoted.

The 2022 CMT Music Awards aired live from Nashville on CBS, marking the first time the genre’s only fan-voted awards show was broadcast on network television. The night was co-hosted by Kelsea Ballerini, actor Anthony Mackie and last-minute addition Kane Brown after Ballerini tested positive for COVID-19. Featuring a stacked lineup of featured performers, this year’s event also included Jason Aldean, Gabby Barrett and Miranda Lambert, plus collaborations between Cole Swindell and Lainey Wilson, Jimmie Allen, Monica and Little Big Town, Maren Morris and Ryan Hurd, and many more. For more information including a recap of the night’s winners, click here.