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CMA Awards 2020: Who, When, Where, How To Watch

On Wednesday night, the country music community will come together to celebrate at the 2020 Country Music Association Awards.

Like previous awards shows in 2020, the CMA Awards will have some changes to its normal format. They include a venue change and a combination of in-person and previously taped performances by country music’s brightest stars.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 has knocked out a couple of the performers after they tested positive for the virus this week. Both Lee Brice and Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard tested positive and had to cancel their performances.

However, the CMA Awards have plenty of country music’s biggest stars lined up for the annual event. Here is a who, when, and where breakdown of the big night.

How to Watch the Awards Show

The 2020 CMA Awards will air live on Wednesday, Nov. 11 from Nashville, TN on ABC starting at 8 p.m. EST. In fact, fans with a participating TV provider can also utilize ABC’s official website or the ABC app to watch the big event.

Where Will the CMAs Take Place

Usually, the CMAs take place at Bridgestone Arena in downtown Nashville, TN. But, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the event will be hosted at Nashville’s Music City Center this year.

In contrast to other awards shows in 2020, the CMAs will have a limited audience. Yet, nominated artists and their guests will still be expected to practice social distancing during the closed-off event.

Who is Nominated at the CMA Awards

Country star Miranda Lambert leads this year’s list of nominees with a total of seven nominations, including Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Single of the Year and Song of the Year. Here’s a list of the top three awards and their nominees.

  • Entertainer of the Year – Eric Church, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban
  • Female Vocalist of the Year – Miranda Lambert, Ashley McBryde, Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves, Carrie Underwood
  • Male Vocalist of the Year – Eric Church, Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett, Chris Stapleton, Keith Urban

Who Will Perform at the CMA Awards

As previously mentioned, performances by Lee Brice and Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard have been canceled. Yet, there are still plenty more huge names that will take the stage on Wednesday night.

The 2020 CMA Awards will welcome some of country music’s biggest acts to the stage. They include performances by Miranda Lambert, Luke Combs, Eric Church, Kelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town, and Ashley McBryde. Additionally, Maren Morris, Old Dominion, Jon Pardi, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton, and Morgan Wallen will perform.

Furthermore, special collaborative performances include Dan + Shay with Justin Bieber, Gabby Barrett featuring Charlie Puth, and a huge opening tribute to the late Charlie Daniels. Musicians for the tribute include Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne, Ashley McBryde and Jenee Fleenor.

Finally, co-hosts Reba McEntire and Darius Rucker will debut their new collaboration “In the Ghetto,” which is a tribute to the late Mac Davis.

Who Will Host & Present at the CMA Awards

Country star Darius Rucker and country legend Reba McEntire will co-host the 2020 CMA Awards. It is Rucker’s first time hosting, but it is McEntire’s fifth time hosting the event.

“I’m thrilled to be back hosting the CMA Awards and even more thrilled that I get to share the stage with Darius Rucker,” said McEntire in a statement. “We’re looking forward to a night of celebrating great country music and hope you’ll tune in and watch!”

Presenters at the awards show include Lauren Akins, Lauren Alaina, Dierks Bentley, Bobby Bones and Charles Esten. In addition, Sara Evans, Taylor Hill, Jake Owen, Patrick Schwarzenegger, and Cece Winans will present awards to the winners.