Lainey Wilson is joining veteran hosts Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning at this year’s CMA Awards — and she’s bringing her “bell flair.”
In a promotional clip for the 58th annual Country Music Association Awards, the “Heart Like a Truck” singer, 32, surprises Bryan, 48, and Manning, 48, from the backseat of a convertible where they discuss the upcoming ceremony.
“Listen guys, I’m not trying to kill your vibe, but I think I might bring something to the CMA Awards that you’ve never had before,” he tells them. “Like humor. Like personality. Like style. A little bit of bell flair.”
Bryan and Manning decide they need her at the awards show to be held at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville in November.
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“I couldn’t be more excited to be hosting the CMA Awards this year with Luke and Peyton,” Wilson said in a press release. “It’s such an amazing honor and something I’ve always dreamed of doing. We’re planning a really great show for you all, so make sure to check it out on November 20th!”
Bryan and Manning co-hosted the awards in 2022 and 2023. The former took home Entertainer of the Year in 2014 and 2015. Wilson won Entertainer of the Year in 2023 and is up against Chris Stapleton, Jelly Roll, Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen.
“Hosting the CMA Awards is such an honor and it’s crazy to realize this is my fourth year in a row,” Bryan said. “Peyton and I have really worked to build each other up, and now adding Lainey to the mix will just bring another fun element to the evening. Celebrating country music never gets old for me.”
Luke Bryan, Lainey Wilson and Peyton Manning.
CMA/ABC
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Manning is “honored” to be returning as host of the awards show, after serving as host himself in 2021 before being joined by Bryan.
“The past two years have been a lot of fun and I know Lainey will bring a special shine. I hope it can help me keep Luke in line! Either way, I’m excited for an amazing night of celebration and country music.”
The performers at the awards have yet to be announced, but the list of nominees – which does not include Beyoncé – is packed with star power. The leader in nominations is Wallen (31) with seven nominations, followed by Stapleton (46) and Cody Johnson with five nominations.
Post Malone and Wilson are in the fight for four awards. Wilson could take home Entertainer of the Year, Single of the Year, Female Singer of the Year and Music Video of the Year.
The 58th Annual CMA Awards airs Wednesday, November 20 at 8:00 PM ET on ABC.
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Source: HIS Education