Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning to Co-Host the 2024 CMA Awards
The upcoming 58th annual Country Music Association (CMA) Awards will see Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning return as co-hosts on November 20, 2024. The event, which will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, will also introduce a new face to the hosting lineup: 2023’s CMA Entertainer of the Year, Lainey Wilson.
Lainey Wilson Joins as a First-Time CMA Awards Host
Lainey Wilson, an award-winning country music sensation, is set to make her debut as a CMA Awards co-host. Having achieved massive success over the past few years, including seven No. 1 hits and seven CMA Awards, Wilson will join Luke Bryan, a four-time CMA host, and Peyton Manning, a two-time Super Bowl champion and third-time CMA co-host.
Bryan, who has consistently brought his down-to-earth personality and experience to the awards stage, spoke highly of Wilson’s addition to the hosting team. “Nobody’s getting talked about while being hotter than a firecracker in popularity than Lainey,” Bryan told The Tennessean, praising her meteoric rise in the industry.
He further explained that her energy and style would complement the dynamic he and Manning have established over the past couple of years: “Lainey’s brand and what she’s about will mix well with what Peyton and I have already been accomplishing in the role.”
The Rise of Lainey Wilson in Country Music
Since her breakout in 2021, Lainey Wilson has become a dominant figure in country music, with her signature “bell-bottomed country with a flare” gaining her a dedicated fanbase. Wilson’s rapid rise to stardom includes chart-topping singles, sold-out concerts, and a growing list of accolades, including the coveted Entertainer of the Year title at the 2023 CMA Awards.
With this co-hosting opportunity, Wilson continues to break new ground in country music history. She becomes the eighth woman ever to host the CMA Awards, joining the ranks of industry legends such as Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, and Barbara Mandrell.
CMA Awards: A Legacy of Female Hosts
The CMA Awards have a long-standing tradition of recognizing and elevating female artists in the country music industry. Reba McEntire co-hosted the awards in 2020 alongside Darius Rucker, while Carrie Underwood spent over a decade co-hosting with Brad Paisley until 2018. Dolly Parton joined McEntire and Underwood in 2019 for a memorable trio performance. Other women who have hosted the prestigious event include Dale Evans, Bobbie Gentry, Anne Murray, and Barbara Mandrell.
By bringing Wilson on board, the CMA Awards continue to showcase the incredible impact women have had on the genre.
Manning’s Growing Role in the Country Music Scene
Peyton Manning’s involvement in the CMA Awards has grown significantly since he first co-hosted in 2022. Known for his legendary NFL career, Manning’s smooth transition into the world of country music has been well-received by fans. His 2022 debut monologue described the CMA Awards as the “Super Bowl of country music,” a fitting analogy from the Hall of Famer.
Manning has become more than just a familiar face at the event. His deepening connection to country music was further highlighted when he recently joined country music superstar Morgan Wallen on stage at the University of Tennessee’s Neyland Stadium. Manning, an East Tennessee native and former UT quarterback, accompanied Wallen, UT football coach Josh Heupel, quarterback Nico Iamaleava, and wide receiver Bru McCoy, making for an unforgettable moment during Wallen’s historic two-night performance in front of 156,161 fans.
CMA Awards 2024: Nominees and Top Contenders
As always, the 2024 CMA Awards will celebrate the best of country music with a star-studded list of nominees. Morgan Wallen and Lainey Wilson lead the pack, reflecting their dominance in the country music scene.
Wallen, who is no stranger to success, is nominated for seven awards, including Single of the Year, Song of the Year, and Musical Event of the Year for his duet with Post Malone, “I Had Some Help.” His nominations also include the coveted Entertainer of the Year title, an honor he will compete for alongside Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Jelly Roll, and Lainey Wilson herself.
Wilson is the most nominated female artist for the 2024 CMA Awards, with four nominations. Her achievements include her second nomination for Entertainer of the Year, a third nod for Female Vocalist, and recognition for Single of the Year for her hit song “Watermelon Moonshine.” Wilson’s music video for “Wildflowers and Wild Horses,” directed by Patrick Tracy, is also up for the Music Video of the Year award.
Other notable artists include Megan Moroney and Kacey Musgraves, who each received three nominations, while breakout artist Shaboozey is nominated for Single of the Year and Best New Artist for his hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”
Morgan Wallen’s Record-Breaking Year
Morgan Wallen’s 2023 success story is one for the record books. His two-night performance at Neyland Stadium set a new attendance record, surpassing the previous record held by The Jackson 5 since 1984. With a total of 156,161 fans across both nights, Wallen’s ability to draw massive crowds has solidified his status as one of country music’s biggest stars.
Wallen’s seven nominations at the 2024 CMA Awards, including Entertainer of the Year, reflect his continued influence and popularity in the genre.
Luke Bryan’s Legacy at the CMA Awards
Luke Bryan, a seasoned CMA Awards host, is no stranger to the event’s spotlight. With four hosting gigs under his belt, Bryan’s experience, humor, and charm have made him a fan favorite. His partnership with Manning has brought a unique blend of sports and music to the show, with their playful banter and chemistry keeping the audience entertained.
Bryan’s role as host, coupled with his impressive career as a two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year, cements his status as a key figure in country music.
