The Country Music Association Awards might be virtual this year, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t going to be memorable. On Nov. 11, Reba McEntire and musician Darius Rucker are teaming up to host a virtual CMA celebration that will also feature live performances.
This will be McEntire’s fifth time hosting the CMA awards, and Rucker’s first time.
The duo announced the exciting news on a recent segment on “Good Morning America.” The morning show tweeted about the announcement with a video clip on Oct. 5.
Can't wait to watch @reba and @dariusrucker host the #CMAawards on Wednesday, Nov. 11th! pic.twitter.com/u8NPpqbS0V
— Good Morning America (@GMA) October 5, 2020
From 2008 to 2018, Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood hosted the CMAs.
In 2019, however, Paisley was removed from the show and Underwood co-hosted with Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire.
The decision was made in part because of declining ratings, but also to help highlight the accomplishments of female performers and musicians in the country music genre.
Although some fans complained about the change before the 2019 awards show, Paisley took the news in stride and tweeted out his support of the three “amazing women” who would take the stage as hosts.
As a fan of all 3 of these amazing women, I can’t wait to watch. https://t.co/IHuX1GnhQi
— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) August 19, 2019
Later, Underwood also retired from her CMA hosting responsibilities. She discussed her decision on Instagram last year, saying that it would be impossible to top her past experiences as a co-host.
“I’ve decided that it’s time to pass the hosting torch (at least for now!) to others that will cherish it and honor it as much as I do,” Underwood shared on Instagram.
New host Darius Rucker, who is perhaps best known as the lead vocalist for Hootie and the Blowfish, is thrilled to be handed the torch, saying that he can’t wait to take the stage with an icon like Reba McEntire.
“To be invited to host this year’s awards alongside Reba — are you kidding me?! — it is an absolute honor,” Rucker said in a press release about the upcoming award show.
The 54th Annual CMA Awards will be broadcast from Music City Center in Nashville. Since there will not be a live audience this year, the show was moved from its usual spot at Bridgestone Arena to the smaller venue across the street.
The show will air Wednesday, Nov. 11 on ABC beginning at 8 p.m. ET. Will you tune in for a twangy good time?
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