‘CMA Awards’ First Batch of 2018 Performers Announced

CMA Awards Poster 2018
Official poster for the 52nd Annual CMA Awards (Photo credit: CMA/ABC)

The first round of performers have been announced for the upcoming 52nd Annual CMA Awards airing Wednesday, November 14, 2018 on ABC. Among the Country artists confirmed to perform are returning co-host Carrie Underwood as well as 16-time nominee Luke Bryan.

Also set to take the stage on what’s described as Country Music’s Biggest Night are Kelsea Ballerini, Old Dominion, Kenny Chesney, Dan + Shay, and Keith Urban.

This year’s CMA Awards will air live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville from 7pm – 10pm/CT. Gary Halvorson is directing, David Wild is the head writer, and Robert Deaton is on board as an executive producer.

Carrie Underwood is teaming up with Brad Paisley for the 11th year as hosts. Overall, Underwood has earned an incredible 30 CMA Awards nominations since 2006. She’s also been awarded the CMA Awards Female Vocalist of the Year trophy four times, and she picked up her 13th nomination in that key category this year.

Kenny Chesney ups his total to 46 with this year’s nominations, and he’ll be competing in the Entertainer of the Year category for the 11th time. He’s also garnered his 12th nomination in the Musical Event of the Year category.

Keith Urban’s nipping at Chesney’s career CMA Awards nominations total with 45, winning 11 times. Among his 2018 nominations are nods in the Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, and Album of the Year categories.

Luke Bryan, a 16-time nominee, will be competing in the Entertainer of the Year category in which he’s already earned two awards.

Kelsea Ballerini has earned six nominations over the course of her career, and Old Dominion has picked up five. Dan + Shay were recognized with three nominations this year, including nominations in the Single of the Year and Music Video of the Year categories.

Complete List of the 2018 CMA Awards Nominees