Charles Esten Will Host
As a former sketch comic and cast member of Who's Line Is It Anyway?, the Nashville star is sure to bring his comedic chops and big personality to the stage, and he can't wait. "Everybody knows that CMT has a special connection with country music and the incredible fans that love it so much," Esten said in a statement. "That connection is why our show, Nashville, now has a perfect home on the network. It's also why there is no other show quite like the CMT Music Awards. It's a show fully dedicated to the fans and an annual chance for them to place their votes for their favorite artists."
Miranda Lambert & Blake Shelton Will Both Perform
The famous country singing exes—who divorced in 2015 after four years—are both set to take the stage and perform at the awards show. Though they've already attended events together in the past, they've always avoided one another. Lambert has since moved on with singer Anderson East, while Shelton is now dating Gwen Stefani.
The Chainsmokers Will Also Take the Stage
Though they're not filed under the country music genre, The Chainsmokers will perform at the 2017 CMT Music Awards alongside Florida Georgia Line. Luke Bryan, Brett Eldredge and Thomas Rhett are also set to take the stage.
Gregg Allman Will Be Honored
Stars like Jason Aldean, Darius Rucker and Lady Antebellum's Charles Kelley will take part in a tribute performance for The Allman Brothers leader who passed away on May 27. "Gregg Allman and The Allman Brothers Band helped create the bedrock foundation of modern southern music," said CMT President Brian Philips. "Over the weekend following his death, CMT's most important artists reached out to see how we might honor Gregg at our Awards. This tribute will celebrate Gregg Allman's soul, charisma and enduring artistry. 'The Road Goes on Forever,' indeed."
Thomas Rhett, Keith Urban & Kelsi Ballerini Are Going Head-to-Head
The three country singers are all in the lead for most nominations with a total of four nods each. Carrie Underwood, who currently boasts the most CMT Music Awards wins, follows close behind with three.
Even Alicia Keys or Nick Jonas Could Win
The R&B and pop singers are both nominated for CMT Performance of the Year. Keys is nominated for her collaboration with Maren Morris on "80s Mercedes" from CMT Crossroads, while Jonas worked with Thomas Rhett on "Close" for CMT Crossroads.
So Who Will Take Home the Trophies?
It's all up to the fans! CMT.com opened voting to the people over the last month in all the categories except Social Superstar, which will be counted using hashtags on Instagram and Twitter.