Brad Paisley Will Be Sporting Major Bling During His 2016 CMA Awards Performance
When he hits the stage to perform at the 2016 CMA Awards on Wednesday night (Nov. 2), Brad Paisley will, quite literally, sparkle. The singer will be sporting a massive diamond, which will go through a number of "wardrobe changes" itself throughout the night.
The Heart of the South Diamond, designed by jeweler Johnathon Arndt, is a yellow diamond weighing more than 20 carats and anchored in a setting that features an additional 15 carats of white diamonds. A press release explains that the diamond will begin the evening as part of a necklace that will be worn by Paisley's wife, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, on the CMA Awards red carpet; in addition to the Heart of the South Diamond, the necklace contains 42 carats of white marquise-, round- and pear-shaped diamonds.
Following its appearance on the red carpet, the Heart of the South Diamond will adorn Paisley's guitar strap during a special CMA Awards performance. It will then end the night as a ring, which Williams-Paisley will wear for the rest of the evening. According to the press release, Arndt's inspiration for the diamond's design was the Paisleys' "philanthropic heart towards humanity and their love for all."
In addition to his performance at the 2016 CMA Awards, Paisley is co-hosting the 50th annual ceremony with longtime co-host and good friend Carrie Underwood; the two have co-hosted the CMAs every year since 2008. The 2016 CMA Awards will air live from Nashville's Bridgestone Arena, beginning at 8PM ET on ABC.
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