CMA Awards Promise Big Stars, Big Surprises
'Start a Band' will start the show tonight, as the Brad Paisley-Keith Urban duet kicks off the 42nd annual Country Music Association Awards. Other performers on the live broadcast include George Strait, Sugarland, Carrie Underwood, the Eagles, Taylor Swift, Trace Adkins, Rodney Atkins, Brooks & Dunn, Lady Antebellum, Kid Rock, Alan Jackson, Martina McBride, Miranda Lambert, James Otto, Darius Rucker, Kellie Pickler, and a second performance from Urban. Reigning Entertainer of the Year Kenny Chesney will be joined by legendary reggae band, The Wailers. And the CMA also promises one "surprise performer," who will remain a secret until showtime.
What other surprises may happen during country music's biggest night? Show host Carrie Underwood jokes that her co-host, Brad Paisley, will probably go shirtless.
"Yeah, it'll probably be a first on an awards show -- I'll go shirtless," Paisley "confirmed" to Nashville's WKRN television station, with a sly grin.
Presenters on the show include actress Reese Witherspoon, a Nashville native, and actor Hugh Jackman, who will present an award with his 'Australia' co-star, Nicole Kidman. Miley and Billy Ray Cyrus are also set to present an award together, along with several other stars of music and television.
The CMA Awards air live tonight at 8 PM ET on ABC.
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