CMT To Honor Pandemic Heroes On Upcoming Special

CMT will recognize the most vital and inspirational Americans on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic in a new virtual special, “CMT Celebrates Our Heroes: An Artists of the Year Special,” which will take the place of the network’s annual Artists of the Year special this year. “CMT Celebrates Our Heroes” will premiere Wednesday, June 3 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CMT, and will honor the healthcare workers, food industry workers, military members, first responders, and everyone else who has helped keep the country safe and running during this most challenging of times.

“CMT Celebrates Our Heroes” will feature one-of-a-kind tributes, callouts and performances from country’s biggest stars including Brothers Osborne, Florida Georgia Line, Kelsea Ballerini, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, Thomas Rhett and more to be announced, all filmed directly from their own homes and virtually produced by CMT.

“The ‘CMT Artists of the Year’ franchise has always been reflective of the important issues of our time, and this year, we all felt it necessary to shift our focus to honoring the real heroes during these unprecedented times,” shared Leslie Fram, Senior Vice President of Music & Talent, CMT. “From the first responders and healthcare workers to members of the military, our educators, food industry workers and so many more, the country music community will come together to honor these heroic men and women. The evening of unity will feature incredible performances, uplifting tributes and a salute to those risking their lives on the frontlines of this crisis.”

In previous years, “CMT Artists of the Year” has been an advocate for important causes, raising both awareness and contributions for those impacted by such natural disasters as Hurricane Harvey, the tragic events at Route 91 Harvest music festival in Las Vegas, and an all-female ceremony dedicated to the women of country music in 2018. Last year, the special celebrated its 10th anniversary.

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Lorie Hollabaugh

Hollabaugh, a staff writer at MusicRow magazine, has over 20 years of music business experience and has written for publications including American Profile, CMA Close Up, Nashville Arts And Entertainment, The Boot and Country Weekly. She has a Broadcast Journalism and Speech Communication degree from Texas Christian University, (go Horned Frogs), and welcomes your feedback or story ideas at lhollabaugh@musicrow.com.

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