Reba McEntire, Darius Rucker To Co-Host CMA Awards

Pictured: Darius Rucker, Reba McEntire. Photo: Alysse Gafkjen/ABC

Reba McEntire and Darius Rucker have been named as the hosts for the upcoming 54th annual CMA Awards, set to air live from Nashville on Nov. 11 on ABC. This year’s event will take place at Music City Center in downtown Nashville. This marks Rucker’s first time as a host for the CMA Awards, while McEntire returns for a fifth time as host.

“I’m thrilled to be back hosting the CMA Awards and even more thrilled that I get to share the stage with Darius Rucker,” McEntire said via a statement. “We’re looking forward to a night of celebrating great country music and hope you’ll tune in and watch!”

“I look forward to the CMA Awards every year because of the incredible performances and the opportunity to celebrate the year in country music,” Rucker added. “To be invited to host this year’s awards alongside Reba — are you kidding me?! — it is an absolute honor. Even though this year will look a little different than normal, I know that we’re all eager for a night of musical celebration, and this year’s show definitely won’t disappoint!”

McEntire has won six CMA honors during her career, and is currently nominated Musical Event of the Year for her role in Thomas Rhett’s “Be A Light,” which also included Hillary Scott, Chris Tomlin and Keith Urban. Rucker won the CMA’s New Artist of the Year honor in 2009, and has been nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year, Musical Event of the Year, and Single of the Year (“Wagon Wheel”) in recent years.

“We are beyond thrilled to welcome Reba and Darius as this year’s CMA Awards hosts,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Their playful chemistry and genuine warmth are exactly what we know our viewers want to see this year. We look forward to bringing fans a night of celebration, live performances and a television experience unlike any other. We cannot wait to share more details about our show in the coming weeks.”

The third and final ballot for the upcoming CMA Awards is open now and closes Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. CT.

The 54th Annual CMA Awards is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer, Alan Carter is the Director and David Wild is the Head Writer.

Miranda Lambert leads this year’s nominees with seven nominations, followed by Luke Combs with six nominations.