Lee Brice, FGL’s Tyler Hubbard Test Positive For COVID-19, Cancel CMA Awards Appearances

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Tyler Hubbard, Lee Brice.

With just days leading up to the 54th annual Country Music Association Awards, two performers have canceled their appearances on the show, due to positive COVID-19 tests.

Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard revealed Monday (Nov. 9) that he tested positive for COVID, and is quarantining on his tour bus outside of his home.

“Some of y’all guessed it,” Hubbard wrote on Instagram. “Got the Rona. Asymptomatic. Quarantining on bus. Miss my family. Writing songs. Thankful.”

On Sunday (Nov. 8), Lee Brice‘s team also announced Brice will not take part in the awards show due to a positive COVID test. According to the Associated Press, Brice says that he is “in good spirits and not experiencing any symptoms.”

This year’s CMA Awards are set to welcome artists “safely…all in one room,” according to an earlier release from the Country Music Association, though without an in-house audience.

Brice had been slated to perform his chart-topping duet with Carly Pearce, “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” on the CMA Awards show. On Monday morning, the CMA announced Lady A’s Charles Kelley will be stepping in for Brice. “I Hope You’re Happy Now” is nominated for Song of the Year, Musical Event of the Year and Music Video of the Year.

The CMA released the following statement, noting that “our process enabled us to manage each situation immediately and before either artist ever entered our set. Most importantly, it prevented anyone else from being exposed.” See the full statement below:

As you may have heard, unfortunately Lee Brice and Tyler Hubbard both tested positive for COVID-19 and are unable to join us for the CMA Awards on Wednesday night. Although this is incredibly disappointing, not only for the show but also for CMA personally as we care deeply for these artists and only want the best for them and their families, it does reassure us that our protocols are working.  Our process enabled us to manage each situation immediately and before either artist ever entered our set.  Most importantly, it prevented anyone else from being exposed.

We have been extremely diligent with our testing process in advance of anyone entering our footprint.  Every single person has been tested, and many will be tested repeatedly throughout the week. This is in addition to wearing PPE and of course practicing social and physical distancing.

We have an incredible show planned and look forward to bringing the Country Music community together. However, our number one priority has been and will continue to be the safety of our artists, our crew and our staff.  That will never be compromised.

Jessica Nicholson
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