Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Cody Johnson Celebrate Early CMA Award Wins

With only a few hours before the 56th Annual CMA Awards airs live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, a handful of early winners have already been announced. Among them are Ashley McBryde and Carly Pearce‘s “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” earning trophies for CMA Musical Event of the Year, and Cody Johnson taking home the win for CMA Music Video of the Year for “‘Til You Can’t,” directed by Dustin Haney.

The announcement took place live on ABC’s Good Morning America from Bridgestone Plaza in downtown Nashville. Two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year Keith Urban took the stage to perform a medley of his hit songs, including “Better Life,” “Long Hot Summer,” “Raise ‘Em Up” and “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” along with additional performances of “Brown Eyes Baby” and “Wasted Time.”

The 56th Annual CMA Awards begins at 7 p.m. CT on ABC. Artists taking the CMA Awards stage include Jimmie Allen, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne, host Luke Bryan, Brandy Clark, Kelly Clarkson, Luke Combs, Caylee Hammack, Hardy, Johnson, Elle King, Marcus King, Miranda Lambert, Patty Loveless, McBryde, Reba McEntire, John Osborne, Jon Pardi, Pearce, Katy Perry, Pillbox Patti, Chris Stapleton, Cole Swindell, The Black Keys, The War and Treaty, Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood, Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson and Zac Brown Band.

Presenters for the night’s festivities include Mookie Betts, Breland, Jessica Chastain, Jordan Davis, Sarah Drew, Cole Hauser, Tyler Hubbard, Wynonna Judd, Lady A, Rex Linn, Little Big Town, Parker McCollum, Reba McEntire, Ben and Erin Napier, Jeannie Seely, Michael Shannon and Wilson.