The 2023 CMT Music Awards return as a live celebration of country music, hosted by nominees Kane Brown and Kelsea Ballerini. The show airs live on Sunday, April 2 (8:00–11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network and will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+. Held at Austin, Texas’ Moody Center, the ceremony showcases top country artists, performances from across the genre, and fan-voted recognition for the year’s most notable videos and digital performances.
Leading the nominations, Carrie Underwood is once again a major presence at the CMT Music Awards. She is nominated for Video of the Year for “Hate My Heart” and for Female Video of the Year for “Ghost Story.” Underwood currently holds the distinction of being the most-awarded artist in CMT history, and her multiple nominations this year highlight her continued prominence in country music.
Other notable nominees include Hardy featuring Lainey Wilson, nominated for Video of the Year with “Wait in the Trock,” and Kane Brown & Katelyn Brown, nominated for “Thank God.” Gabby Barrett is also among the contenders in the Female Video of the Year category for “Pick Me Up.” Fans remain an essential part of the voting process for the CMT Music Awards; voting is open through the official CMT website so viewers can support their favorite artists and videos.
The Breakthrough Male category highlights rising talent, with America’s Got Talent finalist Drake Milligan and The Voice alum Corey Kent among the artists competing for recognition. Scotty McCreery is nominated in the CMT Digital-First Performance of the Year category for his “Damn Strait” appearance in CMT’s Campfire Sessions. Pop superstar Katy Perry receives her first CMT nomination since 2015, marking a notable crossover moment and underlining the awards’ broadening musical scope.
Main Stage Performers
The main stage lineup features an expansive roster of performers representing a wide range of styles within country and adjacent genres. Featured performers include:
Alanis Morissette with Ingrid Andress, Lainey Wilson, Madeline Edwards and Morgan Wade
The Black Crowes & Darius Rucker
Blake Shelton
Carly Pearce
Carrie Underwood
Cody Johnson
Cody Johnson, Paul Rodgers, Billy Gibbons, Chuck Leavell, Slash and Warren Haynes with LeAnn Rimes and Wynonna
Gary Clark Jr.
Gwen Stefani & Carly Pearce
Jelly Roll
Kane Brown & Katelyn Brown
Keith Urban
Kelsea Ballerini
Lainey Wilson
Tyler Hubbard
Wynonna & Ashley McBryde
Ram Trucks Side Stage Performers
The Ram Trucks Side Stage offers a showcase for emerging and breakout artists, bringing additional variety and discovery to the event. This year’s side stage performers include:
Avery Anna
Chapel Hart
Jackson Dean
Lily Rose
Megan Moroney
Nate Smith
Presenters
A wide range of entertainers, actors, and athletes join the event as presenters, reflecting the CMT Music Awards’ crossover appeal and cultural reach. Presenters for the evening include:
Carly Pearce
Carrie Underwood
Charles Esten
Dixie D’Amelio
Dustin Lynch
HARDY
Ian Bohen and Jen Landon
Jon Pardi
LeAnn Rimes
Madison Bailey
Max Thieriot
Megan Thee Stallion
Noah Schnapp
Parker McCollum
Peter Frampton
Shania Twain
Steve Howey
Travis Kelce
The 2023 ceremony blends established stars and rising artists across multiple stages, offering fans a full evening of performances and moments that celebrate country music’s past, present, and future. With fan voting determining major categories like Video of the Year, the awards emphasize audience engagement and the importance of supporters in shaping the narrative of the genre.
As the show approaches, viewers can look forward to memorable collaborations, surprise moments, and standout live performances. The combination of high-profile nominations, an extensive performer lineup, and a diverse slate of presenters makes this year’s CMT Music Awards a focal point for country music fans and a showcase of the artists who continue to define and expand the genre.