LUKE BRYAN TO HOST CMA AWARDS

Luke Bryan will host the 55th Annual CMA Awards, set to air 11/10 on ABC from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, the Country Music Association announced Monday morning.

“Growing up in Georgia, I remember watching Vince Gill, Reba, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Rogers and Barbara Mandrell, to name a few [hosting the CMA Awards],” said Bryan, a two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year who’s returning for his fifth season on ABC’s American Idol. “All of these artists are heroes and friends, and I’m honored to have my name included in this group. I’m looking forward to making it fun and memorable and using this platform to continue to make country music shine.”

CMA topper Sarah Trahern had a few words of her own for the announcement: “Luke's fun and playful energy is something television viewers have welcomed into their homes week after week on American Idol, and I know he has something exciting up his sleeve for the CMA Awards. We cannot wait to bring music fans a magical night of performances and truly some of the most special moments our show has ever delivered.”

Rob Mills, Walt Disney Television EVP, Unscripted and Alternative Entertainment, doubled down on Bryan’s ABC connection, noting that he’s “excited for Luke to bring the same humor, energy and emotion as host of the CMA Awards that he has for the last five years on American Idol.”