The 2018 CMT Music Awards – What To Expect

The 2018 CMT Music Awards air live from Nashville, TN on Wednesday, June 5 and we're giving you a list of what to expect from the evening.

The 2018 CMT Music Awards – What To Expect
Little Big Town; Photo courtesy Sandbox Mgmt

It’s that time again – the time to celebrate the best music videos of the year when the 2018 CMT Music Awards air live from Nashville, TN. Putting songs to film has always been an integral part of the music business, allowing artists to express themselves in a new medium, while also giving fans a picture of what the tune is really about.

With many of country’s biggest and brightest acts, new and established, descend into Music City with their legions of fans for the annual CMA Music Festival, the CMT Music Awards will kick off the week with an intense celebration.

As we look towards tonight’s festivities, here’s a recap of what to expect:

The Winners: At long last, we have our five finalists for Video of the Year. After narrowing down the competition from 12, only few remain. Up for the top honor will be Blake Shelton for “I’ll Name the Dogs,” Thomas Rhett for “Marry Me,” Brett Young for “Mercy,” Kane Brown featuring Lauren Alaina for “What Ifs,” and Luke Combs, “When It Rains It Pours.” While voting for the other categories has closed, fans can continue voting throughout the night by tweeting with the hashtag #CMTAwards and one for their favorite video: #VoteBlake, #VoteThomas, #VoteBrett, #VoteKane or #VoteLuke.

The Hosts: Country’s favorite quartet is taking center stage as the hosts with the most. Little Big Town will head up the festivities for the night, but don’t expect the group to get on anyone’s bad side with their opening monologue. “I think if we roast with four people it might be overwhelming,” Phillip Sweet said in an interview with CMT.com previously. “When you prank four-times over, you’re bound to get pranked back.”

The Performances: With a night that celebrates music, there of course has to be plenty of musical performances. Taking the stage throughout the broadcast will be a slew of artists, including  Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Chris StapletonDan + ShayDarius Rucker featuring Charles KelleyJason Aldean and Luke BryanDierks Bentley featuring Brothers Osborne, Florida Georgia Line, Jason Aldean, Kelly ClarksonKelsea BalleriniLittle Big TownLuke Bryan and Sam Hunt, as well as Carly PearceDevin DawsonLANCOLindsay EllRussell Dickerson and Walker Hayes making their CMT debut.

The Presenters: CMT has booked some incredible talent to pass out the awards for the evening. Mixing the list of musical acts with actors galore, there’s sure to be someone you’re dying to see. Lauren AlainaSugarlandLuke CombsRascal Flatts and RaeLynn will represent country music, with Nashville’s Kaitlin Doubleday and Lennon and Maisy, Leon Bridges and Backstreet Boys, CMT’s very own Cody Alan and Katie Cook, radio host Bobby Bones, actors Garrett Hedlund, Johnny Knoxville, Joel McHale and This Is Us’ Chrissy Metz, Today host Hoda Kotb, professional skier Lindsey Vonn, Nashville Predators player P.K. Subban and drag racer Courtney Force also joining the fun.

Catch the CMA Awards, which air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, June 6 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT.