
The biggest party in country music is less than 24 hours away when the 2012 CMT MUSIC AWARDS premieres LIVE tomorrow, June 6 at 8:00 p.m., ET/PT, and 7:00 p.m. CT on CMT and CMT.com. In a press conference held earlier today with hosts Toby Keith and Kristen Bell, executive producer John Hamlin announced that for the first time, the CMT MUSIC AWARDS will have performances from an outside stage, giving fans who were unable to secure tickets to the show, an opportunity to be part of the live event. One of country’s favorite bad boys, Eric Church, will perform on the stage in the Bridgestone Arena Plaza, as will the legendary Hank Williams, Jr. with superstar Brad Paisley. Fans are encouraged to arrive at the Bridgestone Arena Plaza no later than 7:00 p.m. to catch these stars making CMT MUSIC AWARDS history.
The 2012 CMT MUSIC AWARDS will include performances from Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Jamey Johnson, Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Willie Nelson, Brad Paisley, Pistol Annies, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, The Band Perry, Carrie Underwood, Hank Williams, Jr. and Zac Brown Band. In addition, there will be appearances by Jason Aldean, Tom Arnold, Steve Austin, “American Idol” finalists Colton Dixon and Skylar Laine, Ronnie Dunn, Sara Evans, Dario Franchitti, Ashley Greene, Tony Hawk, Alan Jackson, Jake Owen, Hayden Panettiere, Kellie Pickler, Denise Richards, Dax Shepard and Jordin Sparks.
The five finalists for VIDEO OF THE YEAR will be announced at the beginning of the live show and fans can then vote at CMT.com, CMT mobile, on the CMT Insider app and via text message throughout the live telecast (ET/CT only) to determine the night’s big winner.