'CMA Best Of Fest': Air date, host, time, where to watch, performances and all you need to know about retrospective country music event
The Country Music Association's historic CMA Fest is synonymous with country music and has been entertaining millions of music lovers all over the world for close to 50 years now. The world’s longest-running country music festival has been held in Nashville annually since 1972, although it had to take an unprecedented break this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Due to the CMA Fest 2020 being canceled for health and safety concerns, the Country Music Association decided to go for a two-pronged approach to make up for the loss of their acclaimed country music showpiece.
Accordingly, on June 1 last month, they held the CMA Summer Stay-Cay as a livestream hosted by popular country music artistes Jimmie Allen and Lindsay Ell. The successful online event featured over 50 different country music stars such as Darius Rucker, Rascal Flatts, Colbie Caillat, Scotty McCreery, Carly Pearce, Rita Wilson, Eric Church, Lady A, Luke Combs, Kane Brown, and Brothers Osborne.
And now, to conclude the celebrations this month, we're being treated to a TV special called the 'CMA Best Of Fest', which will air on TV screens across the nation on Monday night, July 13. It will feature a retrospective look back at over two dozen incredible CMA Fest performances from the past, plus a highly anticipated brand-new performance by two music icons, thus promising to be an absolute treat for fans of country music. Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming 'CMA Best Of Fest' below:
When is it
The 'CMA Best Of Fest' will air on Monday night, July 13 at 8 pm ET / 7 pm CT.
What's happening
According to the Country Music Association's official website, the 'CMA Best of Fest' will be a three-hour retrospective airing Monday, July 13 at 8 pm ET / 7 pm CT on the ABC Television Network. The live concert experience features more than 25 unforgettable performances that aired on television over the last 16 years on the widely popular CMA Fest, plus a brand new, not-to-be-missed performance with country icon Luke Bryan and special guest Darius Rucker of Hootie and the Blowfish fame.
Who is hosting
The 'American Idol' judge and country music superstar Luke Bryan will be hosting the special three-hour-long event on Monday night.
Who is behind it
The Country Music Association will bring us this nostalgic television showcase of legendary CMA performances, while the 'CMA Best of Fest' is being executive produced by Robert Deaton for the ABC network.
Who is appearing
The television event will feature over 25 different CMA performances from stars such as: Trace Adkins, Lauren Alaina, Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Garth Brooks, Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Billy Ray Cyrus, Dan + Shay, Lzzy Hale, Sam Hunt, Joan Jett, Lady A, Miranda Lambert, Lil Nas X, Little Big Town, Tim McGraw, Maren Morris, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Thomas Rhett, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Dwight Yoakam, and the Zac Brown Band.
There will also be special appearances by Bobby Bones, Jim Gaffigan, Kirk Herbstreit, Peyton Manning, Lionel Richie, Rob Riggle, Gwen Stefani, Michael Strahan, and Rita Wilson.
Where to watch it
You can catch the show on the ABC network on Monday night, July 13 at 8 pm ET. Streaming options are also available by clicking here.
Trailer
You can check out the promo trailer for ABC's 'CMA Best Of Fest' on July 13 at 8 pm ET below:
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