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The 56th CMA Awards will open their Nov. 9 broadcast with what’s being billed as a “star-studded tribute” to Loretta Lynn. The Country Music Hall of Fame member known for pioneering songs like “The Pill” and “Fist City” died Oct. 4 at 90.
While the artists singing for Lynn have yet to be announced, the CMA did reveal the bulk of performances for the show. Chief among them: another tribute to a fallen icon. Elle King and the Black Keys will pair up to perform Jerry Lee Lewis’ signature “Great Balls of Fire.” Lewis, the piano-playing rogue and architect of early rock, was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in October and died a few weeks later at 87.
Other collabs include Brothers Osborne and the War and Treaty interpreting “It’s Only Rock & Roll (But I Like It),” off an upcoming country tribute LP to the Rolling Stones, and Zac Brown Band and Marcus King playing the ZBB’s “Out in the Middle.” The guitar hero King previously joined Brown and company at CMA Fest earlier this summer.
Elsewhere, Ashley McBryde will lead an ensemble including Pillbox Patti, Brandy Clark, and Caylee Hammack in a performance of “When Will I Be Loved,” the Linda Ronstadt song that appears on McBryde’s latest album Lindeville.
Carrie Underwood is also set to sing “Hate My Heart,” off her new album Denim & Rhinestones, Miranda Lambert will play “Geraldene,” from her nominated album Palomino, and Kelsea Ballerini will be joined by Kelly Clarkson and Carly Pearce for her song “You’re Drunk, Go Home.” Other performers include leading nominee Lainey Wilson, Hardy, Jimmie Allen, Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Reba McEntire, and Chris Stapleton and Patty Loveless. Bryan, who co-hosts the CMAs with NFL great Peyton Manning, is set to perform “Country On.”
Morgan Wallen, who was banned from attending last year’s CMA Awards following his racial-slur scandal, also returns to the show to perform his single “You Proof.” Wallen is nominated for Entertainer of the Year.
The CMA Awards air Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Wallen, Underwood, Lambert, Luke Combs, and Chris Stapleton all compete for the top prize of Entertainer of the Year.
