Kane Brown and Kelsea Ballerini Get Real About Hosting the CMT Music Awards in Austin
For the first time, the CMT Music Awards were held in Austin, Texas, and returning hosts Kane Brown and Kelsea Ballerini shared their excitement and a few behind-the-scenes secrets.
A New City, A New Experience
While they’ve hosted before, both artists agreed that bringing the show to Austin felt like a completely new experience. “It feels like a whole new experience,” Brown said. Ballerini, who has a third “KB” in the form of her co-host, added that Austin is the perfect place for the event due to its vibrant arts and music scene.
When asked about their preparation, Ballerini joked, “I definitely just wing it,” but admitted they usually rehearse together. This year, however, their busy schedules meant they wouldn’t get to rehearse on stage together until the night of the show. “You should tune in because we might mess up,” Brown quipped. Despite the lack of rehearsal, their years of friendship give them a comfortable rapport that allows them to “just joke around.”
Special Performances and Exciting Moments
Both hosts are also set to perform. Kane Brown is taking the stage with his wife, Katelyn, to sing their hit song, “Thank God.” He said he’s excited to perform the song for a CMT audience, noting that he loves watching his wife sing and that her excitement reminds him of his own early career days. Ballerini is performing “If You Go Down (I’m Goin’ Down Too).” She explained that while she wrote it about her best friend, the song has evolved to be about female friendship and “standing by what you believe in.” She also promised a “glittery” performance.
When asked who they were most excited to see, Brown mentioned Alanis Morissette and Carly Pearce, adding that he loves being surprised by the performances. Ballerini said she was excited to see all the performances, but especially those of her fellow artists.