Bridgestone Arena

Lore & Background

On November 9, 2022, Bridgestone Arena became the focal point for country music as it hosted the 56th Annual CMA Awards. The night featured Luke Bryan hosting for the second time, joined by former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning in his first appearance as a co-host. Robert Deaton served as the executive producer while Alan Carter directed the ceremony. Lainey Wilson led the field with six nominations, closely followed by Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, and Chris Stapleton, who each secured five nods. The event also honored two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year Alan Jackson with the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award on October 27. This gathering highlighted a season where three of the five Single of the Year nominees were collaborations for the first time in history.

In Their Own Story

The ceremony unfolded on November 9, 2022, as nominations announced on September 7 culminated at Bridgestone Arena. Performers were revealed in two waves: the first on October 25 and the second on November 1. Presenters were confirmed just two days before the show on November 3. The broadcast averaged 7.57 million viewers, a ten percent increase from the previous year, making it the most-watched show in its timeslot. Milestones celebrated included Lainey Wilson becoming only the fourth first-time nominee to receive six or more nods, following Glen Campbell, Brad Paisley, and Kacey Musgraves. Miranda Lambert reached 61 career nominations, tying with Underwood for third-most in Female Vocalist history.

Reader's Guide

The eligibility period for this event at Bridgestone Arena spanned from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022. Viewers could catch the live broadcast on ABC or stream it later via Hulu. The ceremony recognized significant achievements such as Paul Franklin receiving his 29th nomination in Musician of the Year without ever winning an award. Lady A secured their 15th Vocal Group of the Year nomination, while Brooks & Dunn extended their lead with 23 nominations for Vocal Duo of the Year. Shane McAnally tied Alan Jackson with ten Song of the Year nominations following his work on "Never Wanted to Be That Girl" with Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde.

Did You Know?

• Luke Bryan hosted the ceremony for the second time, accompanied by first-time co-host Peyton Manning.
• Lainey Wilson became the fourth artist to receive six or more nominations as a first-time nominee.
• Miranda Lambert holds the record for most nominated female artist in CMA history with 61 nominations.
• Paul Franklin has received 29 nominations in Musician of the Year but has never won a CMA Award.
• The broadcast averaged 7.57 million viewers, up ten percent from the previous year.