For the first time, Variety’s Interview Lounge heads to Nashville for an inaugural installment leading up to the CMA Awards on Nov. 17 and 18. The lounge, presented by Duke Cannon, will feature interviews with this year’s nominees and leading country artists. The 59th Annual CMA Awards airs live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 19, on ABC at 8:00 p.m./7:00 p.m. CT (streaming the next day on Hulu).
This year’s CMA Awards will be hosted by nine-time CMA Award winner Lainey Wilson.
Confirmed talent for the Variety CMA Awards Interview Lounge includes:
Megan Moroney, nominated for Album of the Year (“Am I Okay?”), Female Vocalist of the Year, Single of the Year (“Am I Okay?”), Song of the Year (“Am I Okay?”), Musical Event of the Year (“You Had To Be There” feat. Kenny Chesney)
Dan + Shay, nominated for Vocal Duo of the Year
The War & Treaty, nominated for Vocal Duo of the Year
Tucker Wetmore, nominated for New Artist of the Year
Red Clay Strays, nominated for Vocal Group of the Year
Old Dominion, nominated for Vocal Group of the Year
Jordan Davis, presenter and six-time CMA Award nominated artist
Lauren Alaina, CMA Awards Backstage Live co-host and two-time CMA Award nominated artist
“We thank Duke Cannon for partnering with us on our inaugural CMA Awards interview lounge, which will feature leading country music artists,” said Dea Lawrence, co-president and publisher of Variety. “Variety’s music coverage is unmatched, and we are honored to be in Nashville this year to celebrate one of country music’s biggest nights.”
“Duke Cannon is proud to partner with Variety in their coverage of the CMA Awards. At Duke Cannon, we make exceptional grooming products men can trust — with bold, masculine scents that help guys look, feel, and smell their best. Partnering with Variety, the most trusted voice in entertainment news, is a natural fit for our brand,” said Hank Mercier, CEO, Duke Cannon.
The interviews will take place at Anzie Blue, Nashville’s only woman-owned music and event venue.