Country music’s biggest night is getting an unexpected twist from the hosting duo that no one saw coming.
In a surprise announcement on “LIVE with Kelly and Ryan“, country icon Luke Bryan shared that Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning would be joining him as a co-host for the 56th Annual CMA Awards this fall.
Although the former Denver Broncos legend seems like an out-of-left-field choice for a music awards show cohost, Bryan assured audiences that Manning is a true country lover.
“People may not know this, but Peyton is a big champion for country music,” the Play It Again singer promised Ryan Seacrest on Monday.
Bryan also shared that Manning “always mysteriously packs a guitar” on trips that the football MVP invites his friends on.
“He’s a closet karaoke singer,” Bryan joked.
The dynamic pair are far from rookies when it comes to hosting. This will be Bryan’s second time hosting the CMA awards, while Manning had a hosting gig in 2017 when he took the stage as the host of the ESPYS.
Manning said in a statement that the new gig was “an absolute honor” for him, while his new cohost Bryan seems to be just as excited.
“Hey Peyton, I hope you’re ready for the night of your life,” Bryan said.
Final nominees for “The 56th Annual CMA Awards” will be revealed in the coming weeks.
The hosting duo will take the stage for country music’s biggest night when it airs live from Nashville on Nov. 9 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.