by Ursula Rogers
CMT’s Music award show kicked off its festivities this week at the legendary Stubb’s BBQ with its Hot 20 Countdown. Austin is visited by the award show for the first time this year.
Fans had the opportunity to visit a taping of CMT’s Hot 20 countdown: Live in Austin. With hosts Cody Alan, Carissa Culiner, and Marley Sherwood there were fun “country” games such as chicken sh*t bingo to predict awards show winners. And a ring toss game with the chance to win two tickets for the award show on Sunday. As a country girl myself, I was a little surprised at the lack of cornhole.
In addition to the fun games, the University of Texas Longhorn band, Cheerleaders, and mascot Hook ‘Em performed, helped keep spirits high, and keep the crowd energized. Also, talented artists painted portraits of CMTS Music Awards co-hosts Kelsea Ballerini and Kane Brown. That will be auctioned off with proceeds donated to the Boys and Girls club.
Those very co-hosts made there way to the countdown. It was easy to see Kelsea and Kane have great chemistry. In fact, this will be Brown’s 4th time host the award show. They updated the audience about new music and other aspects of their lives. Kane Brown is starting a collaboration with clothing brand Rue 21. He stated how he likes the affordability of the brand and wants others to experience that.
Towards the end of the program Russell Dickerson charmed the crowd with his chicken handling skills and music. He even took the time to pay tribute to the victims lost recently in Nashville with a hymn.
Country music fans can look forward to events all weekend with Darius Rucker and the Black Crowes performing March 31,2023. On April 1, 2023 will be the CMT Black Party on Congress(no pre-registration required) and then the “2023 CMT Awards Ram Trucks stage event with performances by Avery Anna, Jackson Dean, and Lily Rose to name a few(pre-registration required). Sunday April 2nd will also see a block party. Both days will give people the opportunities for meet and greets along with free swag and a great time. Whether a country music fan or not, the CMT crowd knows how to have a good time and I recommend attending any of these events.
Check out all our event photos from the week on Austin 101 Magazine.
