Pictured (Back row, L-R): Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Chris Stapleton, Sam Hunt. (Front row, L-R) Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley, Kenny Rogers, Little Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman, and Phillip Sweet. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT
The premiere of 2015 CMT Artists of the Year received significant social traction during its live broadcast on Wednesday (Dec. 9). According to Nielsen, the all-star special ranked as the most social cable program of the day.
In addition, Adam Lambert and Leona Lewis’ performance of Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush” was the most-tweeted-about moment of the show, which was held at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in downtown Nashville.
The special will re-air on Saturday (Dec. 5) at 12 a.m. and 12 p.m. ET/PT, as well as Sunday at 5 p.m. ET/PT.
This year’s special honored Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Sam Hunt, Little Big Town and Blake Shelton. Little Big Town’s Jimi Westbrook and Karen Fairchild were unable to attend due to the death of Westbrook’s sister, Joyce. FGL’s Tyler Hubbard had to bow out due to a reaction to vaccinations in advance of a charitable trip to Africa.
In addition, Kenny Rogers accepted the Artist of a Lifetime award from Dan Rather. Chris Stapleton received the first-ever Breakout Artist award and performed “Nobody to Blame” during the show.
Other performers included Thomas Rhett, Darius Rucker, Cassadee Pope and RaeLynn, while Trace Adkins, Martina McBride, Kellie Pickler and Lee Ann Womack presented awards.
The cast of ABC’S Nashville also received the International Impact Award. Connie Britton accepted with fellow cast members Clare Bowen, Chris Carmack, Charles Esten, Jonathan Jackson, Sam Palladio, Audrey Peeples, Maisy Stella and Lennon Stella.
