Darius Rucker will be second Black artist to cohost the CMAs

State music’s most significant evening just obtained two shining stars.

On Monday, the State Tunes Assn. declared that Reba McEntire will return to host the CMA Awards this yr, alongside newcomer Darius Rucker. The “Wagon Wheel” hitmaker (and Hootie & the Blowfish frontman) is the 1st Black artist to emcee the ceremony in forty five yrs, and only the next in the show’s fifty three-yr historical past.

McEntire has beforehand hosted the event 4 occasions, like last yr reverse Carrie Underwood and Dolly Parton.

“I’ve now watched a large amount of Reba video from back in the working day, but I got Reba to lean on, so I’m gonna do my most effective,” Rucker instructed “Good Early morning America” on Monday.

“I’ve gotten to host it by myself, cohost it, and I’m really hunting forward to getting to cohost with Darius,” McEntire mentioned.

In a the latest interview with the Connected Push, Rucker mentioned he intended to share his major CMA news with nation new music pioneer Charley Pleasure, who grew to become the 1st Black performer to cohost the ceremony — with Glen Campbell in 1975 — right after winning entertainer of the yr in 1971.

Rucker has gathered five CMA nominations and one win, for most effective new artist in 2009. McEntire is amongst the most decorated singers in CMA historical past, with 6 wins and 51 nominations as of this yr.

“To be invited to host this year’s awards alongside Reba — are you kidding me?! — it is an complete honor,” Rucker mentioned Monday in a statement. “Even nevertheless this yr will appear a small distinct than normal, I know that we’re all eager for a evening of musical celebration, and this year’s clearly show undoubtedly will not disappoint!”

Between this year’s best nominees are Miranda Lambert, Luke Combs, Dan + Shay, Jay Joyce, Carly Pearce, Justin Bieber, Ashley McBryde and Keith Urban.

The 54th CMA Awards will air are living from Tunes City Centre in Nashville on Nov. 11.