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Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning are gearing up for the 56th annual CMA Awards, and the co-hosting duo recently endured a CMA “bootcamp” to prep for the show.
The Country Music Association shared the hilarious clip on their social media channels, set to Dolly Parton’s “9 To 5” as Bryan and Manning get to work. The “bootcamp” hilariously shows Bryan quiz the NFL star on country music’s biggest icons. Manning immediately recognizes photos of Reba McEntire and Darius Rucker, but gets stumped when he sees a 10-year-old snapshot of his co-host (and jokes it looks “more like 20” years old). Referring to Manning’s attempt to throw Bryan an award, the Country Music Association assured with a wink in its Instagram caption that “no trophies were harmed at bootcamp.”
“Being a part of such a historical night that honors my peers and Country Music is such a privilege,” Bryan said in a statement when he and Manning were confirmed as co-hosts. “When I was asked if Peyton Manning was someone I would consider co-hosting with I didn’t hesitate. We have become great friends through the years and what he brings to the table is gonna make it even more of a blast. I know he’s been to the CMA Awards before, but he’s never been with me. Hey Peyton, I hope you’re ready for the night of your life!”
The Country Music Association revealed nominees in each awards category, with Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Lainey Wilson, Morgan Wallen, Chris Stapleton, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce and other powerhouse artists included in the biggest categories. Wilson marked a rare achievement in CMA history, becoming the most-nominated artist with six CMA nods.
The 56th annual CMA Awards will be broadcast live from Bridgestone Arena in Downtown Nashville, Tennessee. It’s set for Wednesday, November 9 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET.