Luke Bryan tapped to host CMA Awards for first time: 'It was something I couldn’t turn down'

"The CMA Awards is one of the biggest nights of the year for country music," Bryan explained in a statement, per the CMA Awards' official website. "Being asked to host the CMA Awards was definitely something I put a lot of thought into before answering. The pressure that comes along with that can be overwhelming, but knowing I get to help honor and celebrate so many of my friends, I knew it was something I couldn’t turn down."

The 45-year-old country star continued: "I mean, growing up in Georgia, I remember watching Vince Gill, Reba, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Rogers, Barbara Mandrell, to name a few. They were so good. And then becoming a part of this amazing country music family and sitting on the front row while Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood and Darius Rucker took the reins, all of these artists are heroes and friends, and I am honored to have my name included in this group. I'm looking forward to making it fun and memorable and using this platform to continue to make country music shine."

Billboard provided further context to emphasize the gravity of Bryan's decision to host:

"[Bryan] previously co-hosted the Academy of Country Music Awards for five consecutive years, co-hosting alongside Blake Shelton from 2013-2015 and alongside Dierks Bentley in 2016-2017. This will also be the first time a sole individual has hosted the CMA Awards since Vince Gill was the sole host from 1994-2003 (Gill co-hosted the CMA Awards alongside Reba McEntire in 1992 and alongside Clint Black in 1993)."

Bryan has claimed Entertainer of the Year at the CMAs twice in the past, and he's nominated once ("Buy Dirt," Musical Event of the Year) this year. The full nomination field is available here.

ABC will air the 2021 CMA Awards live from Nashville's Bridgestone Arena beginning at 8:00 p.m. EST on Nov. 10.