2022 “CMT ARTISTS OF THE YEAR” to honor Carly Pearce, Cody Johnson, Kane Brown, Luke Combs and Walker Hayes with star-packed celebration premiering Friday, October 14th at 9p/8c.

This year’s “CMT ARTISTS OF THE YEAR” recognizes three first-time honorees: Carly Pearce, Cody Johnson and Walker Hayes for outstanding achievements; Kane Brown and Luke Combs will each be honored for the third time (2019, 2021 & 2022).

Margaret Comeaux, CMT’s Senior Vice President of Production, Music & Events notes: “We are honored to recognize the astounding achievements of this illustrious group of artists over the past year. Carly, Cody, Kane, Luke and Walker all represent the vibrant future of the country music format, as they defy convention and blaze new trails, breaking industry records and genre barriers. We can’t wait to celebrate their extraordinary accomplishments alongside their fellow artists and friends.

Top highlights for the 2022 “CMT ARTISTS OF THE YEAR” honorees include:

· Carly Pearce: It’s been a whirlwind year for Carly Pearce, celebrating her third No. 1 single, continuing the success of acclaimed album 29: Written In Stone and adding multiple trophies to her growing collection. She also secured her third No. 1 hit with “Never Wanted To Be That Girl,” an award-winning song recorded with fellow star Ashley McBryde. This marked only the second time in nearly 30 years that a female duet has reached the top of the charts. She spent the summer wowing audiences on Kenny Chesney’s stadium tour and is continuing her reign with current single “What He Didn’t Do.”