Luke Bryan is giving a big ol’ cheers to the 57th Annual CMA Awards, as he readies to host Country music’s biggest night alongside NFL icon, Peyton Manning.
LISTEN NOW: Luke Bryan says ‘nothing is completely off the table’ as he and Peyton Manning host 2023 CMA Awards
Ahead of his hosting duties, Luke joined Audacy’s Sabrina from Queens backstage to share his secret for dealing with hosting jitters and who will most likely be the butt of his on-stage jokes.
“The worst thing you could be doin’ is really getting heady,” he said, highlighting the importance of not taking yourself too seriously while hosting. “The second I start getting heady, I drink a big liquor drink. Pretty much how you get through life,” he laughed before mocking, "Oh my God! I’m freaking out, somebody get me a drink.”
Finding the balance between fun and serious is something Luke has proven to be a pro at as this is the third year hosting the CMA Awards, second year alongside Manning. After getting their first co-hosting gig out of the way last year, Luke says the pair is feeling very comfortable heading into Wednesday night’s show.
“Nothing is completely off the table,” Luke said when asked if he and Peyton plan to poke fun at one another while hosting. “We’re just comfortable in the role. I know he can take a punch, I can take a punch. We just try to make the most of it and have fun.”
While there’s never a shortage of laughs when Luke is around, he plans on keeping them at his [and Peyton’s] expense. “Everybody’s so damn sensitive these days,” he said. “You have to careful.”
Catch the 57th Annual CMA Awards, hosted by Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, Wednesday, November 8 at 8/7c on ABC, and available next day on Hulu. Find more of Audacy's CMA Awards coverage at audacy.com/cma.