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'Nashville''s Charles Esten to Host 2017 CMT Music Awards

Blake Shelton, Brett Eldredge, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Thomas Rhett to Perform Live From Nashville on June 7

Deacon Claybourne has accepted the biggest hosting job of his country music career at the 2017 CMT Music Awards. Nashville star Charles Esten, who portrays Claybourne on the hit CMT series, will host the fan-voted awards show live from Nashville on June 7 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

Esten made the announcement Monday morning (May 1) on Instagram. The news comes on the heels of the music drama, which recently shattered ratings and viewership for CMT, returning with new episodes on June 1 at 9 p.m. ET/PT and a new season slated to premiere early next year.

Blake Shelton, Brett Eldredge, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert and Thomas Rhett were also announced Monday as performers at the awards show that's become known as "the loudest night in country music." Presenters and additional performers will be revealed in the near future.

"Everybody knows that CMT has a special connection with country music and the incredible fans that love it so much," Esten said. "That connection is why our show, Nashville, now has a perfect home on the network. It's also why there is no other show quite like the CMT Music Awards. It's a show fully dedicated to the fans and an annual chance for them to place their votes for their favorite artists.

"Besides always being flat-out fun, it's also always been a stage for magical musical moments -- and a place where some of country's biggest legends have been made. I'm thrilled and honored to get to host this great event."

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