Tyler Hubbard is no stranger to awards show performances, having held many television spotlights over the years as half of the record-breaking former country duo Florida Georgia Line. However, when he takes the stage at the 2023 CMT Awards on Sunday, it will be his first foray on an awards show stage as a solo artist. 

He's more than up for the challenge. 

"It feels great," Hubbard said Wednesday in Austin, Texas. "It's really awesome to be here. I'm excited to get to perform 'Dancin' in the Country' and excited to be playing outside to some live fans."

Hubbard released his 18-song debut solo album earlier this year. The project is home to his chart-topping hit "5 Foot 9" and his current single "Dancin' In The Country," which he'll perform on the CMT Music Awards on Sunday.

"It's a fun one," Hubbard said of "Dancin' in the Country. "It's just fun energy, and it's nice to bring some lightheartedness to a show like this that's just fun during a tough week, obviously."

Hubbard said if CMT MUSIC AWARDS viewers react to the song as fervently as his live audience, the night will start "on the right note."

"It's been an incredible year getting to get my feet on the ground again, the touring world and playing some shows and getting comfortable as a solo artist," Hubbard said. "Seeing the reception that the fans have had to the new music and how they've connected to it and how they're showing up and singing these songs, it's just been so amazing, and I'm even more inspired than ever after this year."

Hubbard said he's already working on new music and that the last 12 months fueled his creative juices. 

"It's been an awesome year, and I'm excited to even get out there even more and play more shows this year," he said. 

The 2023 CMT MUSIC AWARDS will air LIVE from Austin, Texas' Moody Center on Sunday, April 2nd (8:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.