Thomas Rhett and Kelsea Ballerini to Host CMA Fest Television Special

Thomas Rhett and Kelsea Ballerini are going to get to spend a little more time together this year when the two host 2017’s CMA Music Festival special on ABC.

TR and Kelsea are currently on the road together as part of Thomas Rhett’s Home Team Tour, scheduled to hit Nashville tonight and Friday (April 20-21). Thomas Rhett returns to host for a second year in a row, after he co-hosted the special in 2016 with Brett Eldredge.

“I’ve grown up going to CMA Fest as a fan and last year getting to perform on the big stage is one of the most epic memories I’ll ever have. And now, being able to host with my current tour mate, Thomas Rhett, is going to be another crazy thing off the bucket list,” said Kelsea in a statement. “I can’t wait to test out my hosting skills and perform again this year!”

“I always look forward to CMA Music Fest,” added Thomas Rhett. “Ever since I was there as a fan sitting in the nosebleeds to hosting this year with Kelsea, it’s always been one of the biggest weeks in Country Music that is all about the fans. I’m pumped.”

The three-hour special covers performances from 2017’s upcoming CMA Fest, including those scheduled to perform on the Nissan Stadium stage—Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert, Florida Georgia Line, Little Big Town, Sam Hunt, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley and Eric Church—as wells as Kelsea and Thomas Rhett.

Kelsea was so excited about the news that she took to her Instagram account to share the joy.

“News is out! Not only do I get to play, I get to HOST CMA Fest with my brother @thomasrhettakins this summer. Gonna be funnnnn. Who will we see there??” she said in the caption.

CMA Music Festival takes place in Nashville on June 8-11.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTG9QzEFdqK/?taken-by=kelseaballerini

Photo by Bob D’Amico / ABC