Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Charles Kelley to Fill-In for Lee Brice at the CMA Awards Night

by
  • Ryden is a Junior Country Music Journalist at Country Thang Daily, specializing in data analysis and trends within the genre.
  • Before joining Country Thang Daily, Ryden wrote for top music publications and interviewed icons like Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson.
  • Ryden has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Middle Tennessee State University, with a minor in Data Analytics.

Despite last-minute changes, the CMA awards night is all set and promises to be the biggest country music festival this year. Carly Pearce was supposed to perform “I Hope You’re Happy Now” featuring a duet with fellow country artist Lee Brice. Unfortunately, Brice tested positive on Sunday making him unavailable for this week’s 2020 CMA awards. Since the show must go on, Lady A member Charles Kelley fills in the spot of Brice.

“I Hope You’re Happy Now” is Pearce and Brice’s top-charting duet who also got a nod in this year’s Musical Event of the Year nominees. Pearce, who stood as one of the co-writers of the hit single, got a nomination for Song of the Year.

Lee Brice

As soon as the news about Brice’s condition went out to the public, the country artist re-assured his fans and supporters that he is still in good shape. Brice is currently in quarantine at his home until his doctor would give him the word that he is all clear.

It is not just the CMA’s for Brice. He also has a release date to chase for his new album, “Hey World” which is set to drop on November 20. This will include “I Hope You’re Happy Now” which Pearce has already released as a single in 2019.

Charles Kelley

After finding a new gig as a performer and new duet partner for Carly Pearce, Charles Kelley will also be at the awards night for his group Lady A. They have been nominated for the 2020 CMA Awards ‘Vocal Group of the Year’  category. Lady A will also be performing in this year’s CMA Awards with co-host Darius Rucker to perform Rucker’s new single “Beers and Sunshine.”

After delivering the news about the last-minute changes for Lee Brice and Charles Kelley, the CMA drops more details for us to watch out for. They revealed that country star Chris Stapleton will take the stage on Wednesday’s broadcast. In addition, Lauren Alaina, radio DJ Boby Bones, Charles Esten, Sara Evans, Taylor Hill, Jake Owen, actor Patrick Schwarzenhegger and gospel singer CeCe Williams will all be included in this year’s star studded roster of performers.

The 2020 CMA Awards will air at 8 P.M. ET and will be taken live from Nashville’s Music City Center.

Latest Stories

Chris Stapleton did not object to Beyoncé’s country Grammy win, dismissing rumors of controversy over her Cowboy Carter victory.

No, Chris Stapleton Did Not Object to Beyoncé’s Grammy Win

Rumor has spread that Chris Stapleton filed an “official objection” after Beyoncé won Best Country Album at the 2025 Grammys for Cowboy Carter. A supposed quote attributed to him suggests ...

Blake Shelton to host the Grand Ole Opry's 100th celebration, honoring a century of country music with star-studded performances.

Blake Shelton Set to Host Grand Ole Opry’s 100th Celebration

Country music’s most legendary stage is set for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Blake Shelton is taking the reins. The Grand Ole Opry will mark its 100th anniversary with a star-studded NBC ...

Dolly Parton fights to save her Imagination Library in Indiana after budget cuts threaten its vital funding for children's literacy.

Dolly Parton Fights to Save Imagination Library in Indiana

Dolly Parton has always stood up for what she believes in—lifting people’s spirits with her music, funding major charitable efforts, and ensuring children have access to books, no matter their ...

Billy Currington maintains a private personal life, sparking speculation about his sexuality, though no public statement or evidence confirms the rumors.

Is Billy Currington Gay? What We Know About the Country Star

Billy Currington has spent decades serenading country music fans with hits like “People Are Cr𝐚zy” and “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right.” His smooth vocals, laid-back charm, and undeniable talent have ...

Post Malone and Alan Jackson pose together, bridging generations of country music with their iconic styles and shared respect for the genre.

Post Malone’s Road to Country Music Started Long Ago

Post Malone didn’t just wake up one morning and decide to go country—he’s been headed down this dirt road for a long time. From his Texas roots to his early ...

Drake sparks speculation about a country music crossover, potentially releasing a country album and exploring a new genre.

Is Drake the Next Artist to Take Over Country Music?

Country music has been through a wave of change lately, and not everyone is convinced it’s for the better. Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter shook the industry, bringing country into the mainstream ...

Riley Green's 'Worst Way' music video sparks a frenzy with steamy scenes and a touch of humor, making waves in the country music world.

Riley Green Turns Up the Heat in Worst Way Music Video

Riley Green isn’t holding back in his latest music video for “Worst Way,” and fans are feeling some kind of way about it. Known for his rugged country charm and ...

Meet Lainey Wilson's fiancé, Devlin 'Duck' Hodges—former NFL quarterback and avid duck hunter—who captured the country star's heart.

Who Is Devlin ‘Duck’ Hodges? Meet Lainey Wilson’s Fiancé

Lainey Wilson is one of the biggest stars in country music right now. Still, behind the scenes, she has a steady and supportive partner in her fiancé, Devlin “Duck” Hodges. ...

Lainey Wilson announces her engagement to Devlin 'Duck' Hodges, sharing romantic proposal photos that celebrate their new chapter together.

Lainey Wilson Is Engaged to Former NFL Star Duck Hodges

Lainey Wilson has a lot to celebrate—her career is on fire, she’s gearing up for a massive world tour, and now, she’s engaged to her longtime boyfriend, former NFL quarterback ...

George Strait and Chris Stapleton announce their 2025 stadium tour, bringing country music fans an unforgettable live experience with special guests Parker McCollum and Little Big Town.

George Strait and Chris Stapleton Announce 2025 Stadium Tour

Country music fans, get ready—George Strait and Chris Stapleton are hitting the road again for another epic stadium tour. After a wildly successful run in 2023, the two country powerhouses ...