Hunter Hayes

Hunter is set for a special performance on The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! on December 5 at 10pm ET/PT on CBS. Just off the heels of winning CMA’s Best New Artist of the Year Award, Hunter continues to rise as one of the most anticipated new talents in music this year with his Atlantic Records’ self-titled release being certified Gold. Other recent accomplishments include his first single, “Storm Warning,” being certified Gold, his second single, “Wanted,” is nearing Double Platinum certification also driving the song to debut this week at Top 40 and Top 30 at Adult Top 40, and his current single, “Somebody’s Heartbreak,” is a Top 20 hit.

Hunter will join country's biggest names for and exclusive night of music honoring 2012's brightest stars. "CMT ARTISTS OF THE YEAR" premiers Saturday, December 8th at 11 PM ET.

Country super group Rascal Flatts and “Nashville” actress Hayden Panettiere will host the event that honors the top country acts of 2012. The 90-minute special is the most exclusive gathering of country music superstars of the year and celebrates the class of 2012 with an incredible evening of wall-to-wall performances and special appearances from others in entertainment. For the first time ever, CMT is keeping the illustrious list of honorees top secret until they are revealed on the night of Saturday, December 8. Past artists named as CMT Artists of the Year include Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, and Zac Brown Band.