In an industry first, country music fans now have the power to honor their favorite superstars through the inaugural People’s Choice Country Awards (PCCA). Scheduled to air on Thursday, September 28, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC and Peacock, the event is stirring anticipation among country music aficionados. Set against the iconic backdrop of the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, this awards night will not only recognize country music stars but will also feature scintillating performances by industry stalwarts.
The Hosting and Presentation
The popular ensemble Little Big Town is slated to host the event. Notable presentations include Brothers Osborne bestowing the Country Champion award to Wynonna Judd, and Blake Shelton honoring Toby Keith with the Country Icon award. These presentations, among others, will spotlight the cherished and enduring contributions of these artists to the country music genre.
Star-studded Performances
The night promises an array of live performances by some of the most recognizable names in country music. The lineup includes Little Big Town, Wynonna, Keith, Shelton, Carly Pearce, Dan + Shay, HARDY, Jelly Roll, Kane Brown, and Kelsea Ballerini. Each act is anticipated to bring their unique style and heartwarming country melodies to the stage, making it a memorable night for the audience, both present and tuning in from home.
Award Categories and Nominees
Fans had the chance to vote for their favorite artists across various categories, heralding a new era of interactive recognition. Leading the nominee list is Morgan Wallen with 11 nods, followed by Luke Combs and HARDY, each with nine. Categories span from “The People’s Artist of 2023” to “The Concert Tour of 2023”, encompassing a wide spectrum of talents and contributions to the country music scene.
Backstage Live and Behind-the-Scenes Coverage
Viewers can indulge in extensive behind-the-scenes coverage through Backstage Live: People’s Choice Country Awards, a livestream that will feature red-carpet arrivals, backstage chats, and other exclusive content. This livestream will be accessible through various platforms including Peacock, PCA Twitter, NBC Twitter/Facebook/YouTube, TODAY All Day/Twitter, E! News Twitter/Facebook/YouTube/E! Online, Access Twitter/YouTube, and Circle social platforms.
The CMA Connection
Interestingly, the PCCAs precede the voting period for the 2023 Country Music Association Awards by four days. Several performers and nominees at the PCCAs are also in contention for the CMA Awards, hinting at a potential correlation between performances and voting outcomes. This close scheduling could possibly sway voting decisions, amplifying the importance and influence of the People’s Choice Country Awards.
Production Credits
The People’s Choice Country Awards is a production of Den of Thieves, with Jesse Ignjatovic, Evan Prager, and Barb Bialkowski as executive producers. RAC Clark will also serve as an executive producer and showrunner, ensuring a seamless and captivating broadcast.
Viewing Options
For those unable to attend in person, NBC offers a broadcast solution alongside streaming on Peacock. Peacock provides an affordable streaming alternative, priced at $6 per month, to catch the live action as it unfolds on stage.
The People’s Choice Country Awards sets a new precedent in celebrating country music, epitomizing a collaborative effort between artists, industry, and the fans. As the anticipation builds, the country music community is abuzz, awaiting a night filled with recognition, mesmerizing performances, and the celebration of the genre they so dearly love.
