CMT behind the scenes with Kelsea Ballerini, Kane Brown and the Texas longhorns

AUSTIN, TEXAS – MARCH 29: Kelsea Ballerini arrives at CMT Hot 20’s taping at Stubbs on March 29, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Catherine Powell/Getty Images for CMT)

by: Ricky Garcia

Posted: Mar 30, 2023 / 01:54 PM CDT

Updated: Mar 30, 2023 / 01:54 PM CDT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The festivities for the 2023 CMT Music Awards in Austin are happening now.

The music artists are in the live music capital of the world and giving fans a taste of what they can expect to see on the Country Music Television network.

Kelsea Ballerini and Kane Brown will be at the helm of the award show airing live Sunday, April 2 from the Moody Center.

“To be in the building in a new city and have life feel like it’s back all at the same time, it’s just more cause for celebration, more cause for a party,” Ballerini told CMT. She also hosted the show in 2022 but after a COVID-19 diagnosis, she ended up doing the show from her home.

CMT’s Cody Alan, Carissa Culiner and Marley Sherwood recorded a special taping
of “CMT Hot 20 Countdown: Live in Austin” at Stubb’s BBQ on Wednesday. Ballerini and Brown made an appearance along with the University of Texas longhorn band, spirit squad and mascot “hook ’em.”

AUSTIN, TEXAS – MARCH 29: Kelsea Ballerini and Kane Brown kick off CMT Music Awards Week on March 29, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Catherine Powell/Getty Images for CMT)
AUSTIN, TEXAS – MARCH 29: Kelsea Ballerini arrives at CMT Hot 20’s taping at Stubbs on March 29, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Catherine Powell/Getty Images for CMT)
AUSTIN, TEXAS – MARCH 29: The University of Texas Marching Band performs during the CMT Hot 20 taping at Stubbs on March 29, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Catherine Powell/Getty Images for CMT)
AUSTIN, TEXAS – MARCH 29: CMT Hot 20 tapes at Stubbs on March 29, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Catherine Powell/Getty Images for CMT)
AUSTIN, TEXAS – MARCH 29: Kane Brown is interviewed for CMT Hot 20at Stubbs on March 29, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Catherine Powell/Getty Images for CMT)
AUSTIN, TEXAS – MARCH 29: Kane Brown and Kelsea Ballerini kick off CMT Music Awards Week on March 29, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Catherine Powell/Getty Images for CMT)
AUSTIN, TEXAS – MARCH 29: The University of Texas Marching Band performs during the CMT Hot 20 taping at Stubbs on March 29, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Catherine Powell/Getty Images for CMT)
AUSTIN, TEXAS – MARCH 29: Kelsea Ballerini arrives at CMT Hot 20’s taping at Stubbs on March 29, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Catherine Powell/Getty Images for CMT)
AUSTIN, TEXAS – MARCH 29: Kane Brown and Kelsea Ballerini are interviewed for CBS Mornings on March 29, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Catherine Powell/Getty Images for CMT)
AUSTIN, TEXAS – MARCH 29: Kelsea Ballerini and Kane Brown kick off CMT Music Awards Week on March 29, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Catherine Powell/Getty Images for CMT)
AUSTIN, TEXAS – MARCH 29: Kelsea Ballerini poses with University of Texas cheerleaders during CMT Hot 20 at Stubbs on March 29, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Catherine Powell/Getty Images for CMT)
AUSTIN, TEXAS – MARCH 29: Kelsea Ballerini and Kane Brown are interviewed for CMT Hot 20 at Stubbs on March 29, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Catherine Powell/Getty Images for CMT)