CMT Awards: 7 surprising hosts

Charles Esten in 2017

This year, the CMT Awards hosts are staying on-theme, with the members of Little Big Town slated to emcee the ceremony. In 2017, however, Charles Esten — who plays a country singer on Nashville but is not, in fact, one in real life — took the podium.

Erin Andrews and J.J. Watt in 2016

CMT has enlisted football players and sports personalities multiple times to host its music awards show, most recently in 2016 when Erin Andrews and J.J. Watt shared the stage.

Erin Andrews and Brittany Snow in 2015

Erin Andrews made her first CMT Awards appearance in 2015, when the sportscaster split hosting duties with Brittany Snow. The Pitch Perfect actress is, at least, known for singing, even if it’s mostly been non-country a cappella.

Kristen Bell in 2014

Princess Anna took the CMT podium three years in a row, first co-hosting with Toby Keith in 2012, then with Jason Aldean in 2013, then carrying the show solo in 2014.

Pamela Anderson in 2003

She was dating Kid Rock at the time, but Pamela Anderson was still a perplexing choice for the 2003 ceremony, which she co-hosted alongside Toby Keith (whose presence was not so surprising).

Kathy Najimy in 2002

Kathy Najimy played a singing nun in Sister Act, does that count?

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