Jason Aldean Gives ‘Hell’ of a Performance to Kick Off 2011 CMA Awards

Jason Aldean and his band helped kick off the 2011 CMA Awards by performing a free concert in downtown Nashville on Tuesday, Nov. 8 at Riverfront Station. The special 30-minute concert was to help promote the new AMC television series 'Hell on Wheels,' which premiered on Sunday, Nov. 6.

Aldean rode in to the show in a train packed with contest winners who were treated to an up-close visit with the superstar prior to him taking the stage. Once onstage, his acoustic performance consisted of five of his biggest hits, including 'Amarillo Sky,' 'The Truth,' 'My Kinda Party,' his current single 'Tattoos on This Town,' and his CMA-nominated 'Dirt Road Anthem.' Newcomer Margaret Durante opened the show for Aldean.

Aldean is nominated for a total of five CMA Awards for Wednesday night's show. Besides the nomination for Song of the Year ('Dirt Road Anthem'), Aldean is up for Musical Event of the Year ('Don't You Wanna Stay,' his duet with Kelly Clarkson), Album of the Year ('My Kinda Party'), Male Vocalist of the Year and the night's top trophy, Entertainer of the Year.