The 2018 CMA Awards will kick off with a bang Wednesday (Nov. 14) when two-time Entertainer of the Year veteran Luke Bryan opens up the show performing his current single, “What Makes You Country.”

While that in and of itself is a treat for any country music lover, it gets even better—Bryan announced on Monday (Nov. 12) that he will be accompanied by a slate of rising stars, comprising the many styles that encompass country music as a whole.

Wondering just who these special guests might be? Bryan hasn't said, but the CMA has announced that this year's show will feature "special appearances" from Lindsay EllChris JansonAshley McBrydeJon PardiCole Swindell and more.

It's something Bryan is really looking forward to.

“When we began talking about this performance I thought this would be a perfect time to share the stage with a few deserving artists who may not otherwise have an opportunity to be a part of the show,” he says.

“This genre is full of talented performers doing what makes them country and this is the perfect song to let them step in the spotlight to be seen and heard by the millions tuning in.”

Bryan is no stranger to appreciating and cultivating rising talent, having done that on a major platform as a judge for American Idol. He himself is a five-time CMA Awards winner, and has racked up yet another nomination this year for Entertainer of The Year.

Fans can tune into the 2018 CMA Awards Nov. 14 at 8PM ET/PT on ABC.

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