NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
Producers of the Country Music Association's 45th annual awards show are in final rehearsals leading up to Wednesday night's telecast.
"A successful show has balance," the show's executive producer Robert Deaton said. "I always try to do a couple of big numbers that are like, ‘Wow', then also numbers that are heartfelt."
The CMA Awards combines live performances with award presentations.
Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood will host the show for the fourth year in a row.
"I think what you can expect from them is confidence," Deaton said. "The first year you go out and you are like, ‘Oh, I do know' but I think [now] its confidence and experience."
Paisley, who is nominated for Entertainer of the Year, will also be a part of a special moment planned during the show.
"I think my favorite part is going to be the Glenn Campbell tribute we recently went and saw him and heard all that great music," Deaton said. "We have Vince Gill, Keith Urban and Brad Paisley. I think those three doing this tribute will be the highlight of the evening."
Backstage presenters and performers for the award show are able to pick out thank you gifts from the CMA Awards Gift Lounge presented by Blue04.
"We have got literally $15,000 worth of thank you gifts," Owner of Distinctive Assets Lash Fary said. "We always try to put something together for everyone."
Gifts available include messenger bags, jewelry and a remote controlled toy helicopter that can be flown by using an iPhone or iPad.
"It is so invaluable for a brand to have a celebrity spokesperson behind their product whether that is on an official level or how we are doing with an unofficial way of gifting them," Fary continued.
Presenters and performers can take one of each item or simply pick and choose what they would like to take.
Faith Hill and The Band Perry, among others, have already picked out some goodies from the gift lounge.
"We have casual apparel and accessories from Country Boy and Country Girl. We are also launching a new men's line called Vokare," Fary said.
Vokare's clothing line has not been made available to the public yet.
The 45th Annual CMA Awards air live from the Bridgestone Arena Wednesday night at 7 p.m. on Nashville's News 2.
Watch the CMA Awards pre show on Nashville's News 2 at 6 p.m. and post show on Nashville's News 2 at 10 p.m.
Deaton talks with co-host Brad Paisley
Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer of the CMA Awards.
