Nashville's Charles Esten Announced As 2017 CMT Music Awards Host

The CMT Music Awards has found their host in Nashville (2012-) star Charles Esten.

"I'm thrilled and honored to get to host this great event," Esten said in a statement obtained by People. "Everybody knows that CMT has a special connection with country music and the incredible fans that love it so much. That connection is why our show, Nashville, now has a perfect home on the network."

Esten, who's presented at the country music awards show in the past, continued, "It's also why there is no other show quite like the CMT Music Awards. It's a show fully dedicated to the fans and an annual chance for them to place their votes for their favorite artists. Besides always being flat-out fun, it's also always been a stage for magical musical moments – and a place where some of country's biggest legends have been made."

Esten also posted a video on Instagram, announcing the big news. "I just found out that I will be hosting this year's CMT Music Award show," he said, taking time to share details of his new gig before heading to the Nashville set. "I can't believe it. It's one of my favorites. It's always a fantastic show."

Performers this year include Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, and Luke Bryan, as well as Brett Eldredge and Thomas Rhett.

Nominations for the awards show are to be announced on May 9, 2017. Fan voting will open that same day.

The 2017 CMT Music Awards is scheduled to air on June 7, 2017.