Eric Church will join Hank Williams, Jr.  in opening this year’s CMA Awards with the world premiere of Bocephus’ new Nash Icon release. The two will perform “Are You Ready For the Country,” which was written and recorded by Neil Young and later recorded by Waylon Jennings.

Eric’s nominations include Entertainer (his first nomination in the category); Male Vocalist; Single of the Year for “Talladega,” which was produced by Jay Joyce and Arturo Buenahora, Jr.;  Song of the Year for “Like A Wrecking Ball,” which he wrote with Casey Beathard; and Musical Event of the Year for “Raise ‘Em Up” with Keith Urban.

Winners of “The 49th Annual CMA Awards” will be determined in a final round of voting by eligible voting members of the Country Music Association. CMA Awards balloting is tabulated by the international accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP. The third and final ballot will be emailed to CMA members Thursday, Oct. 8. Voting for the CMA Awards final ballot ends Tuesday, Oct. 27 (6:00 PM/CT).

The 49th Annual CMA Awards will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena November 4th beginning at 8pm ET on ABC.