VIDEO: Underwood, Aldean & More Perform on CMT 2012 ARTISTS OF THE YEAR

Eric Church received his trophy from friend Kid Rock, along with a video greeting from Metallica's James Hetfield, before performing "Homeboy." Honoree Kenny Chesney received his second CMT ARTISTS OF THE YEAR trophy from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Sammy Hagar and a special video message from Academy Award(R) winning actor Morgan Freeman. Eli Young Band and newcomer Kacey Musgraves, who will both tour with Chesney in 2013, performed his hit "Come Over." Carrie Underwood, who performed her latest single "Two Black Cadillacs," received her second CMT ARTISTS OF THE YEAR trophy from husband, Nashville Predators' Mike Fisher, and congratulations from Hunter Hayes and "Today" show co-host Hoda Kotb.

Kenny Rogers presented honoree Luke Bryan with his trophy while friends Lady Antebellum and Thompson Square congratulated him for the honor. Bryan performed a mash-up of his hit "Drunk on You" and OneRepublic's "Feel Again" with the band's frontman, Ryan Tedder. Jason Aldean received his third CMT ARTISTS OF THE YEAR trophy from Atlanta Braves' great Chipper Jones and was honored by rapper Ludacris and "Duck Dynasty" star Willie Robertson. Aldean closed the evening with a dynamic performance of his hit, "Take a Little Ride."

CMT ARTISTS OF THE YEAR is executive produced by John Hamlin, R.A. Clark and Margaret Comeaux.

CMT, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), is the leading television and digital authority on country music and entertainment, reaching more than 92 million homes in the U.S. CMT and its website, CMT.com, offer an unparalleled mix of music, news, live concerts and series and is the top resource for country music on demand. The network's digital platforms include the 24-hour music channel, CMT Pure Country, CMT Mobile and CMT VOD.

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