This year's heated up before the show even began as the host Kelsea Ballerini shared a passionate kiss with her man, Chase Stokes. The pair were back on the red carpet for the even a year on from their red carpet debut. Both looked stunning as they smiled and waved for the cameras before giving them more than they bargained for. The songstress, 30, is hosting this year's ceremony at the Moody Center in Austin, . It marks her fourth time as host, but the first solo effort. She is usually stood on stage alongside Kane Brown. She glowed in a plunging red gown, with her Outer Banks star partner Chase, 31, looking dapper in a white tuxedo jacket. He was seen sweetly kissing her a number of times as the pair made their way to the venue. The duo looked ever the happy couple as they beamed next to each other. Kelsea, who also performs on the night, wore her blonde locks wavy, while Chase's signature style was swept from his face. Kelsea was nominated for three awards at the event - leading the way alongside Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, Jelly Roll and Cody Johnson. Speaking ahead of the event, Kelsea explained to PEOPLE what it will be like hosting the ceremony alone. She said: "'It's definitely new grounds for me. But it's my fourth year hosting, so I feel like I've learned a lot. And the good thing about CMT is there's such a light energy, so there's not a pressure that I feel to be perfect. "I just want to be fun, honor the night and help people have a good time." She admitted this year will be her last as host. According to Variety, the I Quit Drinking
Singer said: "It’s my final year, yeah, I’ve hosted or co-hosted this show for four years now, and I’ve gotten to host a lot of different kinds of ventures over the last decade — and I really enjoy it." All the latest news, showbiz, lifestyle and sports updates, brought to you by our dedicated
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