The Band Perry Share Secrets of Staying ‘Zen’ During Nerve-Wracking CMAs
When the Band Perry step into the spotlight at tonight’s CMA Awards for their tribute to Country Music Hall of Famer Glen Campbell, they will do so with the requisite nerves expected on country’s biggest night. Luckily the sibling trio’s singer Kimberly Perry has an ace in the hole when it comes to calming herself down onstage: Faith Hill.
The newlywed Perry, who will harmonize on Campbell’s “Gentle on My Mind” with brothers Reid and Neil, says she plans to look at the superstar vocalist to get through any uneasy moments. “I pick out a specific artist to interact with during my performance, that is very comforting to me. Somehow it always ends up being Faith Hill because she is in the front row and is such a gracious listener,” she told Rolling Stone Country after the Band Perry’s CMA rehearsal in Nashville.
The trio promises tonight’s performance will be in stark contrast to their past bombastic awards-show performances. The laid-back “Gentle on My Mind” will be accompanied by a carefully curated arrangement and minimalist look. With styling and guidance from their parents — whom the band credit as their coaches on CMA night — the country music family plans to execute a calm and clean show. “There won’t be any jumping up and down,” says Reid Perry. “It’s a bit more Zen.”
“It is,” echoes Kimberly. “It’s our Zen performance!”
The Band Perry will do their best to stay that way when they compete tonight in the Vocal Group category, opposite Eli Young Band, Lady Antebellum, Zac Brown Band and reigning champs Little Big Town. The 48th annual CMA Awards air tonight at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.