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Fan favorite and wonderful CMT VJ, Lance Smith will be leaving CMT. Attached below is the press release.
Nashville native Lance Smith has proudly hosted CMT’s Top 20 Countdown for nearly a decade since joining CMT in 2001 as the network’s first VJ. The most recognizable on-air representative of the network, Smith has been present at all major industry functions during his tenure, including the CMA Awards, ACM Awards, Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, as well as all of the CMT Music Awards broadcasts. However, as all good things come to an end, Smith has decided to end his relationship with the network in search of new creative endeavors.
Since the beginning, Smith has logged countless hours on camera and hosted dozens of different shows and specials. But it was CMT’s weekly Top 20 Countdown where he settled in, hosting over 400 episodes, missing only three over the course of eight years. Over his time there he has been fortunate to meet and interview some of today’s biggest celebrities and personalities—from red carpets to Super Bowls, from sitcom sets to concerts across the country.
Smith states, “I’ll continue to pursue a place in front of a mic or camera, but it will be under a different set of lights.” Smith continues, “Once upon a time, before my decade long stint as a host, I was an actor and it’s time to wear that hat once again. I will forever be grateful for every chance and opportunity given to me by CMT and Country Music. There’s not a better fan base in the world. But most of all I will miss the crews—my friends behind the scenes. It’s the show behind the curtain that I was most fortunate to see.”
“Growing up before our viewers’ eyes, Lance has developed remarkable versatility — sly humor, perfect timing, strong relationships with our stars, and the ability to gracefully handle everything we’ve thrown at him!,” says Brian Philips, president, CMT. “He leaves Top 20 at the height of its biggest ratings streak ever, and his shoes will be hard to fill. We applaud his ambition, and look forward to the next great phase of Lance’s career. His extended family at CMT and MTV Networks thank him for his terrific run.”
Smith is currently working on an independent film being shot around the Nashville area. While film and television acting roles are currently being pursued, Smith will continue to further his hosting career as well.
Will you be missing Lance? What kind of acting role is he perfect for?
