Hosts Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning Joke That 'Taylor and Travis Weren't Available' to Host 2023 CMA Awards

The duo even mentioned that Swift can "sell out a stadium" as they poked some fun at the New York Jets

In an alternate reality, Taylor Swift could've run the show at the 2023 CMA Awards!

During the 57th Annual CMA Awards on Wednesday night, returning hosts Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning came prepared with plenty of jokes — and Swift and Travis Kelce's budding romance certainly wasn't off the table.

The duo's opening monologue in Nashville included jokes about Jelly Roll's face tattoos, Manning's athletic family, and a little sing-along between the two. But they started it all with some Kelce and Swift hilarity.

"We are back, and you know what that means," Manning, 47, told the crowd at the start of their monologue.

"Yup, Travis and Taylor weren't available," Bryan, 47, responded.

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And the jokes kept flying for the quarterback and country music star, as they continued to set each other up with punchlines throughout the night.

"Luke, do you know the difference between Taylor Swift and the New York Jets," Manning then asked, before his co-host responded: "Uh, Taylor can sell out a stadium."

"You nailed it," Manning replied. "I had you do that punchline, Luke, so I wouldn't get in trouble."

The New York Jets organization didn't seem to take the joke lightly on X (formerly Twitter), where the franchise eventually clapped back at Manning with an image of what appeared to be a sold-out MetLife Stadium.

"what are we talking about Peyton," the team wrote.

Bryan and Manning then got the crowd warmed up for what will end up being a night of memorable performances from the likes of Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, Dan + Shay, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson,  K. Michelle, Post Malone, Tanya Tucker, and plenty more.

Related: Lainey Wilson Leads the Pack in Style (and Nominations!) at the 2023 CMA Awards

The entertainment extended beyond the laughs on the stage, as Jelly Roll rocked the show by surprising the crowd with a special appearance from Wynonna Judd.

For his part in the annual country festivities, the rising star, 38, performed his hit single "Need a Favor," as he was joined by Judd, 59, for an updated rendition meant for two. The duo harmonized together as the stage itself was decorated like a church.

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Judd later spoke about the performance to reporters in the CMA Awards press room. "It was too much. He's so powerful and great at what he does," she said. "I was so nervous and so excited."

"I don't know how many more of these moments I have left, but I can tell you — that was definitely top 10 for me," Judd added. "Jelly Roll is a force to be reckoned with."

The 2023 CMA Awards, hosted by Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Nov. 8 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and stream exclusively on Hulu the following day.

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