Wynonna Judd will receive the Champion Award at the first-ever People's Choice Country Awards. NBC will air the show on Thurs., Sept. 28 at 9 p.m. EST from Nashville's Grand Ole Opry House. Current stars will win fan-voted trophies, while at least two country legends will be handed career-affirming honors.
In addition, Judd will star in the network's Christmas at the Opry special. The two-hour broadcast will be filmed Oct. 3 at the Grand Ole Opry House and air on Dec. 7 as competition to ABC's annual CMA Country Christmas.
"Wynonna is one of the most recognized and lauded performers in country music," Cassandra Tryon, senior vice president, live events, NBCUniversal Entertainment, shared in a press release. "Not only is she incredibly talented, her selflessness and passion for putting the needs of others in the spotlight is unmatched. We can't think of a better person to honor as our inaugural 'Country Champion' and to celebrate the holidays with across these two major country music events."
Per Billboard, the award recognizes Judd's work as a philanthropist and activist.
Back in July, Toby Keith was announced as the People's Choice Country Awards' Country Icon Award recipient. Keith will be presented the honor by friend and fellow Oklahoman Blake Shelton.
"We're overjoyed to honor legendary artist Toby Keith with the first-ever country icon award," said Cassandra Tryon, Senior Vice President, Entertainment Live Events, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming."As a talented songwriter and powerhouse performer, Keith has touched the hearts of fans across the globe. His illustrious career and passion for philanthropy has cemented his place as an icon in country music history"
NBC calls both TV specials ""an example of collaboration resulting from NBCUniversal's equity investment in Opry Entertainment Group alongside Atairos, which was finalized last year."
