Rascal Flatts and “Nashville” actress Hayden Panettiere will honor the top country acts of 2012 as hosts of the third annual 2012 CMT ARTISTS OF THE YEAR premiering Saturday, December 8 at 10:00 p.m., ET/PT.

The 90-minute special is the most exclusive gathering of country music superstars of the year and celebrates the class of 2012 with an incredible evening of wall-to-wall performances and special appearances from others in entertainment.

“We are honored to be co-hosting the ‘CMT Artists of The Year’ show with Hayden. Save the cheerleader, host a TV show!,” said Rascal Flatts member Jay DeMarcus. “We’re gonna have a blast!”

“Nashville is my second home now,” says Hayden Panettiere. “I am so happy to be embraced by the country COMMUNITY and to be included in such a big event, especially with Rascal Flatts. I can’t wait to see how the evening unfolds!”

Tune in to CMT on 12/8 at 10:00 PM ET/PT to catch the show!