CMT Top 20 Countdown has been without a host since Lance Smith left the show in December to pursue an acting career. But yesterday, senior vice president John Hamlin announced Evan Farmer as the new host.
Farmer is most recently recognized for his work as the host for the TLC home makeover series, While You Were Out, but CMT may be a better fit for the musically-inclined host.
“Evan is a gifted broadcaster with music in his DNA,” said Hamlin. "He is also a one-of-a-kind talent with an impressively unique resume. We’re thrilled to have him at CMT."
“Hosting CMT TOP 20 COUNTDOWN is a dream job for me,” said Farmer. “I get to interview inspiring people, surround myself with great music and stay close to my family here in Nashville. CMT already feels like home."
Prior to hosting While You Were Out, Farmer dappled around in other areas of entertainment. After graduating from Tulane University with an architecture degree, he moved to New York City where he made headlines with his role in MTV’s made-for-TV movie, 2GE+HER. The 1998 movie chronicled the spoof boy-band 2GE+HER’s rise to fame. Shortly after, Farmer shared the stage with mega Pop star Britney Spears during her “Oops I Did It Again” tour in the summer of 2000.
Farmer has also made appearances in several films and TV shows, including Austin Powers: Goldmember, Shaft Returns, J.A.G. and Total Request’s Live.
After losing both his mother and former castmate Michael Cuccione to cancer, Farmer has become an avid supporter of cancer research. He supports programs such as the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the Michael Cuccione Foundation, Unteal a Cure and UNICEF. He is also the spokesperson for Tennessee’s “Walk Now for Autism,” which started in 2008.
Farmer’s debut countdown will air on CMT Friday at 11 a.m. EST.
