Jon Pardi is looking forward to the 54th annual CMA Awards on Nov. 11 for a couple of reasons.

In addition to earning an Album of the Year nomination for Heartache Medication, Jon will take the stage to pay tribute to one of his favorite artists, Joe Diffie, who passed away in March due to COVID-19 complications. Joe scored a number of hits during the 1990s, including “John Deere Green,” “Pickup Man,” “Home” and more.

“He was a sweet guy, got to hang with him a couple of times, it was sad to hear [when he passed],” says Jon. “I will be happy to be waving the Joe Diffie flag and ’90s country at the CMA Awards. I’m excited. Just ready to go! Start rocking and pay tribute to Joe Diffie—he’s one of my favorites.”

The CMA Awards will air on Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. CT on ABC.