2025 CMA Awards: First Performers & Lainey Wilson's Solo Hosting Revealed

Get ready for Country Music's Biggest Night! The initial lineup for the 59th CMA Awards is here, featuring fan favorites, exciting new collaborations, and a history-making host. It's shaping up to be an unforgettable evening.

TL;DR: Your Quick Guide to the 2025 CMA Awards

• Lainey Wilson is set to host the 59th CMA Awards solo, marking a significant first for a female artist in decades.
• An initial wave of performers includes Luke Combs (twice), Megan Moroney, Ella Langley, Shaboozey, Stephen Wilson Jr. (twice), Zach Top, and Tucker Wetmore.
• Expect groundbreaking collaborations, notably Luke Combs teaming up with Dallas rapper BigXthaPlug, showcasing country music's evolving sound.
• The show airs live on ABC on Wednesday, November 19, at 8:00 PM EST, with next-day streaming available on Hulu.

Bridging Worlds: How Country Music's Biggest Night Embraces New Sounds

Picture this: a stage where the soulful twang of country music seamlessly merges with the rhythmic cadence of hip-hop, not as an experiment, but as a celebrated highlight. This year's 59th Annual CMA Awards are poised to deliver just such moments, reflecting a vibrant evolution within the genre.

The Country Music Association and ABC have rolled out their first wave of performers, and it's clear they're aiming for a show that's both familiar and groundbreaking. From beloved superstars to rising talents, the announced lineup is a promise of diverse artistry. The ceremony will broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, November 19, at 8:00 p.m. EST on ABC, with streaming available on Hulu the following day. (Source: Variety, "CMA Awards' First Rollout of Performers Includes Megan Moroney, Shaboozey, Ella Langley, BigXthaPlug, Zach Top and More," Nov. 6, 2025).

Lainey Wilson Takes Center Stage as Solo Host

Making history this year is Lainey Wilson, the reigning CMA Female Vocalist of the Year and a leading nominee with six nods. She's stepping into the spotlight as the sole host for the first time, following a year co-hosting with Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning. This marks her second consecutive year as a host, and it's particularly notable as she's the first female artist to host the CMA Awards by herself in over three decades. (Source: Wayne and Tay, "Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs, Megan Moroney and Other Artist Will Take The Stage At The 59th CMA Awards," Nov. 6, 2025).

Wilson’s enthusiasm for this expanded role is palpable. She grew up watching the CMA Awards with an almost religious devotion, as if it were the Super Bowl. Her statement reflects a deep appreciation for the genre that has given her so much, highlighting her humility and excitement for this major milestone in her career.

"I grew up watching the CMA Awards like it was the Super Bowl, so to be hosting for a second year is a true honor. I’m humbled that CMA has trusted me with this role, and I can’t wait to love on this genre that has given me so much."

— Lainey Wilson (Source: Audacy, "First Set of Performers Announced for the 59th Annual CMA Awards," Nov. 6, 2025)

The Star-Studded Initial Performer Lineup and Their Chart-Topping Hits

The Country Music Association has announced a robust initial roster of nine performers, blending established icons with the genre's freshest faces. It’s a mix designed to appeal to every country fan, offering both familiar anthems and exciting new tracks.

Here’s a look at who’s confirmed to light up the Bridgestone Arena stage:

• Luke Combs will deliver a dynamic rendition of his latest single, “Back In the Saddle,” and will return for a groundbreaking collaboration.
• Ella Langley, tied with Lainey Wilson and Megan Moroney for a leading six nominations, will perform her recently released song, “Choosin’ Texas.”
• Megan Moroney, also a six-time nominee and the reigning CMA New Artist of the Year, is set to perform her fan-favorite single, “6 Months Later.” This track came out in June, ahead of her album due in early 2026.
• Zach Top, a five-time nominee, will perform “Guitar,” the opening track from his Ain’t In It for My Health album.
• Tucker Wetmore, a New Artist of the Year nominee, will sing his viral hit, “Wind Up Missin’ You.”
• Stephen Wilson Jr., another New Artist of the Year nominee, will take the stage twice. He'll offer a stirring rendition of Ben E. King’s classic “Stand By Me” and join Shaboozey for a duet.
• Lainey Wilson, beyond her hosting duties, is confirmed to perform, though her specific song is yet to be announced.

Additional performers and presenters are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks, ensuring that "Country Music's Biggest Night" continues to build anticipation.

Beyond Boundaries: The Rise of Genre-Bending Collaborations

One of the most exciting aspects of this year’s initial announcement is the embrace of genre-blending collaborations. These pairings not only showcase the versatility of country artists but also signal a broader, more inclusive future for the genre. This year, two such collaborations stand out.

Dallas rapper BigXthaPlug will join country superstar Luke Combs to perform their song “Pray Hard.” This track, featured on BigXthaPlug’s August album I Hope You’re Happy, exemplifies the increasing crossover appeal between country and hip-hop. BigXthaPlug has previously garnered attention for his collaborations with Jelly Roll and Bailey Zimmerman, artists who also straddle traditional genre lines. While BigXthaPlug isn't a CMA nominee this year, his presence on this major country stage is a powerful statement about musical evolution. (Source: The Boot, "BigXthaPlug and Luke Combs Will Perform Together At The 2025 CMA Awards," Nov. 6, 2025).

“I basically just went and looked for who I felt had the most soul in they voice, or who I could hear the most pain… Because that’s what I feel like the project was about for me. The project is about every outcome of a heartbreak. You got the Ella Langleys, who you can tell she was going through something at that time. You got the Jelly Rolls, who got just as much soul as me. You got the Luke Combs, who was able to switch it up.”

— BigXthaPlug, on choosing collaborators for his album (Source: UPROXX, quoted in The Boot, Nov. 6, 2025)

Another compelling collaboration will see Shaboozey, a nominee for New Artist of the Year, team up with Stephen Wilson Jr. for their ballad “Took a Walk.” This track holds a unique origin story, as it was written and recorded for the recently released film “The Long Walk,” an adaptation of Stephen King’s 1979 novel. These collaborations highlight how artists are pushing boundaries, creating fresh sounds, and expanding country music's appeal to new audiences.

Anticipation and Nuances for the Entertainer of the Year Category

While the performer lineup is exciting, there are always a few intriguing elements and potential shifts to consider. Typically, all five nominees for Entertainer of the Year take the stage for a performance, a revered tradition at the CMA Awards. This year’s nominees for the top honor include Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen, and Lainey Wilson.

However, the full participation of all five is not a guaranteed certainty. Cody Johnson is currently recovering from a busted eardrum, which could impact his live performance capability. Similarly, Morgan Wallen has opted to skip recent awards shows, raising questions about his presence. This means that while Wilson, Combs, and Stapleton are strong contenders to perform, the full quintet might not grace the stage. This slight departure from tradition highlights the unique circumstances that can sometimes shape live award ceremonies.

As an example of how these circumstances play out, imagine "Country Fan Carol" planning her awards night party, specifically looking forward to seeing every Entertainer of the Year nominee. She might be a little disappointed if one or two are absent, but the excitement of new collaborations and Lainey Wilson's solo hosting gig would quickly pivot her focus to the fresh energy of the show.

The Global Reach of Country Music's Biggest Night

For country music fans across the pond, the CMA Awards offer a special viewing experience. The 59th Annual CMA Awards will broadcast live on BBC iPlayer’s Country Music Channel in the UK, starting in the early hours of Thursday, November 20, from 2 AM to 4 AM UK time. Ahead of the live show, BBC iPlayer will feature an evening of country-themed programming, including "Grand Ole Opry Live: 100 Years of Country Music" and "Country at the BBC," hosted by BBC Radio 2’s Bob Harris. For those who can't tune in live, BBC Four will air a 90-minute highlights edition the following week, and BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds will broadcast a two-hour special on Saturday, November 22. (Source: Entertainment Focus, "Surprise! The CMA Awards will broadcast live on BBC iPlayer this year," Nov. 4, 2025).

What to Expect from the 59th CMA Awards

The 59th CMA Awards, produced by the Country Music Association with Robert Deaton as executive producer, Alan Carter as director, and Jon Macks as head writer, promise a night filled with high-caliber performances and emotional moments. (Source: CMA Press Release, "The Country Music Association Announces the First Round of Performers for The 59th Annual CMA Awards," Nov. 6, 2025). With nominations led by Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, and Ella Langley—each with six nods—the competition for top honors will be fierce. From classic country sounds to modern genre fusions, it’s a celebration of where country music has been and where it’s headed.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 CMA Awards

When are the 2025 CMA Awards? The 59th Annual CMA Awards will air live on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. EST. Where can I watch the 2025 CMA Awards? You can watch the show live on ABC. It will also be available for streaming the next day on Hulu. UK viewers can catch it live on BBC iPlayer's Country Music Channel or later via BBC Four highlights and BBC Radio 2 specials. Who is hosting the 2025 CMA Awards? Lainey Wilson will host the 59th CMA Awards as the sole host, making it her second consecutive year hosting the event. Are there any surprising performances planned? Yes! The initial lineup features exciting collaborations, including Luke Combs with Dallas rapper BigXthaPlug, and Shaboozey with Stephen Wilson Jr. These pairings highlight a growing trend of genre-blending within country music.

Sources

• Variety, "CMA Awards' First Rollout of Performers Includes Megan Moroney, Shaboozey, Ella Langley, BigXthaPlug, Zach Top and More," Chris Willman, Nov. 6, 2025.
• CMA Press Release, "The Country Music Association Announces the First Round of Performers for The 59th Annual CMA Awards," Nov. 6, 2025.
• The Boot, "BigXthaPlug And Luke Combs Will Perform Together At The 2025 CMA Awards," Derrick Rossignol, Nov. 6, 2025.
• Entertainment Focus, "Surprise! The CMA Awards will broadcast live on BBC iPlayer this year," James Daykin, Nov. 4, 2025.
• Audacy, "First Set of Performers Announced for the 59th Annual CMA Awards," Michael Cerio, Nov. 6, 2025.
• Wayne and Tay, "Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs, Megan Moroney and Other Artist Will Take The Stage At The 59th CMA Awards," Nov. 6, 2025.