Lainey Wilson is back to solo host "Country Music's Biggest Night" for a second year, bringing an incredible lineup of stars and some highly anticipated performances to the stage. Get ready for new songs, classic medleys, and a grand celebration of country music's past, present, and future!
TL;DR- Lainey Wilson hosts the 59th CMA Awards on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, airing live on ABC and streaming next day on Hulu.
- A massive lineup of stars including Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Kelsea Ballerini, Kenny Chesney, and Old Dominion are set to perform.
- Country legend Vince Gill will receive the prestigious Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.
The 2025 CMA Awards unveil an exciting initial performer lineup including Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, and genre-bending collaborations. Find out who's performing, who's hosting, and how to watch this November 19.
Lainey Wilson Returns to Host Country Music's Biggest Night
Imagine the energy buzzing through Nashville's Bridgestone Arena, knowing you're about to witness "Country Music's Biggest Night." That's exactly what's in store on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, as the 59th Annual Cma Awards gear up for an unforgettable show. This year, reigning CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, Lainey Wilson, takes the reins as the solo host for the second consecutive year.
After co-hosting alongside Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning in 2024, Wilson steps into the spotlight alone, marking a significant moment as just the third woman to solo-host the event in its history. She shared her excitement, stating, "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." (Source: Us Weekly, September press release)
Country music icon Vince Gill is set to receive the prestigious CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at the 59th CMA Awards on November 19, 2025. Discover his legendary career, his role with the Eagles, and what makes him a true trailblazer.
A Star-Studded Stage: Who's Bringing the Music?
The CMA Awards stage is always a magnet for top talent, and this year's lineup is no exception. A veritable cornucopia of artists is scheduled to appear, promising a diverse range of performances from heartfelt ballads to foot-stomping anthems. Whether you're a fan of seasoned veterans or eager to discover the genre's rising stars, there's something for everyone.
The newly announced performers join an already impressive roster, ensuring that the three-hour live broadcast will be packed with memorable musical moments. This year's show continues its tradition of blending established country icons with exciting new voices, reflecting the dynamic landscape of country music today.
Country music legend Vince Gill is set to receive the prestigious CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award on November 19, 2025. Discover why 'Nashville's Nicest Guy' is being honored and what this means for his enduring legacy in country music.
Unforgettable Performances and Exciting Debuts
Get ready for some truly special moments! Kelsea Ballerini is set to give the live debut of her new song, "I Sit in Parks," a composition she wrote solely, offering a stark look at personal sacrifices for her career (Source: Rolling Stone, November 13, 2025). Riley Green will bring his chart-topping hit, "Worst Way," to the stage, a track that dominated Billboard's Country Airplay chart.
Chris Stapleton, a reigning CMA male vocalist of the year and three-time nominee this year, will perform "Bad as I Used To Be" from F1: The Movie. He's also teaming up with Miranda Lambert for a much-anticipated duet of their song, "A Song to Sing." This collaborative performance is one of at least three duets planned for the night, with others featuring BigXthaPlug with Luke Combs, and Shaboozey with Stephen Wilson Jr.
Speaking of collaborations, Old Dominion, who are aiming for their eighth consecutive win as CMA Vocal Group of the Year, will treat fans to a medley of their biggest hits. Expect to hear fan favorites like "Break Up With Him," "Memory Lane," "One Man Band," "Hotel Key," and "Snapback" (Source: Billboard, November 13, 2025). The Red Clay Strays will also perform their song "People Hatin'."
"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, Host of the 59th CMA Awards
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Celebrating Legends and Recognizing Fresh Talent
The 59th CMA Awards will also honor the legendary Vince Gill with the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. This is a huge deal! Gill, a Country Music Hall of Fame member, an 18-time CMA Award winner, and a former 12-time CMA Awards host, "remains a vibrant force in our industry," according to Sarah Trahern, CEO of the CMA. His dedication to music spans five decades, making this a truly well-deserved tribute (Source: American Songwriter, November 13, 2025).
Beyond the special tributes, the night is also about recognizing current achievements. Lainey Wilson herself is a six-time nominee this year, vying for top honors like Entertainer of the Year. She's tied for the most nominations with Ella Langley and Megan Moroney, who also boast six nods each, showcasing a strong year for female artists. Zach Top follows closely with five nominations, while Riley Green and Cody Johnson each earned four.
This balance between honoring foundational artists like Kenny Chesney, who will mark his 2025 induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame with a performance, and highlighting burgeoning talents like Ella Langley, Shaboozey, Zach Top, Tucker Wetmore, and Stephen Wilson Jr. (all nominees for New Artist of the Year), is what keeps the CMA Awards exciting and relevant. It’s a reflection of a genre that respects its roots while continuously evolving.
The Art of Inclusivity: Beyond Traditional Country Bounds
While the core of the CMA Awards celebrates traditional and contemporary country, the lineup also features artists who beautifully blend genres. Take Brandi Carlile, for instance, whose music incorporates Americana, alternative country, pop, and folk rock. Her inclusion highlights the expansive definition of country music today, showing that good songwriting and authentic storytelling resonate across stylistic boundaries.
This broader embrace helps attract a wider audience to "Country Music's Biggest Night," proving that the genre is not a monolith but a vibrant, ever-growing family of sounds. It's a subtle but significant way the CMA Awards acknowledges the diverse influences that enrich the country music landscape.
A Look Behind the Scenes: Making the Magic Happen
Putting on a show of this magnitude requires a dedicated team of professionals working tirelessly behind the curtain. The 59th Annual CMA Awards is a production of the Country Music Association, with Robert Deaton serving as the Executive Producer. Alan Carter is the Director, orchestrating all the visual elements, and Jon Macks is the Head Writer, ensuring the script flows seamlessly (Source: Billboard, "Chris Stapleton and Miranda Lambert," accessed November 14, 2025).
The winners themselves are determined by over 7,000 professional voting members of the Country Music Association, representing every sector of the industry. This peer-voted recognition adds unique significance, celebrating the creativity and dedication of those whose contributions continue to shape the genre and inspire fans around the world.
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Where and When to Catch All the Action Live
Don't miss a single moment of "Country Music's Biggest Night"! The 59th Annual CMA Awards will broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 8:00-11:00 p.m. ET on ABC. For those who prefer to stream, the show will be available the very next day on Hulu.
If you're feeling adventurous and want to experience the glitz and glamour in person, tickets for the show are currently on sale through cmaawards.com/tickets. Imagine being in the crowd as your favorite artists take the stage and historic moments unfold before your eyes!
For example: If you're a long-time country fan, you might already be planning a watch party, setting out your favorite snacks, and gathering your friends. This year's lineup, with its mix of beloved legends and exciting new voices, offers the perfect excuse to celebrate the genre. You can anticipate Kelsea Ballerini’s new song, clap along to Old Dominion’s medley, and cheer on Lainey Wilson as she shines as a solo host – truly an event for the calendar!
Practical Takeaways for the Ultimate Fan Experience
- Mark Your Calendar: Tune in live to ABC on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. ET to catch all the performances and awards.
- Stream On-Demand: If you miss the live broadcast, you can stream the entire ceremony the following day on Hulu.
- Look Up Your Favorites: Check out the full list of nominees on the CMA Awards website to see if your favorite artists are up for a win.
- Anticipate Special Moments: Keep an eye out for unique collaborations, new song debuts, and the tribute to Vince Gill – these are often the highlights!
When are the 59th CMA Awards? The 59th Annual CMA Awards will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 8:00-11:00 p.m. ET.
How can I watch the CMA Awards? The ceremony will air live on ABC. You can stream it the next day on Hulu.
Can I get tickets to the show? Yes, tickets for the 59th Annual CMA Awards are currently on sale via cmaawards.com/tickets.
Who determines the CMA Award winners? CMA Awards nominees and winners are selected by over 7,000 professional voting members of the Country Music Association.
Sources- Billboard, "Chris Stapleton and Miranda Lambert," accessed November 14, 2025.
- American Songwriter, "CMA Awards Add Chris Stapleton, Red Clay Strays, Kenny Chesney and More to Performer Lineup," November 13, 2025.
- Us Weekly, "Lainey Wilson to Host 2025 CMA Awards: She’s Just the 3rd Woman to Solo-Host," November 11, 2025.
- TV Insider, "2025 CMAs Adds Kelsea Ballerini, Kenny Chesney, & More to Performing Lineup: What to Know," November 13, 2025.
- ABC Audio, "Kelsea Ballerini, Brandi Carlile, Kenny Chesney and more to perform at 59th CMA Awards," November 13, 2025.
- Rolling Stone, "Kelsea Ballerini, Brandi Carlile, Kenny Chesney and More Join 2025 CMA Awards Performers," November 13, 2025.
- Country Daypop, "Kelsea Ballerini, Brandi Carlile, Kenny Chesney and more to perform at 59th CMA Awards," November 14, 2025.
- iHeartRadio, "Kelsea Ballerini, Brandi Carlile, Kenny Chesney & More To Perform At 59th CMA Awards," November 13, 2025.