The 59th Annual CMA Awards: Who's Hitting the Stage and What Records Could Fall?

Country Music's Biggest Night is almost here, bringing together a powerhouse lineup of performers, heartfelt tributes, and the potential for some seriously historic wins.

TL;DR: Quick Bites of What You Need to Know

• Lainey Wilson returns to host the 59th CMA Awards live from Nashville on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, airing on ABC and streaming the next day on Hulu.
• A massive lineup of stars, including Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Kelsea Ballerini, and Luke Combs, are set to perform, featuring several exciting duets and solo debuts.
• This year's show is packed with potential record-breaking moments for artists like Lainey Wilson and Chris Stapleton, who could etch their names deeper into CMA history, alongside a special honor for Vince Gill.

Anticipation Builds for Country Music's Grand Annual Celebration

Picture this: the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, buzzing with electricity. The air is thick with anticipation, the glint of rhinestone and polished boots reflecting under the lights. It’s almost time for the 59th Annual CMA Awards, an event affectionately known as “Country Music’s Biggest Night.” For decades, this show has been the premier platform for celebrating outstanding achievements in the genre, honoring everyone from the artists and songwriters to the industry professionals who make it all happen. This year, the excitement is particularly high, thanks to a stacked performer list and some genuinely historic possibilities.

Set your calendars for Wednesday, November 19, 2025, because that's when the magic unfolds. The show will broadcast live from 8:00-11:00 p.m. ET on ABC, with streaming available the very next day on Hulu. It’s a date no country music fan should miss!

Lainey Wilson Returns to Command the Stage as This Year's Esteemed Host

Leading the charge for the second consecutive year is the reigning CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, Lainey Wilson. Her return is a big deal, making her only the third woman to solo-host the CMA Awards. Wilson isn't just hosting; she’s also tied for the most nominations this year with six nods, including the highly coveted Entertainer of the Year award. You might say she’s got a busy night ahead!

"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: TV Insider, "2025 CMAs Adds Kelsea Ballerini, Kenny Chesney, & More to Performing Lineup: What to Know", September 2025)

A Star-Studded Performance Extravaganza with Exciting Duets and Debuts

The performance lineup for the 59th CMA Awards reads like a who's who of country music, spanning from established legends to rising stars. You can expect a blend of fan favorites, chart-topping hits, and even some brand-new tunes. Here’s a peek at who’s scheduled to take the stage:

• Kelsea Ballerini: Set to debut her new song, "I Sit in Parks."
• Brandi Carlile: Bringing her unique blend of Americana, alternative country, pop, and folk rock.
• Kenny Chesney: Celebrating his 2025 induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame with a special performance.
• Riley Green: Performing his chart-topping hit, "Worst Way."
• Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton: Teaming up for their duet, "A Song to Sing."
• Chris Stapleton: Also delivering a solo rendition of "Bad as I Used to Be" from F1: The Movie.
• Patty Loveless: Her performance details are eagerly awaited after her memorable 2022 duet with Chris Stapleton.
• Old Dominion: Vying for their eighth consecutive win as Vocal Group of the Year, they'll perform a medley of hits including "Break Up With Him," "Memory Lane," "One Man Band," "Hotel Key," and "Snapback."
• The Red Clay Strays: Performing their song "People Hatin'."
• Luke Combs: He’ll perform his dynamic latest single, "Back in the Saddle," and join BigXthaPlug for their duet, "Pray Hard."
• BigXthaPlug & Luke Combs: Collaborating on "Pray Hard."
• Ella Langley: Singing her newly-released single "Choosin' Texas."
• Megan Moroney: Performing her latest song, "6 Months Later."
• Shaboozey & Stephen Wilson Jr.: Performing their duet "Took a Walk" from the film "The Long Walk."
• Stephen Wilson Jr.: Also taking the stage for a solo cover of "Stand By Me."
• Zach Top: Performing "Guitar."
• Tucker Wetmore: Belting out "Wing Up Missin' You."
• Lainey Wilson: Beyond hosting, she'll also deliver a powerful performance.

The Nominations Game: Who's in the Running for Top Honors?

This year’s nominations showcase a vibrant mix of established powerhouses and exciting new talent. Lainey Wilson, Ella Langley, and Megan Moroney are leading the pack, each snagging six nominations. Zach Top follows closely with five nods, while Riley Green and Cody Johnson each earned four. It’s shaping up to be a competitive night across the board.

In the highly anticipated Entertainer of the Year category, Lainey Wilson faces off against a formidable group: Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Chris Stapleton, and Cody Johnson. The Album of the Year category also features a diverse selection, including Lainey Wilson’s Whirlwind, Megan Moroney’s Am I Okay?, Zach Top’s Cold Beer & Country Music, Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion, and Morgan Wallen’s I'm The Problem. Source: [TV Insider, "2025 CMAs Adds Kelsea Ballerini, Kenny Chesney, & More to Performing Lineup: What to Know", September 2025].

The Weight of History: Potential Record-Breaking Moments at the 59th CMA Awards

Beyond the individual awards, the 59th CMA Awards could see several artists rewrite the history books. These potential milestones add an extra layer of excitement and gravity to every announcement.

The race for the most awarded artist in CMA history is particularly tight. Chris Stapleton and the legendary duo Brooks & Dunn are currently tied at 19 career wins. With three nominations this year, Stapleton has a real shot at pushing his total to a record-breaking 22, potentially claiming sole possession of the all-time title. Brooks & Dunn, with one nomination, could also move to 20 wins, keeping the pressure on. Stapleton is also aiming to extend his already impressive record in the Male Vocalist of the Year category, seeking his ninth win overall and potentially tying Blake Shelton and Vince Gill for the most consecutive victories with five straight. Source: [Entertainment Focus, "Cma Awards 2025: All the records that could be shattered on Country’s biggest night", November 13, 2025].

Lainey Wilson, already a force, faces perhaps the most potential for a truly historic night. With her six nominations, she could become the first woman ever to sweep all five major CMA categories in a single night: Entertainer, Female Vocalist, Album, Single, and Song of the Year. This feat has only been achieved once before, by Alan Jackson in 2002. Imagine the impact of such a sweep! With nine career wins already, Wilson also has a chance to surpass Miranda Lambert’s record of 14 wins as the most-awarded female solo artist. Even a single victory would propel her past Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift to become the second most-awarded female solo artist ever. She could also tie Miranda Lambert by securing a second Album of the Year win and achieve a fourth consecutive Female Vocalist win, putting her in rare company with Lambert and Reba McEntire. If she wins Entertainer of the Year again, she would join Taylor Swift and Barbara Mandrell as only the third woman in CMA history to take home country music's biggest prize multiple times.

Other familiar names are also poised to make their mark. Old Dominion, a perennial favorite, could earn their eighth straight Vocal Group of the Year win, a streak that would place them just one victory shy of The Statler Brothers’ all-time record of nine. Brooks & Dunn, with their continued nomination, could further solidify their dominance with a sixteenth Vocal Duo of the Year trophy. Meanwhile, Maddie & Tae have a chance to break new ground as only the second all-female duo ever to win this category, and the first in over three decades since The Judds.

Luke Combs also enters the night as a significant contender. A win for "Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma" could make him one of only nine artists to win Single of the Year multiple times. Another Entertainer of the Year trophy would place him among legends like Garth Brooks, George Strait, and Alan Jackson with three total wins in the top category. Kenny Chesney’s collaboration with Megan Moroney, "You Had To Be There," could deliver his fifth Musical Event of the Year win, breaking his tie with several other notable artists. And in a remarkable turn, Ella Langley and Riley Green could become the first duo of collaborators to win Musical Event of the Year two years in a row with the same partnership, following their 2024 win for "You Look Like You Love Me." Source: [Entertainment Focus, "CMA Awards 2025: All the records that could be shattered on Country’s biggest night", November 13, 2025].

Finally, Ella Langley, Lainey Wilson, and Megan Moroney could all tie or even break the record for the most CMA Awards won in a single night (five), a record currently held by Wilson herself (2023), Alan Jackson (2002), Vince Gill (1993), and Johnny Cash (1969). The stage is truly set for a night of incredible achievements.

Honoring a Legend: Vince Gill to Receive Prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award

Beyond the competitive categories, the CMA Awards will also pause to honor a true icon: Vince Gill. He is set to receive the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, a testament to his five decades of dedication and profound influence on country music. Sarah Trahern, CEO for the CMA, rightly noted his enduring impact. Gill is not only a Country Music Hall of Fame member but also an 18-time CMA Award winner and a former 12-time CMA Awards host. His presence remains a vibrant force, and this tribute is a well-deserved recognition of an artist whose influence is deeply woven into the very fabric of the genre. Source: [American Songwriter, "CMA Awards Add Chris Stapleton, Red Clay Strays, Kenny Chesney and More to Performer Lineup", November 13, 2025].

A Look at the Limitations and Broader Reach of Country Music's "Biggest Night"

While the CMA Awards are undeniably "Country Music's Biggest Night," it’s worth a moment to consider the expansive tent the genre now encompasses. Performers like Brandi Carlile, whose music effortlessly blends Americana, alternative country, pop, and folk rock, highlight how the definitions of "country" continue to evolve. This evolution can sometimes present a playful challenge for traditionalists, but it ultimately enriches the musical landscape, bringing new sounds and fans into the fold.

Additionally, with such an incredibly packed lineup of performers, nominations, and special tributes, viewers might feel a delightful dilemma. How do you fully absorb every nuanced performance and heartfelt speech when there’s so much happening? It’s a wonderful problem to have, of course, but it means that appreciating every single moment might require a rewatch or two on Hulu!

Example: A Fan's Perspective on Awards Night

Imagine Sarah, a lifelong country music fan, sitting on her couch on November 19th. She’s got her favorite snacks ready, her phone charged for live-tweeting, and her predictions scrawled on a napkin. When Lainey Wilson steps out to host, Sarah cheers. When Old Dominion plays their medley, she sings along, remembering exactly where she was when she first heard "One Man Band." But when Chris Stapleton and Miranda Lambert perform "A Song to Sing," a hush falls over her living room; it's a moment of pure artistry she wouldn't miss for the world. For Sarah, and millions like her, it's more than just an awards show; it's a connection to the music that defines so much of her life.

Final Practical Takeaways for Your CMA Awards Experience

The 59th Annual CMA Awards promise an unforgettable night of music, celebration, and potentially historic moments. Here’s what you need to keep in mind to make the most of it:

• Tune In Live: Watch the live broadcast on ABC on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, starting at 8:00 p.m. ET.
• Stream Later: If you miss it live, catch all the action the next day on Hulu.
• Follow the Story: Keep an eye on the leading nominees like Lainey Wilson, Ella Langley, and Megan Moroney, as they could make history with record-breaking wins.
• Anticipate the Collaborations: Don't miss the unique duets, especially Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton, and Luke Combs with BigXthaPlug.
• Celebrate a Legend: Take a moment to appreciate the career and impact of Vince Gill as he receives his Lifetime Achievement Award.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 CMA Awards

When are the 2025 CMA Awards? The 59th Annual CMA Awards will take place live on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 8:00-11:00 p.m. ET.

Where can I watch the 2025 CMA Awards? You can watch the ceremony live on ABC. It will also be available to stream the next day on Hulu.

Who is hosting the 2025 CMA Awards? Lainey Wilson is returning to host the 59th Annual CMA Awards for her second consecutive year.

Can I attend the 2025 CMA Awards? Yes, tickets for the show are currently on sale. You can find more information and purchase tickets at cmaawards.com/tickets.

Sources

• Billboard. "Kelsea Ballerini, Brandi Carlile, Kenny Chesney and more to perform at 59th CMA Awards." November 13, 2025.
• ABC Audio. "Kelsea Ballerini, Brandi Carlile, Kenny Chesney and more to perform at 59th CMA Awards." November 19, 2025.
• American Songwriter. "CMA Awards Add Chris Stapleton, Red Clay Strays, Kenny Chesney and More to Performer Lineup." Chris Piner, November 13, 2025.
• Entertainment Focus. "CMA Awards 2025: All the records that could be shattered on Country’s biggest night." James Daykin, November 13, 2025.
• KTNN. "Kelsea Ballerini, Brandi Carlile, Kenny Chesney and more to perform at 59th CMA Awards." Staff, November 14, 2025.
• Phoenix New Times. "Luke Combs, Megan Moroney, Lainey Wilson and more to perform at CMA Awards." Kevin Zelman, November 6, 2025.
• Rolling Stone. "2025 CMA Awards Add Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, More to Performer Lineup." Joseph Hudak, November 13, 2025.
• TV Insider. "2025 CMAs Adds Kelsea Ballerini, Kenny Chesney, & More to Performing Lineup: What to Know." November 13, 2025.
• The Disney Blog. "Celebrating The 59th Annual CMA Awards: Country Songs in Disney." Courtney Potter, November 18, 2025.