The 59th Annual Country Music Association Awards is gearing up for a memorable ceremony full of music and more memorable moments.
The 2025 awards show, which airs on Wednesday, November 19, will be hosted by Lainey Wilson.
“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,” Wilson said in a September press release. “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.”
Wilson previously helmed the CMAs in November 2024 alongside country superstar Luke Bryan and NFL alum Peyton Manning.
Luke Bryan, Peyton Manning Coach Lainey Wilson in CMA Awards Monologue
“Being able to give Peyton and Luke a hard time and just have fun with it. It’s a fun night to celebrate country music,” she told Backstage Country ahead of the broadcast last year. “I am nervous that I might whoop Peyton and Luke’s butt. I’m gonna put them to shame. That’s what’s gonna happen, you know. I’m gonna show ’em ‘I’m here.’ They asked me to be a cohost, and I’m gonna show ’em why.”
In addition to hosting, Wilson also took home the CMA trophy for Music Video of the Year. This year, Wilson is up for six awards: Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Single of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Music Video of the Year.
Keep scrolling for all the details about the 2025 CMA Awards:
Lainey Wilson Will Host the CMA Awards for the 2nd Time
Country star Wilson will return to emcee the ceremony for a second consecutive year. She previously hosted the 2024 show with Bryan and Manning.
Who Is Nominated for a CMA Award?
Wilson is up for Entertainer of the Year against Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton and Morgan Wallen. Other musicians that earned nominations in the various show categories include Megan Moroney, Post Malone, Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, Lady A, Rascal Flatts, Brothers Osborne and Dan + Shay.
The nominees for New Artist of the Year are Ella Langley, Shaboozey, Zach Top, Tucker Wetmore and Stephen Wilson Jr.
Vince Gill Will Receive a Lifetime Achievement Award
News broke on November 11 that Gill will walk away with the 2025 Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.
“Vince embodies the very best of what Country Music stands for. He’s a true trailblazer, one who gives back to the community, honors the roots of our genre, and even now, continues to share his talent with fans across the globe,” the CMAs CEO, Sarah Trahern, said in a statement. “As a Country Music Hall of Fame member, 18-time CMA Award winner and former 12-time CMA Awards host, he remains a vibrant force in our industry, and we’re honored to celebrate an artist whose influence is so deeply woven into the fabric of our format.”
Who Will Perform at the CMA Awards?
In addition to hosting the ceremony, Wilson will also take the stage for a live performance. Other performers include Combs, Langley, Moroney, Top, Wetmore, Wilson Jr., BigXthaPlug and Shaboozey.
When Are the CMA Awards?
The 59th annual CMA Awards are held Wednesday, November 19, at 8 p.m. ET at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
How to Watch the CMA Awards
The CMAs will air live on ABC and will concurrently stream on Hulu+ Live TV.
