The CMA Awards Return For Country Music’s Biggest Night
The countdown is on for the 2025 CMA Awards, which will take over Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, November 19th. The show promises “unforgettable moments” from “country music’s most celebrated superstars.”
Lainey Wilson will return to host the ceremony for the second year in a row, but for the first time as the sole host. Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire are the only two other female country artists in the history of the CMA Awards to host the show solo.
The full list of nominees was announced in September. Ella Langley, Lainey Wilson, and Megan Moroney lead with six nominations each. Zach Top is a close second with five, and Cody Johnson and Riley Green both earned four.
RELATED: 7 ARTISTS WHO STAND TO MAKE HISTORY AT THE CMA AWARDS
Performers Announced For The 59th Annual CMA Awards
On November 6th, the first wave of talented performers was announced for the upcoming ceremony. Host Lainey Wilson will perform as well as fellow Female Vocalist of the Year nominees, Ella Langley with her latest single, “Choosin’ Texas,” and Megan Moroney with “6 Months Later.”
Entertainer of the Year nominee Luke Combs will have two performances. He will showcase his latest single, “Back In The Saddle,” and then return for his collaboration, “Pray Hard,” with crossover artist BigXthePlug.
Similarly, rising star Stephen Wilson Jr. will deliver a rendition of Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me” and then team up with Shaboozey for a rendition of their ballad “Took A Walk” from the film The Long Walk, based on Stephen King’s 1979 novel.
New Artist of the Year nominees Zach Top and Tucker Wetmore round out the first group of performers. Top will perform “Guitar” from his latest album, and Wetmore will perform his viral hit “Wind Up Missin’ You.”
Additional Artists Added To CMA Lineup
One week later, nine more exciting performers were added to the lineup for the upcoming CMA Awards. Kelsea Ballerini will perform her brand-new song “I Sit In Parks” for the first time on television.
Riley Green will showcase his viral hit “Worst Way,” and The Red Clay Strays will perform “People Hatin’.” Reigning Vocal Group of the Year Old Dominion will share a medley of their songs “Break Up With Him,” “Memory Lane,” “One Man Band,” “Hotel Key,” and “Snapback.”
Chris Stapleton will perform “Bad As I Used To Be” from F1: The Movie and return with Miranda Lambert for their duet “A Song To Sing.” Recent Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Kenny Chesney will celebrate the milestone with a performance at the CMAs.
Brandi Carlile and Patty Loveless are expected to give “can’t miss” performances. Finally, Keith Urban and Little Big Town were added to round out the stacked lineup.
Be sure to tune in to the 59th Annual CMA Awards on Wednesday, November 19th at 8/7c on ABC! The show will be available to stream on Hulu the following day.
