CMA Awards 2025: Everything to Know About Country Music’s Biggest Night

Country music’s biggest night is back and better than ever!

The 59th Annual Country Music Association Awards will honor the most extraordinary acts in country music from the past year — and this year’s show is set to include excited performances, presenters and more.

Airing live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 19, here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 CMA Awards.

Who is hosting the 2025 CMA Awards?

This year, Lainey Wilson will return as host after sharing the role with Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning in 2024.

“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,” said Wilson, 33, in a statement.

She added, “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.”

Who is nominated at the 2025 CMA Awards?

This year’s nominations list is female-led, with Ella Langley, Megan Moroney and Lainey Wilson garnering six nominations each.

Zach Top trails closely behind with five nominations, while Riley Green and Cody Johnson each earned four.

Morgan Wallen, Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, Charlie Handsome, Carson Chamberlain and Kristian Bush earned three each.

Meanwhile, up for the CMA Entertainer of the Year Award are Combs, Johnson, Stapleton, Wallen and Wilson.

Who is performing at the 2025 CMA Awards?

The fun never stops!

The first round of performers for the awards show was announced on Nov. 6, with BigXthaPlug, Luke Combs, Ella Langley and Megan Moroney set to take the stage.

Shaboozey, Zach Top, Tucker Wetmore, Lainey Wilson and Stephen Wilson Jr. were also included the performance lineup.

Days later, on Nov. 13, the Country Music Association and ABC announced another batch of performers that included Kelsea Ballerini, Kenny Chesney and Miranda Lambert.

Brandi Carlile, Riley Green, Patty Loveless, Old Dominion, The Red Clay Strays and Chris Stapleton were also included in the second round of performers.

Then, on Nov. 17, Keith Urban and Little Big Town were added to the lineup of performers.

Who is presenting at the 2025 CMA Awards?

The presenters at the 2025 CMA Awards include an exciting slew of celebrities from all walks of life.

The Country Music Association announced the presenters and special guests on Nov. 17, beginning with Billy Ray Cyrus and girlfriend Elizabeth Hurley.

Lady A, Alison Brown, Jessica Capshaw, Lauren Daigle, Jordan Davis, Bert Kreischer, Brandon Lake, Ella Langley, Steve Martin, Leanne Morgan, NE-YO, Chris O’Donnell, Kimberly Perry, LeAnn Rimes, Alan Ritchson, Lara Spencer, Billy Bob Thornton, Grace Van Patten, Gretchen Wilson and Bailey Zimmerman will also make an appearance at the awards show.

Who is receiving the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 CMA Awards?

Vince Gill is getting his flowers.

The singer-songwriter, who joined the Eagles in 2017, will be the 2025 recipient of the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.

Each year, the honor is given to an “iconic artist who has attained the highest degree of recognition in Country Music,” and has had a positive impact on the country genre and the industry at large, according to the CMA Awards.

“Vince embodies the very best of what Country Music stands for,” Sarah Trahern, CMA’s chief executive officer, said in a statement. “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.”

“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.” Trahern added.

Previous winners include Kenny Rogers (2013), Johnny Cash (2015), Dolly Parton (2016), Kris Kristofferson (2019), Charley Pride (2020), Loretta Lynn (2021), Alan Jackson (2022) and George Strait (2024).

How can you watch the 2025 CMA Awards?

The 2025 CMA Awards will broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on ABC. It streams the following day on Hulu. Before the ceremony, there will be a preshow streaming on Hulu.