The 59th Annual CMA Awards are set to light up Nashville once again, celebrating the biggest stars and unforgettable moments in country music. Broadcasting live from the iconic Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, the CMAs promise a night full of award-winning performances, celebrity presenters, and exciting surprises for fans worldwide.

From chart-topping hits to lifetime achievement honors, here’s everything you need to know about CMA Awards 2025.

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CMA Awards 2025: When and Where

The 2025 Country Music Association Awards will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, one of the city’s most renowned music venues. Fans can tune in on ABC from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. EST, with the full show streaming the following day on Hulu, alongside a pre-show streaming event.

The CMAs remain one of the most-watched music award shows in the United States, drawing millions of viewers who love country music and iconic live performances.

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Who is Hosting the 2025 CMA Awards?

Country superstar Lainey Wilson returns as host for the second consecutive year, having shared hosting duties in 2024 with Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning.

Wilson expressed her excitement:

“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 celebrate this genre that has given me so much.”

Fans can expect Wilson to bring her signature energy, humor, and country charm to the stage, making the 2025 CMAs an unforgettable evening.

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CMA Awards 2025 Nominees

This year’s nominations are notably female-led, highlighting the rising stars and established icons shaping country music.

• Top female nominees: Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, and Lainey Wilson lead the nominations with six each.
• Other notable nominees: Zach Top follows closely with five nominations, while Riley Green and Cody Johnson earned four nominations each.
• Additional mentions: Morgan Wallen, Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, Charlie Handsome, Carson Chamberlain, and Kristian Bush each secured three nominations.

The prestigious CMA Entertainer of the Year category features some of country music’s biggest names: Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen, and Lainey Wilson.

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CMA Awards 2025 Performers

The 2025 CMA Awards will showcase a diverse lineup of country music talent. The first wave of performers, announced on November 6, includes:

• BigXthaPlug
• Luke Combs
• Ella Langley
• Megan Moroney
• Shaboozey
• Zach Top
• Tucker Wetmore
• Lainey Wilson
• Stephen Wilson Jr.

The second round of performers, announced on November 13, adds:

• Kelsea Ballerini
• Kenny Chesney
• Miranda Lambert
• Brandi Carlile
• Riley Green
• Patty Loveless
• Old Dominion
• The Red Clay Strays
• Chris Stapleton

On November 17, additional headliners were revealed, including Keith Urban and Little Big Town, ensuring a night packed with unforgettable live performances.

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Presenters at the 2025 CMA Awards

The 2025 CMAs will feature a star-studded roster of presenters across music, film, and entertainment:

• Billy Ray Cyrus & 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, Bailey Zimmerman

These presenters will help hand out awards, introduce performances, and add extra star power to the night.

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Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award 2025: Vince Gill

A highlight of the CMA Awards is the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors artists who have made a lasting impact on country music.

This year, Vince Gill will receive the prestigious award. A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and an 18-time CMA Award winner, Gill’s contributions to the genre are monumental.

“Vince embodies the very best of what Country Music stands for. He’s a true trailblazer, giving back to the community, honoring the roots of our genre, and sharing his talent with fans across the globe,” said CMA CEO Sarah Trahern.

Previous recipients of this award include legendary icons such as Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and George Strait, further cementing Gill’s place among country music royalty.

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How to Watch the CMA Awards 2025

• Date & Time: Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 8–11 p.m. EST
• Broadcast: Live on ABC
• Streaming: Full show available the next day on Hulu, including a pre-show

Whether you’re watching live in Nashville or streaming from home, the 2025 CMAs promise a night of spectacular performances, heartfelt tributes, and award-winning country music moments.