Country music fans have something extra to be thankful for each November beyond turkey.
Traditionally, the Country Music Association Awards—aka the CMA Awards—take place during the second-to-last month of the year. Wednesday, November 19, is the big day in 2025 for the 59th annual event.
Let’s get you up to speed on everything you need to know about “country music’s biggest night” so you can confidently two-step your way through the evening.
What’s the venue for the 2025 CMA Awards?
The 59th CMA Awards will be held at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.
Who’s hosting the 2025 CMA Awards?
Lainey Wilson is back to emcee the awards.
Last year, she shared the duties with Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, but this year she is flying solo. Beyond presiding over the event, she is also nominated for multiple awards, including Entertainer of the Year.
Who’s nominated for a 2025 CMA Award?
Joining Wilson in the Entertainer of the Year category are fellow nominees Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, and Morgan Wallen.
Although Wilson is the only female in the top category, three women tied for most nominations in 2025 with six each. Wilson, Megan Moroney, and Ella Langley all share that honor.
Langley, Shaboozey, Zach Top, Tucker Wetmore, and Stephen Wilson Jr. are all nominated for New Artist of the Year. You can find a complete list of nominees on the association’s website.
Who’s performing at the 2025 CMA Awards?
Since Wilson is already in the neighborhood and hosting, she’s also going to grace the audience with her vocal talents.
She’s not the only one. Kelsea Ballerini will perform her new song “I Sit in Parks” live for the first time.
Meanwhile, Chris Stapleton is scheduled to perform twice. He will sing his cinematic song “Bad As I Used to Be” from the soundtrack of F1: The Movie and “A Song to Sing,” a duet with Miranda Lambert.
Newly inducted Country Music Hall of Fame member Kenny Chesney will hoot and holler to celebrate the momentous occasion.
Old Dominion is performing a melody of their greatest hits.
Riley Green, Red Clay Strays, Brandi Carlile, Patty Loveless, BigXThaPlug, Luke Combs, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Shaboozey, Zach Top, Tucker Wetmore, and Stephen Wilson Jr. are also scheduled to sing their hearts out.
Who’s being honored at the 2025 CMA Awards?
The 2025 Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to the “I Still Believe in You” singer and songwriter Vince Gill.
Gill first broke out as the lead singer of the Pure Prairie League. He cemented his legacy in the ’90s as a solo act. He joined the Eagles in 2017 after the passing of Glenn Frey.
How can I watch or stream the CMA Awards live?
To see Gill and Wilson’s big night on a linear television, tune into the ABC broadcasting network at 8 p.m. ET.
Traditional cable subscribers can watch it that way, and those with good reception and an over-the-air antenna can see it for free.
The telecast will also be concurrently streamed for those with a subscription to Hulu+ Live TV.
If that service is not in your streaming arsenal, consider FuboTV or Sling TV—just double check that the streamer carries ABC in your region before committing to another monthly fee.
Also, now that ABC parent company has settled its carriage dispute with Google, you can also watch on YouTube TV.
Additionally, if you find yourself busy on Wednesday night never fear, the show will be available to watch the following day on Hulu.
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