Country Music’s Biggest Night is gearing up for another unforgettable celebration as the 59th Annual CMA Awards prepare to take over Nashville. From major milestones to emerging stars and long-awaited honors, this year’s ceremony is shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions yet.

Here’s your complete guide to what fans can expect this Wednesday, November 19. 

When and Where the Celebration Happens

The 2025 CMA Awards will broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, airing at 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT on ABC. The show remains one of the city’s most anticipated nights of the year, transforming downtown Nashville into a buzzing hub of artists, industry leaders, fans, and press. For viewers who prefer to stream, the full show will be available the next day on Hulu, making it easy for fans around the world to catch every moment.

Lainey Wilson Returns — This Time Solo

After a standout debut as co-host last year, Lainey Wilson returns to helm the evening — this time completely on her own. Her move into the solo hosting chair marks another major step in her ongoing rise as one of country music’s most influential voices. Wilson’s charisma, humor, and unmistakable Louisiana grit made her a fan favorite in 2024, and audiences can expect a show imbued with her signature charm. Her hosting role is also symbolic of country music’s evolving landscape, where women are continuing to carve out space at the forefront of the genre.

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A Competitive Year for Nominations

This year’s nominations are some of the most fiercely contested in recent memory. Lainey Wilson, Ella Langley, and Megan Moroney lead the pack with an impressive six nominations each, a testament to the growing power of women in modern country music. The voting body — made up of more than 7,000 CMA industry professionals — highlighted a balance of established stars and breakthrough newcomers, creating a slate with both prestige and fresh energy.

The eligibility period for this year’s awards ran from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, meaning fans will see recognition for everything from the year’s biggest chart-toppers to the most impactful songwriting and production. Categories like Entertainer of the Year and Album of the Year will see familiar names—Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Cody Johnson, and Morgan Wallen among them—square off once again.

In contrast, the New Artist category may prove to be the most unpredictable of the night.

A Performance Lineup Packed With Star Power

Fans tuning in can expect a high-energy night of performances that blend tradition, innovation, and a few unexpected pairings. Early performer announcements include Luke Combs, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Shaboozey, Zach Top, BigXthaPlug, Tucker Wetmore, and Stephen Wilson Jr., illustrating just how wide the soundscape of country music has become. The genre’s boundaries continue to expand, and the CMAs are leaning into that evolution with artists who bring fresh flair to the stage.

One of the most anticipated moments of the night will be the tribute portion honoring Vince Gill, who will receive the CMA’s prestigious Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. Gill’s decades-long impact as a vocalist, instrumentalist, and ambassador of the genre makes this a richly deserved recognition, and fans can expect an emotional, star-studded performance honoring his legacy.

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How to Watch the Big Night

For viewers at home, tuning in is easy. The live broadcast airs on ABC, with the Hulu stream available the next day for anyone who can’t catch the show in real time.

Fans traveling to Nashville may have already secured their seats — tickets were released through official CMA channels — but even from outside the arena, the city transforms into a festival environment full of pop-up events, watch parties, and celebrations leading up to show night.

Why the 2025 Edition Matters

Every CMA Awards ceremony reflects where the genre is headed, but 2025 feels especially defining. This year encapsulates the momentum of women taking center stage, the rise of genre-blending newcomers who are reshaping what country music can sound like, and a renewed appreciation for legacy artists whose work has paved the way. It’s a year that honors the past while highlighting the artists who will carry country music into the next decade.

For fans, artists, and industry insiders alike, the 2025 CMAs are more than a night of trophies — they’re a snapshot of a genre in motion.

Photo Credit: ABC