Lainey Wilson, Ella Langley & Megan Moroney Lead 2025 CMA Nominations/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The 2025 Country Music Association Awards air live from Nashville with top nominees including Lainey Wilson, Ella Langley, and Megan Moroney. Wilson, also the host, is up for Entertainer of the Year alongside major names. The show features a packed lineup of performances and honors Vince Gill with a lifetime achievement award.
2025 CMA Awards Quick Looks
- Airs live November 19, 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
- Streaming available next day on Hulu.
- Lainey Wilson, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney lead nominations.
- Wilson is also this year’s host and top nominee.
- Entertainer of the Year nominees include Combs, Wallen, Stapleton.
- Vince Gill to receive Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Performances by Kelsea Ballerini, Kenny Chesney, and many more.
- CMA members select nominees and winners.
Deep Look: Everything You Need to Know About the 2025 CMA Awards
NEW YORK (AP) — Get ready, country music fans—the 59th Annual Country Music Association Awards are here. Set to broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, November 19, at 8 p.m. Eastern / 7 p.m. Central on ABC, this year’s CMAs promise a star-studded night of celebration, competition, and unforgettable performances.
If you miss the live airing, don’t worry. The full show will be available for streaming on Hulu the following day, ensuring fans won’t miss a beat.
Leading Ladies Take the Spotlight
This year’s nominations are led by Lainey Wilson, Ella Langley, and Megan Moroney, each earning six nods—setting the tone for what’s expected to be a strong showing for women in country music.
Wilson, not only a top nominee but also the host of the night, is up for Entertainer of the Year, the CMA’s highest honor. She faces stiff competition from major industry names including Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Cody Johnson, and last year’s winner Morgan Wallen.
Wilson’s dual role as host and contender underscores her rising dominance in the genre and adds extra excitement to the night’s proceedings.
New Talent on the Rise
The category for New Artist of the Year showcases a fresh generation of country performers. Nominees include:
- Ella Langley
- Shaboozey
- Zach Top
- Tucker Wetmore
- Stephen Wilson Jr.
Each of these rising stars represents the evolving sound of country, blending tradition with modern influences to reach broader audiences.
A Night Packed With Live Performances
This year’s CMAs promise an electrifying lineup of live music, with performances scheduled from both seasoned veterans and emerging acts. The list includes:
- Lainey Wilson
- Luke Combs
- Chris Stapleton
- Ella Langley
- Megan Moroney
- Shaboozey
- Zach Top
- Tucker Wetmore
- Stephen Wilson Jr.
- Kelsea Ballerini
- Brandi Carlile
- Kenny Chesney
- Riley Green
- Miranda Lambert
- Patty Loveless
- Old Dominion
- The Red Clay Strays
- BigXThaPlug
With such an eclectic mix—from traditional country to crossover acts—audiences can expect a vibrant showcase of the genre’s current pulse.
A Legendary Honor: Vince Gill
Country icon Vince Gill will be honored with the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, a recognition reserved for artists whose influence and contributions to country music are both historic and ongoing. With a decades-long career marked by songwriting excellence and vocal artistry, Gill’s recognition serves as one of the night’s emotional highlights.
Voting and Industry Participation
Winners and nominees are determined by members of the Country Music Association, which includes a broad cross-section of industry professionals—record executives, songwriters, artists, publicists, producers, and more. This peer-voting system reinforces the awards’ credibility within the music community.
Final Notes for Viewers
For fans planning to tune in, the event will air live on ABC, making it accessible via cable and satellite, as well as digital streaming services that include ABC’s live feed. Those who prefer on-demand viewing can catch the show on Hulu starting Thursday, November 20.More on Entertainment
From powerhouse vocals and breakout artists to heartfelt tributes and legacy awards, the 2025 CMA Awards are shaping up to be a standout moment in this year’s music calendar.
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