Lainey Wilson Hosts 59th CMA Awards as Ella Langley, Megan Moroney Lead Nominees

When the lights dim at Bridgestone Arena on November 19, 2025, Nashville won’t just be hosting a show—it’ll be holding its breath. The 59th Annual CMA Awards is set to air live at 8 p.m. EST on ABC, marking another chapter in the longest-running annual music awards program on network television. And this year, it’s Lainey Wilson who’ll command the stage—not just as host, but as the reigning CMA Female Vocalist of the Year and a six-time nominee. The energy? Electric. The stakes? Higher than ever.

Who’s Taking the Stage?

The performer lineup reads like a who’s who of modern country, with surprising twists. Luke Combs kicks things off with "Back in the Saddle," his gritty new single that’s already climbing charts. But the real buzz? His unexpected duet with rapper BigXthaPlug on "Pray Hard." It’s a genre-blending moment that could either spark controversy or become the night’s most talked-about collaboration. Meanwhile, Ella Langley delivers "Choosin’ Texas," a track that’s become an anthem for rural pride, and Megan Moroney brings her emotional hit "6 Months Later"—a song so raw, fans have called it "the breakup ballad of the year." Zach Top’s "Guitar" is a nod to country’s roots, while Tucker Wetmore’s viral hit "Wind Up Missin’ You" promises to fill the arena with a sea of phone flashlights. Even the legends aren’t sitting out: Keith Urban and Chris Stapleton are both performing, though their songs remain under wraps. And then there’s the cinematic surprise: Shaboozey and Stephen Wilson Jr. teaming up for "Took A Walk," a haunting track from the new film adaptation of Stephen King’s *The Long Walk*. That’s right—Stephen King’s dystopian novel is now part of the CMA Awards. The twist is, it works.

Who’s Got the Nominations?

The nominations tell a story of generational shift. Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, and Lainey Wilson each earned six nods—tying for the most in the show’s history. That’s not luck. It’s momentum. Langley’s "Don’t Mind If I Do" with Riley Green is up for Musical Event of the Year; Moroney’s "Am I Okay?" is a Song of the Year contender; and Wilson’s "4x4xU" is up for Single of the Year. The old guard isn’t gone, though. Chris Stapleton and Cody Johnson each have four nominations, proving they still command respect. But the New Artist category? That’s a battle royale: Langley, Moroney, Shaboozey, and Stephen Wilson Jr. are all in the running. One of them will make history.

Presenters: From Hollywood to the Heartland

The presenter list reads like a cross between a country concert and a Netflix premiere. Steve Martin, the banjo-playing comedian, is back. So is Billy Ray Cyrus, whose return feels like a full-circle moment after his 90s crossover fame. Lauren Daigle, the gospel-pop powerhouse, will hand out an award—her first time at the CMA stage. Even Elizabeth Hurley and Alan Ritchson are on the list. Why? Because country music isn’t just about fiddles and pickup trucks anymore. It’s about culture. And culture now includes Hollywood stars who grew up listening to Miranda Lambert.

Why This Matters

The CMA Awards have always been more than trophies and glitter. They’re a barometer. This year, the nominations show a clear split: traditionalists like Stapleton and Johnson still dominate, but the new class—Langley, Moroney, Shaboozey—are rewriting the rules. Shaboozey, who crossed over from TikTok with "A Bar Song (Tipsy)," is now nominated alongside artists who’ve spent decades in Nashville’s clubs. That’s not just progress—it’s revolution. And the inclusion of a Stephen King adaptation on the stage? That’s the industry saying: country isn’t just about heartbreak anymore. It’s about storytelling. All kinds of it.

What’s Next?

After the broadcast, the stream on Hulu will let fans rewatch every surprise moment. But the real ripple effect? Labels will scramble to sign artists who performed here. Songwriters will pitch to Langley’s team. Streaming platforms will push "Choosin’ Texas" into playlists nationwide. And for the first time, a rapper and a country singer sharing a stage might not be seen as odd—but as the future.

Behind the Scenes: The Machine Behind the Magic

Produced by Robert Deaton and with music executive David Wild at the helm, the show’s technical precision is staggering. Over 100 musicians, 40 camera operators, and 150 crew members work behind the scenes to make sure every chord, every cue, every spotlight hits exactly right. The venue, Bridgestone Arena, holds 20,000 fans—sold out for the 20th straight year. The CMA’s partnership with ABC, dating back to 1968, is now the longest continuous network broadcast of any music awards show. That’s not just longevity. It’s legacy.