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November 17, 2025

CMA Awards 2025: What to know ahead of country music's biggest night

WATCH: Host announced for 59th annual CMA Awards

The 59th Annual CMA Awards are almost here.

The Country Music Association is preparing for another memorable evening of celebrating country music and honoring some of the biggest stars of the genre. 

Ahead of country music's biggest night, "Good Morning America" will have special CMA Awards coverage on Wednesday morning for an exclusive early reveal of the musical event of the year and music video award winners.

The morning after the ceremony, "GMA" will recap the night, as well as highlight the biggest moments and CMA Award winners.

Read on for everything you need to know about this year's CMA Awards. 

When is the CMA Awards ceremony?

The CMA Awards will air live from Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. 

The event will be available to stream the next day on Hulu. 

Who is hosting?

Lainey Wilson will return as host of the awards show for the second consecutive year. 

A press release from ABC states that the reigning CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, who is a six-time nominee at this year's show, will also take the stage to deliver a powerful performance. 

"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," Wilson said previously in a press release. "I'm humbled that CMA has trusted me with this role, and I can't wait to love on this genre that has given me so much."

Prior to the awards show, "GMA" will have a behind-the-scenes look at country music's biggest night with Wilson.

Who else is performing?

Also taking the CMA Awards stage this year are Ella Langley with a performance of her new song "Choosin' Texas" and Megan Moroney, who will perform her hit song "6 Months Later."

Nominees taking the stage include new artist of the year nominee Tucker Wetmore, who will perform his viral hit "Wind Up Missin' You," and five-time nominee Zach Top, who will perform his song "Guitar." Stephen Wilson Jr., who is also a new artist of the year nominee, will perform a rendition of Ben E. King's "Stand By Me."

Additionally, BigXthaPlug will take the stage with Luke Combs to perform their song "Pray Hard," while Shaboozey and Wilson will perform their ballad "Took A Walk." 

CMA Awards performers will also include Kelsea Ballerini, Brandi Carlile, Kenny Chesney, Riley Green, Little Big Town, Patty Loveless, Keith Urban and more. 

Who is presenting?

Presenters announced for this year's CMA Awards include Elizabeth Hurley, Steve Martin, Lady A, Ne-Yo, Jordan Davis and "Good Morning America" co-anchor Lara Spencer. 

Who is nominated?

Some of our favorite stars across country music are vying for the top awards. 

Nominees in the new artist of the year category include Langley, Shaboozey, Top, Wetmore and Wilson.

In the entertainer of the year category, Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen and Wilson are battling it out. 

See the full list of nominees here.

Who is receiving the lifetime achievement award?

Legendary country music star Vince Gill will be honored with the 2025 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. 

He will be recognized for his trailblazing career and celebrated with a special tribute and performance. 

When will the CMA Awards red carpet begin?

The red carpet will kick off Wednesday at 5 p.m. ET.

ABC's "On The Red Carpet" will feature live pre-show coverage of this year's CMA Awards outside of Nashville's Bridgestone Arena.

Coverage will stream on CMAAwards.comOnTheRedCarpet.com and ABC Owned Television Stations' 32 connected TV apps across streaming platforms Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV and Roku. Coverage of "On The Red Carpet" will also be simulcast from 5-8 p.m. ET on linear across ABC affiliates (check local listings).

The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of ABC, ABC News and "Good Morning America."