Nashville, TN – The Country Music Association (CMA) has unveiled an electrifying, expanded CMA Awards lineup of performers for the 59th Annual CMA Awards, solidifying “Country Music’s Biggest Night™” as a must-watch event. Set to broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, the ceremony will feature a dazzling array of talent, including acclaimed artists such as Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Kelsea Ballerini, Brandi Carlile, Kenny Chesney, Riley Green, Patty Loveless, Old Dominion, and The Red Clay Strays. These artists join an already impressive roster of previously announced performers, including BigXthaPlug, Luke Combs, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Shaboozey, Zach Top, Tucker Wetmore, Lainey Wilson, and Stephen Wilson Jr. This year’s CMA Awards lineup promises an unforgettable night, with anticipation building for every aspect of the CMA Awards performers. The CMA Awards lineup is truly a spectacle for country music fans.
All-Star CMA Awards Performers Take Center Stage in the CMA Awards Lineup
The latest wave of performer announcements has cemented the 59th CMA Awards as a showcase of country music’s brightest stars, blending genre titans with emerging talents. Among the highly anticipated performances in the CMA Awards lineup is a special duet from powerhouses Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton, who are set to perform their new single, “A Song to Sing”. Stapleton, the reigning CMA Male Vocalist of the Year, will also deliver a solo performance of “Bad as I Used to Be”. The full CMA Awards lineup is truly spectacular, featuring a diverse array of CMA Awards performers that define the current country music awards landscape.
Kelsea Ballerini is slated to debut her brand-new song, “I Sit In Parks”, while Riley Green, a winner of the CMA Musical Event of the Year, will perform his hit “Worst Way”. Kenny Chesney, a four-time CMA Entertainer of the Year winner, will mark his 2025 induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame with a special performance celebrating his career milestone. The seven-time reigning CMA Vocal Group of the Year winners, Old Dominion, will treat audiences to a medley of their popular hits, and fellow Vocal Group of the Year nominees, The Red Clay Strays, will electrify the stage with their song “People Hatin’”. This extensive CMA Awards lineup underscores the event’s enduring significance in showcasing the very best CMA Awards performers.
The extensive list of performers underscores the CMA Awards’ enduring significance as a premier platform for country music artists to share their craft with a global audience. The anticipation for the CMA Awards lineup is at an all-time high, with fans eager to see all the CMA Awards performers. This year’s CMA Awards lineup is particularly noteworthy.
Lainey Wilson Shines as Solo CMA Awards Host, Enhancing the CMA Awards Lineup
Returning to the spotlight, Lainey Wilson will host “Country Music’s Biggest Night™” for the second consecutive year, this time taking the helm as a solo host. Wilson, who previously co-hosted with Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning in 2024, expressed her deep honor and gratitude for the role. “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 stated. “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”. Her solo hosting debut marks a significant moment, being the first time a female artist has hosted the Country Music Association awards solo since Reba McEntire over three decades ago. This appointment also signals a potential embrace of contemporary country music figures by the CMA, potentially resonating with younger demographics and enhancing the CMA Awards lineup of talent.
A Legend Honored: Vince Gill Receives Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, Adding Prestige to the CMA Awards Lineup
Adding profound depth to the evening, country music icon Vince Gill has been named the recipient of the prestigious Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. This esteemed honor recognizes artists who have attained the highest degree of recognition in country music and have made a significant, positive impact on the genre and the industry at large. Gill, an 18-time CMA Award winner and Country Music Hall of Fame member, has built a career spanning five decades, marked by over 30 million records sold and 45 charted singles. CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern remarked, “Vince embodies the very best of what country music stands for. He’s a true trailblazer, one who gives back to the community, honors the roots of our genre, and even now, continues to share his talent with fans across the globe. As a Country Music Hall of Fame member, 18-time CMA Award winner, and former 12-time CMA Awards host, he remains a vibrant force in our industry, and we’re honored to celebrate an artist whose influence is so deeply woven into the fabric of our format”. Gill joins an illustrious group of previous recipients, and his inclusion further elevates the prestige of the CMA Awards lineup, adding another celebrated name to the list of CMA Awards performers.
Leading the Pack: Top CMA Awards Nominees Set the Stage for the 59th CMA Awards Lineup
The nominations for the 59th Annual CMA Awards, announced on September 8, 2025, highlight both established superstars and rising stars. Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, and host Lainey Wilson lead the field with six nominations each, showcasing their significant impact over the eligibility period. Zach Top follows with five nominations, while Riley Green and Cody Johnson each secured four nods. These CMA Awards nominees are set to make their mark on the 59th CMA Awards, contributing to the excitement surrounding the CMA Awards lineup.
Key categories are fiercely contested, with Entertainer of the Year nominees including Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen, and Lainey Wilson. The Female Vocalist of the Year category features Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, and Lainey Wilson, while Male Vocalist of the Year nominees include Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Zach Top, and Morgan Wallen. The competition across all categories promises a night of celebration for the best in country music, making the CMA Awards lineup a testament to the genre’s strength and the incredible CMA Awards performers.
The CMA Awards: A Pillar of Country Music and its Celebrated CMA Awards Lineup
Established in 1967, the CMA Awards stand as the longest-running annual music awards program on network television. The awards ceremony honors outstanding achievement in country music, recognizing artists, songwriters, musicians, and industry professionals who have shaped the genre. Winners are determined by the votes of over 7,000 professional members of the Country Music Association, reflecting a peer-driven recognition of excellence. The CMA Awards continue to be a vital institution, celebrating the rich heritage and dynamic future of country music, with this year’s CMA Awards lineup being a prime example of its enduring appeal. The CMA Awards lineup is always a highlight for fans of the genre.
The 59th Annual CMA Awards will air live on ABC on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET/7:00 PM CT. The ceremony will be available for streaming the following day on Hulu. Fans can also catch a special “Center Stage: Countdown to the CMA Awards — Special Edition of 20/20” on November 18th, offering a pre-show look at the excitement surrounding the CMA Awards lineup.
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