Get ready, country music fans! The 2025 CMA Awards are shaping up to be a night to remember, and it all starts with a well-deserved honor. Next year, the legendary Vince Gill will receive the prestigious CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. This is a huge deal, recognizing Gill's incredible impact on country music. But here's where it gets exciting: the awards show will feature a special tribute performance celebrating Gill's illustrious career.
The 59th annual CMA Awards are scheduled to air on November 19 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, with streaming available the next day on Hulu.
Returning to host the festivities is none other than Lainey Wilson. Having co-hosted the 2024 CMAs alongside Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, Wilson is no stranger to the spotlight. She's also a CMA Awards powerhouse, with an impressive nine awards already under her belt, including Entertainer of the Year in 2023 and Female Vocalist of the Year.
"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 shared 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."
Adding to the excitement, the show will feature performances from Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Brandi Carlile, Chris Stapleton, Kelsea Ballerini, and Old Dominion.
The CMA also revealed the first round of nominees back in September, exclusively on "Good Morning America." Let's dive into some of the categories and contenders!
New Artist of the Year
- Ella Langley
- Shaboozey
- Zach Top
- Tucker Wetmore
- Stephen Wilson Jr.
It's worth noting that both Shaboozey and Zach Top were also nominated in this category in 2024.
The awards ceremony will take place in Nashville at the Bridgestone Arena.
Here's a sneak peek at the full list of 2025 CMA nominees:
Entertainer of the Year
- Luke Combs
- Cody Johnson
- Chris Stapleton
- Morgan Wallen
- Lainey Wilson
Single of the Year
- "4x4xU" – Lainey Wilson
- Producer: Jay Joyce
- Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
- "Ain't No Love In Oklahoma" – Luke Combs
- Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton
- Mix Engineer: Chip Matthews
- "Am I Okay?" – Megan Moroney
- Producer: Kristian Bush
- Mix Engineer: Justin Niebank
- "I Never Lie" – Zach Top
- Producer: Carson Chamberlain
- Mix Engineer: Matt Rovey
- "you look like you love me" – Ella Langley & Riley Green
- Producer: Will Bundy
- Mix Engineer: Jim Cooley
Album of the Year
- "Am I Okay?" – Megan Moroney
- Producer: Kristian Bush
- Mix Engineer: Justin Niebank
- "Cold Beer & Country Music" – Zach Top
- Producer: Carson Chamberlain
- Mix Engineer: Matt Rovey
- "F-1 Trillion" – Post Malone
- Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins
- Mix Engineer: Ryan Gore
- "I'm The Problem" – Morgan Wallen
- Producers: Jacob Durrett, Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi
- Mix Engineers: Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi
- "Whirlwind" – Lainey Wilson
- Producer: Jay Joyce
- Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
Song of the Year
- "4x4xU"
- Songwriters: Jon Decious, Aaron Raitiere, Lainey Wilson
- "Am I Okay?"
- Songwriters: Jessie Jo Dillon, Luke Laird, Megan Moroney
- "I Never Lie"
- Songwriters: Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols, Zach Top
- "Texas"
- Songwriters: Johnny Clawson, Josh Dorr, Lalo Guzman, Kyle Sturrock
- "you look like you love me"
- Songwriters: Riley Green, Ella Langley, Aaron Raitiere
Female Vocalist of the Year
- Kelsea Ballerini
- Miranda Lambert
- Ella Langley
- Megan Moroney
- Lainey Wilson
Male Vocalist of the Year
- Luke Combs
- Cody Johnson
- Chris Stapleton
- Zach Top
- Morgan Wallen
Vocal Group of the Year
- Lady A
- Little Big Town
- Old Dominion
- Rascal Flatts
- The Red Clay Strays
Vocal Duo of the Year
- Brooks & Dunn
- Brothers Osborne
- Dan + Shay
- Maddie & Tae
- The War And Treaty
Musical Event of the Year
- "Don't Mind If I Do" – Riley Green (featuring Ella Langley)
- Producers: Scott Borchetta, Jimmy Harnen, Dann Huff
- "Hard Fought Hallelujah" – Brandon Lake with Jelly Roll
- Producer: Micah Nichols
- "I'm Gonna Love You" – Cody Johnson (with Carrie Underwood)
- Producer: Trent Willmon
- "Pour Me A Drink" – Post Malone (feat. Blake Shelton)
- Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome
- "You Had To Be There" – Megan Moroney (feat. Kenny Chesney)
- Producer: Kristian Bush
Musician of the Year
- Jenee Fleenor – Fiddle
- Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar
- Brent Mason – Guitar
- Rob McNelley – Guitar
- Derek Wells – Guitar
Music Video of the Year
- "Am I Okay?" – Megan Moroney
- Directors: Alexandra Gavillet, Megan Moroney
- "I'm Gonna Love You" – Cody Johnson (with Carrie Underwood)
- Director: Dustin Haney
- "Somewhere Over Laredo" – Lainey Wilson
- Director: TK McKamy
- "Think I'm In Love With You" – Chris Stapleton
- Director: Running Bear
- "you look like you love me" – Ella Langley & Riley Green
- Directors: Ella Langley, John Park, Wales Toney
And that's the scoop! The 2025 CMA Awards are shaping up to be an unmissable event. What are your thoughts on the nominees? Who are you rooting for? Share your predictions and opinions in the comments below!
