Key Highlights
- Luke Combs and Lainey Wilson lead the list of performers for the 2025 CMA Awards.
- The event will air on ABC on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.
- Five singers are up for New Artist of the Year, including Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson.
- Lainey Wilson is set to host the CMA Awards by herself for the first time.
New Performers Announced for 2025 CMA Awards
The Country Music Association has unveiled its initial lineup of performers for the upcoming 2025 CMA Awards, with a star-studded roster that includes two-time nominee Luke Combs and rising star Lainey Wilson. The event, which will air on ABC on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, promises to be a night filled with memorable performances from established stars alongside up-and-coming talent.
The nine announced performers include:
- BigXThaPlug and Luke Combs
- Ella Langley
- Lainey Wilson
- Megan Moroney
- Shaboozey and Stephen Wilson Jr.
- Stephen Wilson Jr.
- Tucker Wetmore
- Zach Top
The list also features a trio of Female Vocalist of the Year nominees, two Male Vocalist of the Year nominees, and all five singers up for New Artist of the Year. Among them are Ella Langley, Lainey Wilson, and Megan Moroney.
Special Performances
One of the standout performances announced is a duet between BigXThaPlug and Luke Combs, who will take the stage to sing “Pray Hard,” a song about overcoming adversity through prayer. This collaboration marks the second time Combs will perform at the CMA Awards in 2025.
Host Responsibilities
For the first time, Lainey Wilson is set to host the 2025 CMA Awards solo. Last year, she co-hosted with Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning. This year’s host duties come at a significant moment for Wilson, as she competes in several categories, including New Artist of the Year.
Expectations and Controversies
The 2025 CMA Awards could see some changes compared to previous years. According to reports, Entertainer of the Year nominees Cody Johnson and Morgan Wallen are either recovering or choosing not to participate due to personal reasons. This leaves Wilson, Combs, and Chris Stapleton as top contenders for this prestigious award.
With a lineup that includes both established stars and emerging talents, the 2025 CMA Awards promise to be an exciting night in country music. The full list of performers will likely be revealed over the coming weeks, keeping fans on edge until the big event.
