Lainey Wilson will step into the spotlight as the sole host of the 59th Annual CMA Awards, as announced by the Country Music Association and ABC. This will be Wilson’s second time hosting the show she co-hosted in 2024 alongside Peyton Manning and Luke Bryan. Manning and Bryan were co-hosts in 2022 and 2023, with Bryan hosting solo in 2021.
The CMA Awards have a long tradition of notable host pairings, such as Reba McEntire with Darius Rucker in 2020, Carrie Underwood with McEntire and Dolly Parton in 2019, and the decade-long partnership of Underwood and Brad Paisley from 2008 to 2018.
Wilson shared her excitement about hosting again, stating, “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. 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.”
In addition to her hosting duties, Wilson is among this year’s top nominees, joining Ella Langley and Megan Moroney. She is nominated for six awards: Entertainer of the Year, Single of the Year (“4x4xU”), Album of the Year (Whirlwind), Song of the Year (“4x4xU”), Female Vocalist of the Year, and Music Video of the Year (“Somewhere Over Laredo”). Wilson currently holds the titles of Female Vocalist and Music Video of the Year and has accumulated 25 career CMA nominations.
The CMA Awards are determined by more than 7,000 voting members of the Country Music Association, reflecting all sectors of the country music industry. This peer-voted event honors the artists and professionals who help shape country music and inspire its fans.
“Country Music’s Biggest Night” will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 8:00 to 11:00 PM EST on ABC, with next-day streaming available on Hulu. Tickets for the 59th Annual CMA Awards are available now. Additional announcements regarding performers and presenters are expected in the coming weeks.
