The upcoming 59thannual CMA Awards are shaping up as a high‑profile celebration of country music’s present and future. The show will air live on ABC on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, and will stream the following day on Hulu.
Leading the performance lineup is Kelsea Ballerini, who will debut her new song “I Sit in Parks”. She joins country‑music veterans and rising stars alike in a broad spectrum of performances. Kenny Chesney, soon to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, will mark the milestone with his own live set. Meanwhile Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton will take the stage together for a duet of “A Song to Sing”, underlining the awards show’s commitment to memorable pairings and genre‑spanning moments.
Old Dominion is set to honor its catalogue with a medley covering fan favorites including “Break Up with Him,” “Memory Lane,” “One Man Band,” “Hotel Key” and “Snapback”. Additional performers like Brandi Carlile, Riley Green, Patty Loveless and The Red Clay Strays will add depth and range to the evening.
Hosting the broadcast this year is Lainey Wilson, returning for a second time now as the show’s sole master of ceremonies. Her rising profile and command of the genre give her a fitting place at the helm of the event.
On the nominations front, Ella Langley and Megan Moroney lead the charge with six nods apiece, followed by Zach Top with five — signaling both established acts and newcomers are making noise in country music’s current landscape.
The 2025 CMA Awards thus promise a dynamic blend of launch‑pad moments, veteran showcases and star‑studded collaborations — a one‑night snapshot of where country music stands today and where it’s headed next.
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