Country music star Lainey Wilson will take center stage as the solo host of the 59th Annual CMA Awards, scheduled for November 19, 2025, at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. The announcement marks a significant shift from her previous co-hosting duties alongside Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning at the 2024 ceremony, establishing Wilson as only the second solo host of country music’s biggest night in the past 22 years.
Wilson’s appointment coincides with her remarkable showing in the nominations, where she tied with Ella Langley and Megan Moroney for the most nods with six each. Her nominations span major categories including Entertainer of the Year, Best Female Vocalist, Single and Song of the Year for “4x4xU,” Album of the Year for “Whirlwind,” and Music Video of the Year, reflecting her commanding presence in the industry.
The decision to feature Wilson as solo host represents a notable departure from the multi-host format that has characterized the CMA Awards for over two decades. This unconventional choice underscores the Country Music Association’s confidence in Wilson’s ability to carry the three-hour broadcast, which will air live on ABC from 8:00-11:00 PM EST and be available for streaming on Hulu the following day.
As a nine-time CMA Award winner, Wilson brings substantial credibility to her hosting role. Her selection also highlights the growing recognition of women artists in prominent positions within country music, an industry historically dominated by male performers and hosts.
The CMA Awards’ peer-voting system, involving over 7,000 professional members across all sectors of the country music industry, lends particular weight to Wilson’s nominations and hosting selection. Unlike public-voted awards, this recognition comes directly from fellow industry professionals who evaluate both artistic merit and commercial success.
Wilson’s dual position as both host and leading nominee creates an interesting dynamic for the ceremony, potentially centralizing the event’s narrative around her achievements while she simultaneously serves as its primary presenter. She has expressed honor and gratitude for returning to the hosting role for a second consecutive year. Her transition to solo host represents a significant milestone in her career trajectory within the country music landscape.
Beyond her CMA achievements, Wilson has successfully built diverse income streams through her music licensing for television commercials and film soundtracks, demonstrating her business savvy in the industry. Wilson’s career exemplifies the importance of personal branding in establishing a distinctive presence in today’s competitive music industry.
