The prestigious SESAC Nashville Music Awards will kick off the 2025 CMA Awards week on Sunday, November 16, marking a significant date on Nashville’s music industry calendar. The invitation-only ceremony will be held at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, setting an elegant tone for the week of celebrations culminating in the 59th annual CMA Awards on Wednesday, November 19, at Bridgestone Arena.
This anticipated event returns to its in-person format following pandemic-related interruptions in recent years. Industry professionals are particularly enthusiastic about the 2025 edition, which will honor outstanding achievements in songwriting and publishing across country and Americana genres. The awards typically recognize Song of the Year, Publisher of the Year, and Songwriter of the Year, celebrating the creative forces behind Nashville’s musical output.
Shannan Hatch, who serves as SVP and Head of Nashville Creative for SESAC, emphasized the organization’s commitment to honoring musical craftsmanship. “We’re thrilled to celebrate our writers in person in 2025, recognizing the profound way their artistry influences lives through music,” Hatch noted in a recent statement. The exclusive invitation-only celebration will shine a spotlight on the remarkable talents within both country and Americana music communities.
The SESAC Awards have historically recognized both emerging talents and established artists, with past honorees including Lee Brice, Megan Moroney, Zac Brown, and Hillary Scott. These accolades represent significant career milestones within Nashville’s tight-knit songwriting community and reinforce SESAC’s position as a key player in the music rights landscape. Many winners often see substantial increases in their careers through sync licensing deals that emerge from the industry exposure gained at the event. Award recipients typically leverage their recognition to boost their promotional efforts through playlist submissions and targeted social media campaigns.
By selecting the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum as the venue, organizers acknowledge the cultural significance of the event while providing attendees with access to exhibits celebrating Nashville’s rich musical heritage.
The ceremony’s timing strategically positions SESAC’s roster of songwriters in the spotlight just days before the widely viewed CMA Awards broadcast.
The event strengthens Nashville’s global reputation as a music industry hub while fostering networking opportunities among professionals. As November 2025 approaches, anticipation will build for this exclusive gathering that honors the creative individuals whose words and melodies define contemporary country and Americana music.
