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2025 CMA Awards: Lainey Wilson Hosts, Leads Nominations

11/7/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The 2025 CMA Awards will feature performances by Luke Combs (country singer), Lainey Wilson (country singer), and Ella Langley (country singer).
The ceremony will air live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on November 19 at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC.
Hulu will stream the event the next day.
Lainey Wilson will host solo for the first time.
Lainey Wilson leads with six nominations, tied with Megan Moroney and Ella Langley.

History

Historical Context

The Country Music Association (CMA) was founded in 1958 to promote country music amid concerns over rock and roll's influence. The inaugural CMA Awards took place on October 20, 1967, in Nashville, honoring artists like Eddy Arnold and Loretta Lynn. Today, the awards continue to evolve, with emerging talents like Lainey Wilson reflecting the genre's growth and increasing female representation.

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Story summary

The 2025 CMA Awards will feature performances by Luke Combs (country singer), Lainey Wilson (country singer), and Ella Langley (country singer).
The ceremony will air live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on November 19 at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC.
Hulu will stream the event the next day.
Lainey Wilson will host solo for the first time.
Lainey Wilson leads with six nominations, tied with Megan Moroney and Ella Langley.

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