Watch Lainey Wilson Host 2025 CMA Awards: Red Carpet, Nominees & Start Time Revealed!

The celebration of country music returns once again, and it’s certainly not the first time for the Country Music Association.

This year marks the 59th annual CMA Awards, broadcasting live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Wednesday, with a lineup of performances by some of the top artists in country music.

Lacking cable? Don’t worry. Here’s everything you need to know to tune in to every performance, and yes, it’s possible to do so for free.

When are the CMA Awards 2025?

The 2025 Country Music Awards will be broadcast at 8 p.m. ET on November 19, 2025. Be sure to start watching early, though, as ABC’s red carpet coverage kicks off at 5 p.m., featuring interviews and fashion insights.

How to watch the 2025 CMA Awards for free

With the event being aired on ABC, those without traditional cable services will need a live TV streaming service to watch the awards live. A top pick for this is DIRECTV, which provides a five-day free trial, after which subscription plans begin at $46, offering access to over 90 channels.

With the entertainment plan, you’ll also gain access to ESPN, Disney+, and Hulu, making it a good investment for both sports enthusiasts and movie buffs.

Who is hosting the 2025 CMA Awards?

This year, Lainey Wilson takes the stage as the solo host, after co-hosting last year with Peyton Manning and Luke Bryan. “I’m filled with pride and so much joy. It’s a significant responsibility,” she commented during a press conference, as reported by People.

Wilson also shared that she sought advice from country legend Reba McEntire, who encouraged her to “just be yourself and have fun.”

Who is nominated at the 2025 CMA Awards?

For the first time, three female solo artists are leading with the most nominations at the CMAs. Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, and Ella Langley each have six nominations. Zach Top follows closely with five nominations, while Riley Green and Cody Johnson each have four. Others in the running for awards include Kristian Bush, Carson Chamberlain, Luke Combs, Charlie Handsome, Chris Stapleton, and Morgan Wallen, each with three nominations.

Vince Gill is set to receive the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award and will be honored with a special tribute during the night.

Who is performing at the 2025 CMA Awards?

Performers for the evening include a who’s who of country music such as Kelsea Ballerini, Brandi Carlile, Kenny Chesney, Riley Green, Little Big Town, Patty Loveless, and Keith Urban, among others.

The event will also showcase several cross-genre duets, with performances like BigXthaPlug and Luke Combs, and Shaboozey joining Lainey Wilson for their ballad “Took A Walk.”

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Article by Hannah Southwick, Commerce Associate Editor at Page Six. Hannah specializes in finding affordable celebrity styles, testing top Hollywood brands, and discovering the beauty products that keep celebrities ready for the spotlight. She regularly consults with stylists and industry experts, including celebrities, for product recommendations and upcoming trends. Hannah has been contributing to Page Six since 2020 and has also been featured in USA Today and Parade.