It’s a big night for country music! The 2025 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards will be broadcast tonight, November 19. There is a lot to get excited about, including special guest performances, behind-the-scenes footage, and beloved host Lainey Wilson at the helm.
A Behind-The-Scenes Look
Taking fans behind-the-scenes and offering a rare glimpse into what happens to get an award show like this ready is Lauren Alaina and HaleyyBaylee. The two stars are taking over the CMA’s TikTok and presenting fans with the “CMA Awards Backstage Live” experience.
Ahead of the ceremony, the official Country Music Awards Instagram account shared a promotional photo of Alaina and HaleyyBaylee. “Join @LaurenAlaina and @HaleyyBaylee as they take you LIVE backstage at the #CMAawards from CMA’s official TikTok! Be sure to follow along to catch all the behind-the-scenes action during Country Music’s Biggest Night, Wednesday at 8/7c on @ABC!” the caption reads.
Fans flooded the comment section with their thoughts and shared their excitement. Reactions include, “THIS IS GOING TO BE AMAZING,” “Sooo excited for this! The duo we need!,” and “These two will be so fun!”
The Performers
Taking to the stage tonight to perform is an incredible list of performers. The list includes Kelsea Ballerini, BigXthaPlug, Brandi Carlile, Little Big Town, Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs, Riley Green, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, and Patty Loveless. Other stars are Megan Moroney, Old Dominion, and The Red Clay Strays. Crowdpleaser Shaboozey is also set to perform, as are Chris Stapleton, Zach Top, Tucker Wetmore, Lainey Wilson, and Stephen Wilson Jr.
And all eyes will be on Keith Urban, who has been added as a performer.
Inside the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville
Lainey Wilson will be an incredible host. She has teased her excitement and also given fans a glimpse into what is to come, as well as playfully poking fun at all the stars as she impersonates them. In a video posted on Instagram on November 20, she also shows the seating plan from inside the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.
In the clip, she shows Kenny Chesney will be seated next to Megan Moroney. Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney are seated next to each other. Her fiancé, Devlin “Duck” Hodges, will also be in attendance.
In the clip, she also sits on Zach Top’s seat. “Can’t wait to see all of my buddies tonight at the #CMAawards. It’s like a big ole country music reunion. See y’all tonight at 8/7c,” she wrote. Top is nominated for New Artist of the Year. He is also nominated for Single of the Year, and Song of the Year for his hit track “I Never Lie.” He is also nominated for Album of the Year for “Cold Beer & Country Music” and Male Vocalist of the Year.
