The excitement for the 2025 CMA Awards is building, with the first wave of performers announced, including two-time nominee Luke Combs and rising star Lainey Wilson. This year’s lineup promises a thrilling show featuring nine acts, with highlights including a trio of Female Vocalist of the Year nominees and two Male Vocalist of the Year nominees, along with all five contenders for New Artist of the Year.
The ceremony is set to air on ABC on Wednesday, November 19, and among the top nominees are Ella Langley, Lainey Wilson, and Megan Moroney, showcasing a strong representation of talent in the country music scene. Last year’s event featured 20 performances, with some artists performing multiple songs, setting high expectations for this year’s show.
In an exciting twist, Dallas rapper BigXThaPlug is slated to perform alongside Luke Combs, delivering their collaborative track “Pray Hard,” a powerful anthem about overcoming struggles through faith. The inclusion of diverse artists like BigXThaPlug reflects the growing fusion of country and hip-hop, broadening the genre’s appeal.
While it’s common for all five Entertainer of the Year nominees to take the stage, this year may see a shift due to Cody Johnson’s recovery from a recent injury and Morgan Wallen’s absence from recent award shows. This leaves Combs, Wilson, and Chris Stapleton as potential performers. Lainey Wilson, who will also don the hosting hat for the CMA Awards for the first time, takes the spotlight as a central figure of the night, following a year of co-hosting with Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning.
The confirmed performers and their corresponding songs include:
– BigXThaPlug and Luke Combs, “Pray Hard”
– Ella Langley, “Choosin’ Texas”
– Lainey Wilson
– Luke Combs, “Back In the Saddle”
– Megan Moroney, “6 Months Later”
– Shaboozey and Stephen Wilson Jr., “Took a Walk”
– Stephen Wilson Jr., “Stand By Me”
– Tucker Wetmore, “Wind Up Missin’ You”
– Zach Top, “Guitar”
With more performers expected to be announced soon, the 2025 CMA Awards are shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of country music, blending established talent with emerging voices. Fans can look forward to a night filled with emotional performances and vibrant collaborations, further solidifying the genre’s rich tapestry.