Brandi Carlile and Patty Loveless took the stage at the 59th Annual CMA Awards on November 19 to deliver a heartfelt tribute to Vince Gill, this year’s recipient of the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. The duo captivated the audience with their remarkable rendition of Gill’s 1989 classic, “When I Call Your Name,” leaving fans feeling “in heaven” as they honored the legendary musician.
After the touching performance, which was prefaced by a warm introduction from George Strait, Gill expressed his admiration for Carlile and Loveless’s performance while accepting his prestigious award.
Carlile’s appearance at the CMA Awards comes at an exciting time for her career. She recently released her new album, “Returning to Myself,” marking her first solo project since 2021. To celebrate this release, Carlile performed as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live, showcasing songs like the rock-infused “Church & State” and the poignant ballad “Human.” In a conversation with Variety, she shared her enthusiasm for her upcoming arena tour, stating, “My whole job has always been to make a big place feel small… and I’m gonna make everybody feel like it was a living room.”
Looking ahead to future CMA events, anticipation builds for the 2025 CMA Awards, with a lineup that includes Kelsea Ballerini, Kenny Chesney, and Little Big Town, among others. The event will feature anticipated collaborations from artists such as BigXthaPlug with Luke Combs and Miranda Lambert with Chris Stapleton.
Lainey Wilson returns to host the show for a second consecutive year, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity by likening the CMA Awards to a personal Super Bowl. The nominations this year are led by Wilson, Megan Moroney, and Ella Langley, each receiving six nods, while Zach Top follows with five nominations. The 2025 CMA Awards will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and will be available for streaming the next day on Hulu.
This celebration of country music not only highlights its rich heritage but also showcases the bright future of the genre, making it an event to look forward to for fans across the nation.