Lainey Wilson is so excited to host this year’s CMA Awards. The 33-year-old will make history, becoming the first woman to host the show solo since Reba McEntire did in 1991.
“I am on cloud nine to be hosting the CMA Awards,” Wilson tells the Country Music Association. “I love to run my mouth, and I love country music. It’s a nice time to just celebrate everybody. It’s gonna be a party, if I have anything to do with it.”
In 2024, Wilson hosted the show alongside Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning. This year, she feels the pressure of standing on the stage alone.
“When you’re hosting by yourself, there ain’t nothing to hide behind,” Wilson says. “I don’t have Peyton or Luke next to me this year, so it’s just me, flying solo, but I feel like they prepared me. They showed me the ropes, and also just taught me that I don’t have to take myself too serious. Just get up there and have a good time, and speak from the heart. I don’t think we can go wrong if we do that.”
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The Significance of Lainey Wilson Hosting the CMA Awards
Lainey Wilson understands the significance of hosting the CMA Awards, especially doing it by herself.
“Whenever I found out that I was hosting the show, I knew that I just wanted to go into it and just have the time of my life,” Wilson says. “I just wanted to not be stressed out. I wanted to just soak up every single moment. This is a celebration, at least for me and my team, to be able to step into the shoes of a lot of women who have done this, Dolly [Parton], and then Reba. They’re the only two that have done it solo.
“It was important for me to make sure that I stepped into certain parts of my personality that maybe people don’t get to see all the time,” she adds. “I’m gonna show a little bit of that sass, a little bit of that fire, and it’s fun. I’m trying not to take myself too serious, and just enjoy the night.”
How Lainey Wilson Will Open the CMA Awards
Almost every host in the history of the CMA Awards starts with an opening monologue, one that often pokes good-natured fun at other country artists. But Wilson hints that she might do something different, especially for her first year.
“The opening monologue of the show is honestly just me being a fan,” Wilson hints. “Me being a fan of music, me being a fan of this incredible genre, and celebrating other artists. I don’t want to say too much, because I think it’s going to be one of those moments that gets everybody up on their feet, and really sets the tone for the whole night.”
Wilson will also perform at the CMA Awards, along with Kenny Chesney, Patty Loveless, Kelsea Ballerini, Brandi Carlile, Riley Green, Miranda Lambert, Old Dominion, The Red Clay Strays, Chris Stapleton, BigXThaPlug, Luke Combs, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Shaboozey, Zach Top, Tucker Wetmore, Lainey Wilson, and Stephen Wilson Jr.
Wilson, Langley, and Moroney lead the list of nominees with six nominations each. The 2025 CMA Awards will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, November 19, at 8:00 PM ET on ABC. The show will stream the next day on Hulu.