Lainey Wilson has been a longtime viewer of the Country Music Association’s annual award ceremony, which is televised live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.

Now, Wilson is gearing up for her second consecutive year hosting Country Music’s Biggest Night. The “Somewhere Over Laredo” superstar is also one of the top nominated artists, and has won several CMA Awards over the years, including Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year and more.

“I remember being a little girl and just sitting in front of the TV waiting for the CMA Awards to come on,” Wilson said in a CMA Awards promo shared on Instagram on Wednesday (October 29). “The CMA Awards was just like the event of the year. We wanted to see what everybody was wearing, what they were singing, and who won what. And we were just cheering for everybody.

“I think that little girl in front of that TV would be awfully proud,” Wilson continued as childhood photos appeared on screen. “It was hard for me to believe that I was ever even invited to attend something like this, much less nominated, win something, and now I’m getting the chance to host it.”

Wilson made her hosting debut during the 2024 show with returning hosting duo Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning. The Whirlwind artist is the first female to solo host the CMAs since Reba McEntire hosted the event more than three decades ago. Wilson recently spoke about the 34-year gap and more during a conversation with Senior Music Editor Joseph Hudak on an episode of Rolling Stone’s Nashville Now podcast earlier this month.

“I grew up watching the CMA Awards like it was the Super Bowl, so to be hosting for a second year is a true honor,” Wilson said in a statement when the CMA revealed she would host this year’s show. “I’m humbled that CMA has trusted me with this role, and I can’t wait to love on this genre that has given me so much.”

Find the full list of CMA Award nominees here.

The Country Music Association announced this spring that the 59th CMA Awards will air live on ABC at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT on November 19. The show will be available to stream the following day on Hulu.

Anne Hudson