Country music fans were left stunned today after the Country Music Association (CMA) announced a major hosting shake-up for the 2025 CMA Awards — longtime co-hosts Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning are officially out, and rising superstar Lainey Wilson is stepping into the spotlight as the sole host of the show.
The news, confirmed by the CMA this morning, marks a bold new direction for the prestigious awards. Wilson, who joined Bryan and Manning as a co-host last year, will now lead the entire evening solo — a move that cements her status as one of country music’s most powerful and respected new voices.
“I grew up watching the CMA Awards like it was the Super Bowl,” Wilson said in a heartfelt statement. “To be invited back as host — and this time, on my own — is something I never dreamed of. I’m so honored and grateful that CMA trusts me to carry the torch.”
The decision ends a three-year hosting partnership between Bryan and Manning, who became fan favorites for their natural chemistry, quick wit, and easygoing banter. Fans took to social media with mixed reactions — some expressing sadness to see the duo go, while others cheered Wilson’s historic milestone.
“Lainey deserves this moment,” one fan wrote. “She’s brought real heart, energy, and authenticity back to country music.”
The 2025 CMA Awards are set to air Wednesday, November 19, live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, with a national broadcast on ABC and streaming the next day on Hulu.
Industry insiders believe the change signals a broader shift toward spotlighting female voices in country music — a movement that has been gaining momentum across Nashville. Wilson, already a multiple CMA and Grammy Award winner, has been hailed as one of the genre’s most inspiring figures, known for blending modern country flair with deep Southern soul.
As fans count down the weeks, anticipation is building for what promises to be a groundbreaking night. One thing is certain — with Lainey Wilson at the helm, the 2025 CMA Awards won’t just celebrate country music’s best; they’ll redefine its future.
