Country fans are anxiously waiting for the 2025 Country Music Awards, and host Lainey Wilson teased what viewers can expect — including which of her famous friends she wants to roast.
Wilson, 33, opened up about her plans for the awards show while appearing on the Wednesday, October 8, episode of Rolling Stone’s “Nashville Now” podcast, and she revealed her one request as host was that her jokes wouldn’t be restricted.
“If I can poke fun at people, hey, we good,” she said. “I tried to get them to let me do it last year and they were like, ‘Whoa, whoa, whoa … that’s too far.’ But I go way back with these people.”
She then teased which singer she wants to roast, stating, “Let me make fun of Luke Combs, please.”
The 2025 awards show will mark the second time Wilson has hosted the show. In 2024, she co-hosted alongside Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning. The year before, Bryan, 49, and Manning, 49, hosted the show as a duo.
During the recent interview, Wilson reflected on having CMA producerRobert Deaton telling her that she would be hosting the 2025 awards ceremony solo.
“I have no clue, but I guess Luke ain’t mad at me ’cause I’ve talked to him since,” she said. “Honestly, he was probably happy to have a year off. And Peyton too, because they’ve been doing that for a while now …. Those guys are such genuine people that I think they’re happy for me. I really do.”
The Country Music Association announced on September 30 that Wilson would be taking on the hosting role by herself. “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,” she said of the opportunity. “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.”
Also during the podcast appearance, Wilson opened up about being the first woman to host the awards show solo since Reba McEntire took on the role in 1991.
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“I looked it up too and I was like, there’s no way. I let Reba know I was doing this and she was so excited,” Wilson shared. “It’s been a long time since a woman has done it solo. I’m glad they trust me. I like to run my mouth and I love country music.”
Not only is Wilson hosting the awards show, but she’s also a nominee. She is tied with Ella Langley and Megan Moroney for the most nods at the awards show, as each performer is up in six categories.
The 59th Annual CMA Awards will be filmed at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and will air live on Wednesday, November 19, from 8 to 11 p.m. ET on ABC. Those who miss the live show came stream it the following day on Hulu.
This story was originally reported by Parade on Oct 9, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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