Happy 59th annual CMA Awards week.
Lainey Wilson is heading into one of the biggest nights of her life. She’s hosting the CMA Awards solo for the first time ever, and she’s also one of this year’s top nominees with six nods total. No big deal though. She’s got this.
Lainey said growing up that her family watched the CMAs the way some families watch the Super Bowl. It was a full family event. Which was the same in my house growing up with my mom. It was a big family night growing up to say the least.
So, she also knows how rare this solo female hosting gig is. Only Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire have done it before her (like I’ve said before…Lainey is this generations Dolly and Reba). The last one to do it was Reba back in 1991. Lainey admitted that she texted Reba for advice.
And she expected a quick tip, but instead, Reba sent a whole list.
Lainey admitted that she’s got some big shoes to fill…but you can tell she’s not letting the moment get too big for her.
Country Music’s Biggest Night airs live from Nashville tonight (11/19/25) on ABC. And if you miss it, you can stream it the next day on Hulu.