CMA Awards 2025: Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs Vie for Entertainer of the Year Crown

Country music‘s biggest night is set for a dramatic conclusion. The 59th CMA Awards airs live on Wednesday, November 19. The ceremony originates from Nashville’s famed Bridgestone Arena.

All eyes are on the night’s top prize. The Entertainer of the Year category features a tight race between two giants.

A Clash of Titans for Country’s Top Honor

Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs lead the nominations. Both artists have dominated charts and tours this past year. According to Billboard, their commercial success is nearly unmatched.

Luke Combs is a previous two-time winner of this award. He seeks to reclaim the title after Morgan Wallen’s win last year. The competition highlights their sustained impact on the genre.

Wallen’s global influence was recently recognized with an International Artist Achievement award. His album and single performances broke records in multiple countries. This global reach strengthens his case for the domestic honor.

What the Entertainer of the Year Stakes Mean

This award is more than just a trophy. It signifies peer recognition for overall career impact. Winning can influence touring revenue and album sales significantly.

For Wallen, a second consecutive win would solidify his position as a defining artist of this era. It would underscore his commercial dominance and fan connection.

For Combs, a third win would place him among an elite group of country legends. It would reward his consistent performance and dedicated fanbase.

The other nominees are also formidable. Lainey Wilson, Chris Stapleton, and Cody Johnson each bring unique strengths to the race.

The 2025 CMA Awards Entertainer of the Year winner will be decided by industry peers. The result will shape country music’s narrative for the coming year.

Thought you’d like to know

When and where can I watch the CMA Awards?

The ceremony airs live on ABC on November 19. It starts at 8 PM ET from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Viewers can also stream it on Hulu the following day.

Who is hosting the 2025 CMA Awards?

Lainey Wilson is set to host this year’s event. She is also a nominee for Entertainer of the Year. Her performance adds an extra layer of excitement to the broadcast.

How many times has Luke Combs won Entertainer of the Year?

Luke Combs has won the award twice. His victories came in 2021 and 2022. A win this year would be his third.

What is Morgan Wallen’s biggest achievement this year?

Wallen won the International Artist Achievement award. His music achieved massive global streaming numbers. Several of his singles have surpassed one billion streams on platforms.

Can Lainey Wilson win while hosting?

Yes, there is no rule against a host winning an award. Her role could potentially influence voter perception. It would be a historic moment for the ceremony.