CMA Awards 2025 Time: Everything to Know Before Country Music’s Biggest Night

The CMA Awards 2025 will air live from Nashville on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. Fans have been waiting for this year’s ceremony, and the main keyword “CMA Awards 2025 time” is one of the most searched terms ahead of the show. The event will bring together the biggest names in country music for a night of performances, awards and tributes.

This year’s ceremony is expected to draw large national attention. ABC confirmed the broadcast details, along with the show’s return to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. The annual celebration highlights the top songs, artists, and rising stars in country music.

Key Broadcast Details for the CMA Awards 2025 Time

The CMA Awards begin at 8 p.m. ET live from Nashville, according to ABC’s official schedule. Viewers can watch the ceremony on ABC and stream it the next day on Hulu. Trusted outlets such as ABC News have already previewed the show, highlighting its host, performers, red carpet schedule, and early award winners revealed on “Good Morning America.”

Host Lainey Wilson will lead the show for the second year in a row. She is the first woman to host the CMAs solo in more than three decades. Wilson is also a six-time nominee this year. She will perform during the broadcast, joining a long list of artists set to take the stage.

This year’s performer lineup includes Brandi Carlile, Kelsea Ballerini, Kenny Chesney, Riley Green, Little Big Town, Patty Loveless, Keith Urban, Ella Langley, and Megan Moroney. Rising stars such as Tucker Wetmore, Zach Top, and Stephen Wilson Jr. will also perform. Special collaborations include BigXthaPlug with Luke Combs and Shaboozey with Wilson.

Presenters for the night include Elizabeth Hurley, Steve Martin, Lady A, Ne-Yo, and Jordan Davis. The new artist of the year category features Langley, Shaboozey, Top, Wetmore, and Wilson. The entertainer of the year race includes Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen, and Wilson.

Country legend Vince Gill will receive the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. He will be honored with a tribute performance celebrating his long and influential career.

The CMA Awards red carpet begins at 5 p.m. ET. ABC’s “On the Red Carpet” will stream live on CMAAwards.com, OnTheRedCarpet.com and ABC’s connected TV apps. Many fans search specifically for “CMA Awards 2025 time,” and this includes the time for the red carpet and the main event. The early coverage runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET, leading directly into the ceremony.

What This Year’s CMA Awards Mean for Country Music

This year’s ceremony reflects a major moment for the genre. Lainey Wilson’s hosting role reinforces her rise as one of country music’s biggest stars. Many fans and industry experts expect strong performances and emotional tributes throughout the night.

The 2025 nominations show a shift as newer artists join long-established stars. Performances from viral artists like Tucker Wetmore and Zach Top mark how quickly the country music landscape is evolving. The award for entertainer of the year remains one of the most competitive categories.

Fans also look forward to emotional highlights, including the Vince Gill tribute. Longtime viewers see the CMAs as a snapshot of the country music industry each year, and 2025 is shaping up to be a defining edition of the show.

The CMA Awards 2025 time is set for 8 p.m. ET on Nov. 19, giving fans a full night of music, awards, tributes, and surprises. The excitement around this year’s ceremony shows how strong country music remains across the U.S. and beyond.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What time are the CMA Awards 2025?

The CMA Awards 2025 will air live at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. The red carpet begins at 5 p.m. ET.

Q2: Where can I watch the CMA Awards?

You can watch the live broadcast on ABC. The full show will stream the next day on Hulu.

Q3: Who is hosting the CMA Awards 2025?

Lainey Wilson returns to host for the second year in a row. She is also a top nominee and performer.

Q4: What time does the CMA Awards red carpet start?

The red carpet begins at 5 p.m. ET with live coverage across ABC platforms.

Q5: Who is performing at the CMAs?

Performers include Lainey Wilson, Brandi Carlile, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Megan Moroney, and others.