Lainey Wilson admits she has “big old shoes to fill” as she takes on hosting the CMA Awards solo for the very first time.
By Website Content Manager
With her solo hosting debut, Wilson joins the ranks of CMA legends like Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire.
Lainey Wilson is entering one of the most significant weeks of her career as she prepares to host the CMA Awards solo for the first time, all while heading into the show as one of the evening’s most-nominated artists with six nods this year.
Having watched the CMA Awards since childhood, Wilson knows the night’s significance for country music. Growing up in Baskin, Louisiana, she recalls the awards as a central family tradition.
“We were either watching bull riding or the CMA Awards — missing it was not an option,” Wilson said during a Sunday press conference amid CMA rehearsals. “It was like the Super Bowl at our house. My dad would get off the tractor, and it was our night to gather as a family, see what everyone was wearing, and watch the interactions between artists — who were friends with whom. Those moments are some of my favorite childhood memories.”
Last year, Wilson co-hosted Country Music’s Biggest Night alongside Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning. This year, she’s taking on the role solo, bringing with her insights and lessons learned from her previous co-hosting experience.
Reflecting on her experience co-hosting alongside Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning last year, Lainey Wilson shared the biggest lesson she learned: not to take herself too seriously.
“Honestly, it’s about letting go a little,” she said. “They just went for it — being themselves without overthinking. I thought, ‘this might be stressful; you need to know what you’re doing,’ but seeing them just enjoy it taught me a lot. I know this is a big deal, but I want to have fun while doing it, so I’m going to try to remember that and not take myself too seriously.”
Wilson is making history as only the third woman to host the CMA Awards solo, following country legends Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire — a responsibility she doesn’t take lightly.
“I texted Reba last night asking for one piece of advice for the week,” she recalled. “I expected something simple like ‘be yourself and have fun,’ but she sent me a list instead. It’s a lot to live up to, but I feel incredibly honored.”
In addition to hosting, Wilson will also perform at the show, promising fans a glimpse of her “fiery” side. “You’ll see the sassy, little crazy side of me,” she teased. “It’s going to be fun and full of energy.”
The 59th Annual CMA Awards will also feature performances by BigXThaPlug, Brandi Carlile, Chris Stapleton, Ella Langley, Kelsea Ballerini, Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs, Megan Moroney, Miranda Lambert, Old Dominion, Patty Loveless, Riley Green, Shaboozey, Stephen Wilson Jr., The Red Clay Strays, Tucker Wetmore, and Zach Top.