The 2025 CMA Awards nominees have officially been revealed, and this year’s list is filled with record-breaking potential. From rising stars like Zach Top to powerhouse veterans such as Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, and Chris Stapleton, the upcoming CMA Awards on November 19th promise to be unforgettable.
This year’s ceremony could become one of the most historic nights in country music history.
This year marks a major shift, with female artists dominating the nominations. Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, and Lainey Wilson each earned six nominations, leading the field. Rising sensation Zach Top followed closely with five nods, while Riley Green and Cody Johnson received four apiece.
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It’s shaping up to be one of the most competitive and potentially historic nights in the history of the CMA Awards.
Why the 2025 CMA Awards Could Be Historic
After unveiling this year’s list, the Country Music Association released a detailed fact sheet highlighting the artists who could set new records or achieve rare milestones at the show. From Lainey Wilson’s possible climb to the top of CMA history to Chris Stapleton’s shot at becoming the most awarded artist ever, here’s a breakdown of who could make headlines on country music’s biggest night.
Lainey Wilson Among 2025 CMA Awards Nominees
Lainey Wilson has already proven she’s one of the brightest stars in modern country music. The 2025 CMA Awards could further solidify her status as a living legend.
If she wins Entertainer of the Year, Wilson will join Barbara Mandrell and Taylor Swift as the only female artists to win the title twice.
A victory for Female Vocalist of the Year would give her four consecutive wins. This would tie the legendary streaks of Reba McEntire and Miranda Lambert.
If Wilson sweeps all six of her categories, her career total will jump to 15 CMA wins. This would allow her to surpass Lambert’s record of 14 and become the most awarded female artist in CMA history.
Such an achievement would also place Wilson at sixth on the all-time winners list. She would sit just behind country icon Alan Jackson, who holds 16 career CMA trophies.
Chris Stapleton’s Path in the 2025 CMA Awards Nominees List
Chris Stapleton is no stranger to the CMA stage — but 2025 could be the year he becomes its all-time king.
He’s currently tied with Brooks & Dunn at 19 wins each, and if he wins any of his three nominations this year, he could become the sole record holder with 20 or more wins.
Stapleton could also extend his dominance in the Male Vocalist of the Year category. If he wins, it would be his ninth overall and fifth consecutive victory, tying the record held by Blake Shelton and Vince Gill for most consecutive wins.
Surprisingly, Stapleton has never won Entertainer of the Year, so a victory in that category would mark a brand-new milestone in his career.
Old Dominion’s Streak as 2025 CMA Awards Nominees
While Old Dominion only received one nomination this year, it’s a big one — Vocal Group of the Year.
The band has already won the category seven years in a row, setting the record for the longest winning streak.
If they win again in 2025, they’ll push their record to eight consecutive wins, making it even harder for future groups to catch them.
This streak has cemented Old Dominion as one of the most consistently successful groups in modern country music.
Brooks & Dunn Aim for Records as 2025 CMA Awards Nominees
Brooks & Dunn remain one of the most iconic duos in country music history. This year, they have another chance to rewrite the record books.
They are currently tied with Chris Stapleton at 19 career CMA wins. If they win Vocal Duo of the Year while Stapleton wins nothing, they will become the most awarded act in CMA history with 20 wins.
They already hold the record for the most wins in the Vocal Duo category with 14. Another victory would raise their total in this category to an astounding 15 wins.
Kenny Chesney Could Set a New Musical Event Record
Kenny Chesney may only have one nomination this year, but it could be a record-breaker.
He’s up for Musical Event of the Year for his duet with Megan Moroney, “You Had to Be There.”
If they win, Chesney will become the winningest artist ever in this category, breaking his current four-way tie with Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, and Vince Gill.
It would also be his first CMA victory since 2017, marking a strong return to the spotlight.
Blake Shelton Could Return to the CMA Winners’ Circle
Blake Shelton is back in the CMA race after a six-year gap.
He’s nominated for Musical Event of the Year with Post Malone for their collaboration “Pour Me a Drink.”
A win would give Shelton 11 career CMAs, tying him with Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw on the all-time leaderboard.
This could mark a major comeback moment for one of country music’s most recognizable stars.
Cody Johnson Could Earn His First Entertainer of the Year Title
Cody Johnson is steadily becoming a powerhouse in the genre, and this year could be his biggest yet.
He’s nominated in four categories, including his first-ever nod for Entertainer of the Year.
A win in the night’s top category would mark a defining career milestone for the rising star.
When and Where to Watch the 2025 CMA Awards
The 2025 CMA Awards ceremony will air live on ABC on Wednesday, November 19th at 8/7c from Nashville, Tennessee.
The show will also be available to stream the following day on Hulu, so fans who miss the live broadcast can still watch all of the performances, speeches, and historic wins.
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A Historic Night Awaits Country Music Fans
With multiple artists on the brink of breaking all-time CMA records, the 2025 CMA Awards could become one of the most unforgettable nights in country music history.
Lainey Wilson has a shot at becoming the most-awarded woman in CMA history. Chris Stapleton is aiming to surpass Brooks & Dunn. The stage is set for an evening filled with milestones, surprises, and unforgettable performances.
