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There’s less than an hour until country music’s biggest night kicks off. We’ve compiled all the details on the evening, including how to watch the CMA Awards 2025, top nominees, and a few of the featured performers expected to grace the stage tonight.
Lainey Wilson returns to host the 59th CMA Awards after co-hosting the ceremony last year alongside Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning. The CMA Awards, which take place at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, celebrate country music’s biggest stars. Some of the most notable nominees this year include Luke Combs, Kelsea Ballerini, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen, Lady A, Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, and Wilson, among others.
Even if your favorite country music performer wasn’t nominated this year, there’s a chance you might still be able to see them present or perform. Brandi Carlile, Kenny Chesney, and Keith Urban are among the announced performers. The CMA Awards also announced special collaborations by BigXthaPlug featuring Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton, and Shaboozey and Stephen Wilson Jr.
Whether you tune in every year or you’re a recent country music convert, we’ve got you covered when it comes to watching the 2025 CMA Awards. Keep reading to learn some of the best ways to live stream the ceremony.
*Local channels, like ABC, are only available in select markets on Sling.
How to watch the CMA Awards in the US
The CMA Awards will air on ABC in the United States. The CMAs are scheduled to begin on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET, and the program is blocked out in the TV guide until 11 p.m. If you don’t have access to ABC via cable or antenna, it might be time to try a month-to-month live TV streaming service. DirecTV, Fubo, and Sling are three of our favorite options.
DirecTV ranks as the top cable alternative in our guide to the best live TV streaming services. ABC is available in multiple plans, including all signature options. These plans start at $90 a month for the Entertainment tier (which carries 90+ channels and offers ESPN Unlimited access), but you can get your first month for just $50. If you’re looking for something cheaper, DirecTV’s MyNews genre pack might be of interest. The package offers 10+ popular news channels, including local ABC stations, for $40 a month. Just keep in mind that there might be some regional variability on local channels, so it’s best to see what’s available in your ZIP code before signing up. DirecTV comes with a five-day free trial for new customers.
Another popular live TV streaming service is Fubo, a sports-centric option with broad ABC access. The cheapest ABC-friendly plan is Fubo Sports + News, which costs $56 a month and carries around 29 popular news and sports channels. At $85 a month, Fubo’s Pro plan carries ABC and over 200 other live channels, making it a good option if you’re looking for a more comprehensive cable alternative. Sports + News, Pro, and Elite all unlock access to ESPN Unlimited. New users can get a five-day free trial, and all plans have introductory month discounts.
Sling TV also offers ABC access in its lineup, but local channels vary by region, so you should double-check what’s available in your area before subscribing. Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, and San Francisco are among some of the markets that get access to ABC on Sling. Local channels (when available) are included in Sling’s Select plan (around 10 channels, $20-$25 a month) and Sling’s Blue plan (40+ channels, $46-$51 a month).
How to watch the CMA Awards from anywhere
Fans traveling out of the country can still keep up with their usual watch options with the help of a VPN. VPNs, or virtual private networks, are easy-to-use apps that enable people to change their virtual locations. They’re also instant ways to boost online privacy and security, even while just at home. Since the services we’ve recommended above require US methods of payment, this option will work best for Americans who are simply traveling abroad at the moment.
NordVPN is our go-to recommendation. It’s a beginner-friendly option with a massive selection of servers and cybersecurity perks. Plus, it has a handy 30-day money-back guarantee if you find that it’s not what you’re looking for. You can learn more about the service in our official NordVPN review.
Who is presenting at the 2025 CMA Awards?
Notable presenters and special guests include Jessica Capshaw, Billy Ray Cyrus, Lady A, Steve Martin, NE-YO, Chris O’Donnell, LeAnn Rimes, Alan Ritchson, Billy Bob Thornton, Grace Van Patten, Gretchen Wilson, and Bailey Zimmerman, among others.
Who is nominated for Entertainer of the Year and other top categories?
The nominees for 2025 Entertainer of the Year are Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen, and Lainey Wilson. The Female Vocalist of the Year nominees are Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, and Lainey Wilson. Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Zach Top, and Morgan Wallen are the Male Vocalist of the Year nominees. Album of the Year nominees include Megan Moroney’s “Am I Okay?,” Zach Top’s “Cold Beer & Country Music,” Post Malone’s “F-1 Trillion,” Morgan Wallen’s “I’m The Problem,” and Lainey Wilson’s “Whirlwind.”
Note: The use of VPNs is illegal in certain countries, and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content might constitute a breach of the terms of use for certain services. Business Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.