Lainey Wilson is stepping into some legendary boots this week — and she made sure to call in backup from one of country music’s most trusted voices.
The “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” singer will become the first woman to host the CMA Awards solo since Reba McEntire in 1991.
And naturally, she reached out to the five-time host herself for a little advice.
‘She Sent Me a List!’
During a press conference ahead of the 59th Annual CMA Awards, Wilson revealed she asked McEntire for a single piece of guidance before hosting the show.
Read More: 2025 CMA Awards: Everything You Need to Know
“I texted Reba last night and I said, ‘If you had one piece of advice to give me going into this week, what would it be?’” she recalled.
Her expectation? A quick, easy reply — something like “Just be yourself.”
“She sent me a list,” Wilson laughed. “I was like, ‘Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. One piece of advice!’”
Though she didn’t reveal what was on the list, Wilson said she was grateful for the support — and well aware of the history she’s stepping into.
“It’s some really big shoes to fill,” she said. “And I just am so honored.”
Making CMA History
Wilson is now just the third woman ever to host the CMA Awards solo — joining McEntire and Dolly Parton, who did it back in 1988.
She co-hosted the show in 2024 alongside Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, but this year marks her first time leading the night solo.
Read More: Ella Langley Promises You’ll Feel ‘Choosin’ Texas’ at the CMA Awards
“I grew up watching the CMA Awards like it was the Super Bowl,” Wilson said. “To be hosting for a second year is a true honor.”
She’s also nominated in six categories, including Entertainer of the Year and Album of the Year (Whirlwind).
Who’s Performing at the 2025 CMA Awards?
Confirmed performers this year include:
- Kelsea Ballerini
- Miranda Lambert
- Chris Stapleton
- Old Dominion
- Kenny Chesney
- Brandi Carlile
- Riley Green
- Patty Loveless
- The Red Clay Strays
- BigXthaPlug
- Megan Moroney
- Shaboozey
- Lainey Wilson
- … and more!
How to Watch the CMA Awards
The 59th Annual CMA Awards will air live on ABC from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 8PM ET / 7PM CT.
Can’t catch it live? It’ll also be available to stream on Hulu the next day.
Lainey Wilson’s best songs are the ones that show exactly who she is: A sharp songwriter with a stubborn streak, a tender heart and a flair for ’70s rock and roll.
Some of that might seem like a contradiction, but it’s always made perfect sense to Wilson, who debuted on the country scene with a never-ending closet full of bell-bottoms and an unapologetically thick Louisiana drawl. Even if you flip back to some of her earliest releases, this singer-songwriter has always known who she is, and been laser-focused on her country music goals.
That self-confidence and willingness to work hard has paid off for Wilson, who has climbed the country music ladder by leaps and bounds since she released her breakout hit, “Things a Man Oughta Know,” in 2021. Keep reading for a look at Wilson’s catalogue, and our roundup of the 20 best country songs she has released to date.
Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak