The 2025 CMA Awards: Country Music’s Biggest Night Comes to UK Screens
Every November, Nashville rolls out the red carpet for one of the most anticipated events in country music: the CMA Awards. Established in 1967 by the Country Music Association (CMA), the awards celebrate the very best in country music — from chart-topping artists and powerful songwriters to groundbreaking albums and unforgettable collaborations. Often dubbed “Country Music’s Biggest Night,” the CMAs not only honour artistic achievement but also showcase how the genre continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.
Over nearly six decades, the CMA Awards have become a global cultural touchpoint. For UK fans, the ceremony offers a front-row seat to the heart of Nashville’s creative energy — a chance to witness the performances, collaborations, and emotional wins that define where country music is headed next.
This year, the 59th Annual CMA Awards take place on Wednesday 19 November 2025, broadcasting live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.
Why the CMA Awards Matter for UK Country Fans
You might think the CMAs are all about Nashville glitz and American stars — but they actually mean a lot to fans here in the UK too. This is the night where the biggest names in country music come together, and the artists we’ll be seeing at C2C or The Long Road next year often make their mark right here first.
Watching the CMAs gives UK fans a real sense of what’s hot in Nashville — the songs everyone’s talking about, the new artists to keep an eye on, and the big moments that have country fans buzzing all over the world. It’s a reminder that even though we’re thousands of miles from Tennessee, the country scene here is totally connected to what’s happening over there.
And honestly? It’s just great fun. The performances are epic, the speeches are emotional, and there’s always a surprise or two. Whether you’re watching live with a cup of coffee at 2 a.m. or catching the BBC replay later, it’s the best way to feel part of the global country family — boots, heart, twang and all.
How to Watch in the UK
Mark your calendars, country fans — you won’t want to miss this one:
- LIVE on BBC iPlayer – 20 November at 2:00 AM GMT (streaming live alongside the US broadcast).
- BBC Four broadcast – 28 November at 10:05 PM GMT, perfect for a more comfortable watch-time.
Expect powerhouse solo sets from the likes of Luke Combs, Megan Moroney and Ella Langley — all of whom are racking up nominations this year. Plus, there are some extra-treats in store with special collaborations: rapper-turned-country collaborator BigXthaPlug will take the stage with Luke Combs for a live version of “Pray Hard,” and UK-friendly newcomer Shaboozey will team up with Stephen Wilson Jr. for “Took a Walk.” It’s a mix of chart-heavy names, rising stars and a little bit of genre-blending fun — so UK fans watching live or catching up on the BBC will definitely have plenty to talk about afterwards.
Major Category Nominees – 2025 CMA Awards
Entertainer of the Year
- Luke Combs
- Cody Johnson
- Chris Stapleton
- Morgan Wallen
- Lainey Wilson
Female Vocalist of the Year
- Kelsea Ballerini
- Miranda Lambert
- Ella Langley
- Megan Moroney
- Lainey Wilson
Male Vocalist of the Year
- Luke Combs
- Cody Johnson
- Chris Stapleton
- Zach Top
- Morgan Wallen
Vocal Group of the Year
- Lady A
- Little Big Town
- Old Dominion
- Rascal Flatts
- The Red Clay Strays
Vocal Duo of the Year
- Brooks & Dunn
- Brothers Osborne
- Dan + Shay
- Maddie & Tae
- The War and Treaty
New Artist of the Year
- Ella Langley
- Shaboozey
- Zach Top
- Tucker Wetmore
- Stephen Wilson Jr.
Single of the Year
- “4X4XU” – Lainey Wilson
- “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma” – Luke Combs
- “Am I Okay?” – Megan Moroney
- “I Never Lie” – Zach Top
- “you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green
Album of the Year
- Am I Okay? – Megan Moroney
- Cold Beer & Country Music – Zach Top
- F-1 Trillion – Post Malone
- I’m the Problem – Morgan Wallen
- Whirlwind – Lainey Wilson
Song of the Year
- “4X4XU” (Jon Decious, Aaron Raitiere, Lainey Wilson)
- “Am I Okay?” (Jessie Jo Dillon, Luke Laird, Megan Moroney)
- “I Never Lie” (Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols, Zach Top)
- “Texas” (Johnny Clawson, Josh Dorr, Lalo Guzman, Kyle Sturrock)
- “you look like you love me” (Riley Green, Ella Langley, Aaron Raitiere)
Musical Event of the Year
- “Don’t Mind If I Do” – Riley Green feat. Ella Langley
- “Hard Fought Hallelujah” – Brandon Lake with Jelly Roll
- “I’m Gonna Love You” – Cody Johnson with Carrie Underwood
- “Pour Me a Drink” – Post Malone feat. Blake Shelton
- “You Had To Be There” – Megan Moroney feat. Kenny Chesney
Music Video of the Year
- “Am I Okay?” – Megan Moroney
- “I’m Gonna Love You” – Cody Johnson & Carrie Underwood
- “Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
- “Think I’m in Love With You” – Chris Stapleton
- “you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green
What to Watch For
This year’s CMA race highlights the genre’s exciting balance between tradition and innovation. Artists like Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, and Ella Langley each scored multiple nominations — proving that powerful storytelling and bold new voices are leading the charge. Meanwhile, Post Malone’s surprise nominations show just how far country’s influence has stretched beyond its classic borders.
For UK audiences, this mix of seasoned hit-makers and rising stars makes for compelling viewing — and plenty of inspiration for next year’s festival wish lists.
Final Thoughts
From the honky-tonks of Nashville to living rooms across the UK, the 2025 CMA Awards are a celebration of the music that connects us all. Whether you’re tuning in live on BBC iPlayer or catching the highlights on BBC Four, it’s a night no country-music fan should miss.
Stay tuned to CountryMusic.co.uk for full coverage, performance highlights, and our post-show round-up of what the winners mean for the UK country scene.
