The Reigning Queens And Record-Breakers: Who Hosted The Country Music Awards In 2024 And Who Is Taking The Stage In 2025?
The landscape of country music awards show hosts is undergoing a fascinating transition in 2025, blending legendary star power with the genre's newest, brightest icons. As of this current date, December 25, 2025, the biggest news revolves around two powerhouse women: Reba McEntire, who continues her record-breaking legacy at the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, and Lainey Wilson, who is stepping into a historic solo role for the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards. This shift signals a new era for country music's most prestigious nights, moving from co-hosting duos to singular, commanding voices.
The role of a country music awards host is more than just reading teleprompters; it’s about setting the tone, delivering comedic timing, and embodying the spirit of Nashville and the wider country community. The recent hosts—spanning from the 2024 trio of Luke Bryan, Peyton Manning, and Lainey Wilson to the enduring presence of Reba—have all brought a unique flair to the stage, ensuring the ceremonies remain must-watch television events for millions of fans.
A Deep Dive into the 2024 and 2025 Country Music Awards Hosts
The annual cycle of major country music awards—the CMA Awards, the ACM Awards, and the CMT Music Awards—saw a mix of familiar faces and exciting new dynamics across 2024 and 2025. The host selection is a critical decision that dictates the energy and viewership of the show, and the recent picks reflect the genre's current trajectory.
The 59th Annual CMA Awards (2025): Lainey Wilson’s Historic Solo Turn
The biggest story coming into late 2025 is the elevation of reigning Entertainer of the Year, Lainey Wilson, to the role of solo host for "The 59th Annual CMA Awards." This is a significant moment, as Wilson follows up her co-hosting debut from the previous year. Stepping onto the stage at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, she is carrying the weight of high expectations.
- 2025 CMA Host: Lainey Wilson (Solo)
- Significance: Wilson is only the third woman in CMA Awards history to host the show solo, a powerful symbol of her dominance in the genre.
- The Transition: Her solo gig follows a successful co-hosting stint in 2024, where she proved she has the stage presence and comedic chops for the job. She has acknowledged that she has "big old shoes to fill," but her authentic, bell-bottom-flair personality is set to deliver an unforgettable opening.
Wilson’s move to solo host is a clear indication of her status as the new "Queen of Country." Her ability to blend traditional country sounds with modern appeal makes her a perfect choice to lead the industry's biggest night.
The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards (2025): Reba McEntire’s Unstoppable Record
When it comes to hosting the ACM Awards, there is one name that is synonymous with the show: Reba McEntire. The entertainment icon returned to host the 60th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards in May 2025, a show held at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.
- 2025 ACM Host: Reba McEntire
- The Record: This appearance marked her record 18th time hosting the ACM Awards, solidifying her as the most frequent host in the show’s history.
- Reba's Legacy: McEntire's tenure has spanned decades, with her first hosting gig taking place in 1986. Her consistent return is a testament to her enduring popularity, sharp wit, and ability to make the show feel like a "big old family reunion."
The "Queen of Country" brings a level of comfort and professionalism that few can match. Her hosting run is a cornerstone of the ACM Awards, much like the legendary runs of Vince Gill and the duo of Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood were for the CMA Awards.
Recapping the 2024 CMA Awards: The Trio That Stole the Show
The 58th Annual CMA Awards in 2024 featured a dynamic and unexpected trio of hosts: Luke Bryan, Peyton Manning, and Lainey Wilson. This combination of a veteran country superstar, an NFL legend, and a rising genre powerhouse proved to be a ratings success, thanks to their lighthearted banter and undeniable chemistry.
- Luke Bryan: A veteran host, Bryan returned for his fifth time, providing the necessary country music gravitas and easygoing humor.
- Peyton Manning: The Super Bowl champion brought his signature comedic timing and self-deprecating humor, playing the role of the enthusiastic, slightly out-of-place outsider who genuinely loves country music.
- Lainey Wilson: Her inclusion in the trio was a perfect stepping stone, allowing her to showcase her personality on a massive stage before taking on the solo role in 2025. Her "bell bottom flair" and down-to-earth Louisiana charm added a fresh energy.
Their co-hosting style was characterized by "crazy shenanigans" and playful jabs, successfully keeping the audience engaged and proving that a mix of music and sports celebrity can be a winning formula for the show's opening monologue and transitions.
The State of Other Major Country Music Award Shows
While the CMA and ACM Awards are moving forward with strong hosting lineups, the calendar for other major shows has seen a significant change. This highlights the fluidity and business aspects of music industry events.
The CMT Music Awards Pause
In a piece of news that surprised many in the industry, the CMT Music Awards will not be taking place in 2025. The parent company made the decision to pause the show, along with others, for the year. This means the vibrant, fan-voted awards show that often celebrates the genre's more contemporary and boundary-pushing artists will be notably absent from the 2025 awards season.
The CMT Awards, which often took place earlier in the year, have historically featured a diverse range of hosts, from established stars like Toby Keith and Kristen Bell to more recent hosts like Kelsea Ballerini. The pause leaves a gap in the awards calendar, putting even more focus on the CMA and ACM ceremonies to capture the genre’s momentum.
A Look Back at Legendary Hosting Runs
Understanding the current hosts requires a look back at the giants who defined the role. These long-term hosts established the gold standard for awards show entertainment:
- Vince Gill (CMA Awards): Gill holds the record for the longest consecutive hosting run, emceeing the CMA Awards from 1992 to 2003. His smooth, gracious style set a high bar for professionalism.
- Brad Paisley & Carrie Underwood (CMA Awards): This iconic duo holds the record for the longest co-hosting run, sharing the duties for 11 consecutive years (2008–2018). Their hilarious skits and impeccable timing became a beloved staple of the CMAs.
- Johnny Cash: An early, legendary host, Cash hosted the CMA Awards five times between 1973 and 1978, bringing a foundational level of star power to the show.
The hosts of the country music awards are not merely presenters; they are curators of the genre's history and its future. With Reba McEntire continuing her legendary run and Lainey Wilson stepping into a powerful solo role, the 2025 awards season promises to be a celebratory showcase of both country music’s enduring tradition and its exciting evolution.
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