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Lainey Wilson<\/a> is stepping into some legendary boots this week \u2014 and she made sure to call in backup from one of country music\u2019s most trusted voices.<\/p>\n The \u201cWildflowers and Wild Horses\u201d singer will become the first woman to host the CMA Awards solo since Reba McEntire<\/a> in 1991.<\/p>\n And naturally, she reached out to the five-time host herself for a little advice.<\/p>\n During a press conference ahead of the 59th Annual CMA Awards<\/a><\/em>, Wilson revealed she asked McEntire for a single piece of guidance before hosting the show.<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>2025 CMA Awards: Everything You Need to Know<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cI texted Reba last night and I said, \u2018If you had one piece of advice to give me going into this week, what would it be?\u2019\u201d she recalled.<\/p>\n Her expectation? A quick, easy reply \u2014 something like \u201cJust be yourself.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cShe sent me a list,\u201d Wilson laughed. \u201cI was like, \u2018Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. One piece of advice!\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n Though she didn\u2019t reveal what was on the list, Wilson said she was grateful for the support<\/a> \u2014 and well aware of the history she’s stepping into.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s some really big shoes to fill,\u201d she said. \u201cAnd I just am so honored.\u201d<\/p>\n Wilson is now just the third woman ever to host the CMA Awards solo \u2014 joining McEntire and Dolly Parton<\/a>, who did it back in 1988.<\/p>\n She co-hosted the show in 2024 alongside Luke Bryan<\/a> and Peyton Manning, but this year marks her first time leading the night solo.<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>Ella Langley Promises You\u2019ll Feel ‘Choosin\u2019 Texas’ at the CMA Awards<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cI grew up watching the CMA Awards like it was the Super Bowl,\u201d Wilson said. \u201cTo be hosting for a second year is a true honor.\u201d<\/p>\n She\u2019s also nominated in six categories, including Entertainer of the Year<\/a> and Album of the Year (Whirlwind<\/em>).<\/p>\n Confirmed performers<\/a> this year include:<\/p>\n The 59th Annual CMA Awards<\/em> will air live on ABC from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville<\/a> on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 8PM ET \/ 7PM CT.<\/p>\n Can\u2019t catch it live? It\u2019ll also be available to stream on Hulu the next day.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n‘She Sent Me a List!’<\/h3>\n
Making CMA History<\/h3>\n
Who\u2019s Performing at the 2025 CMA Awards?<\/h3>\n
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How to Watch the CMA Awards<\/h3>\n
The 20 Best Lainey Wilson Songs<\/h2>\n