The biggest night in country music is finally here! Follow along for live updates from the 59th annual Country Music Association Awards live in Nashville.

Lainey Wilson was named Entertainer of the Year during the 2025 CMA Awards at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 19, winning over Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton and Morgan Wallen .

In addition to Wilson and Urban, performances for the first half of this year's show included Zach Top, who performed his hit song "Guitar"; Megan Moroney, who performed her song "6 Months Later"; and Stapleton, who performed his song "Bad As I Used To Be" from the film, "F1."

After Kenny Chesney performed his 2004 hit "When the Sun Goes Down," a screen on the back of the stage honored Brett James, the hitmaker behind the song.

The 59th Annual Country Music Association Awards, hosted by Lainey Wilson, aired live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. PEOPLE has the highlights you need to see.

Several big names at the CMA Awards — including LeAnn Rimes, Kelsea Ballerini and Mickey Guyton — stepped out in looks that sparked debate on the red carpet

For the first time, Variety’s Interview Lounge heads to Nashville for an inaugural installment leading up to the CMA Awards on Nov. 17 and 18. The lounge, presented by Duke Cannon, will feature interviews with this year’s nominees and leading country artists.

The 59th Annual CMA Awards will air live from Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 19 on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu. The Country Music Association announced more presenters and performers on Monday,