The 2025 CMA Awards are gearing up to be a star-studded spectacle, with a fresh wave of performing artists recently added to the lineup. Kelsea Ballerini is poised to deliver the inaugural live rendition of her deeply personal new song, while country music titan Chris Stapleton is slated for a solo performance and a highly anticipated duet with Miranda Lambert. This announcement promises an unforgettable night celebrating the best of country music.
CMA Awards Stage Set for Stellar Performances
Nashville, TN - The Country Music Association (CMA) has revealed an exciting roster of new performers for its upcoming 2025 CMA Awards, scheduled to take place on Wednesday, November 19th. Among the most anticipated acts, Grammy-nominated artist Kelsea Ballerini will debut her poignant new song, "I Sit in Parks," live for the very first time. Penned solely by Ballerini, the composition reflects on the profound sacrifices, including personal relationships and the dream of motherhood, she has made in pursuit of her illustrious music career. The track, accompanied by a compelling music video, was released earlier this month.
Adding to the evening's grandeur, multiple Grammy winner Chris Stapleton is confirmed to perform his nominated hit, "Bad As I Used to Be," from the critically acclaimed "F-1: The Movie" soundtrack. Furthermore, Stapleton will rekindle his magical collaboration with Miranda Lambert, reprising their Grammy-nominated duet, "A Song to Sing."
The expanded lineup also features country music legends and rising stars. Newly inducted Country Music Hall of Famer Kenny Chesney is set to grace the stage, alongside fan favorites Riley Green and the Red Clay Strays. Brandi Carlile, known for her powerful vocals and songwriting, is also scheduled to perform. Perennial Vocal Group of the Year winners, Old Dominion, will treat the audience to a medley of their chart-topping hits, including "Break Up With Him" and "Snapback."
A particularly exciting inclusion is Patty Loveless, whose name has been added to the performance list. Loveless, who delivered a show-stopping performance with Chris Stapleton at the 2022 CMA Awards with "You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive," has yet to announce her specific song choice for this year, adding an element of suspense to the event.
These newly announced artists join an already impressive list of performers, including the dynamic Luke Combs, genre-bending artist BigXthaPlug, breakout star Stephen Wilson Jr., and fellow nominees Ella Langley and Megan Moroney. The ceremony will also feature a performance by this year's host, Lainey Wilson.
The 59th Annual CMA Awards will broadcast live from Nashville on Wednesday, November 19th, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, with streaming available the following day on Hulu. With Wilson, Moroney, and Langley each leading the nominations with six nods, the evening promises to be a vibrant celebration of country music talent and achievements.
The announcement of additional performers for the CMA Awards highlights the genre's continued evolution and its ability to blend established legends with emerging talents. Kelsea Ballerini's decision to premiere a song exploring personal sacrifice on such a grand stage demonstrates the growing trend of artists embracing vulnerability and authenticity. Chris Stapleton's presence, both solo and in collaboration, underscores the enduring power of classic country storytelling. This blend of new narratives and timeless artistry suggests a promising future for country music, ensuring its relevance and appeal to a diverse audience while maintaining its rich heritage. It reminds us that behind every celebrated career are untold stories of dedication and personal growth.