Lainey Wilson Leads the 2025 CMA Awards as Solo Host
Country music’s brightest stars came together in Nashville for this year’s CMA Awards — and Lainey Wilson was right at the center of it all. Not only did she host the entire show, but she also delivered one of the night’s standout performances with her hit song “Ring Finger.” The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, considering Lainey recently got engaged herself.
Hosting the ceremony alone placed her in rare company. She’s now only the third woman in CMA history to serve as a solo host — following legends Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire.
Reflecting on the honor, Lainey previously shared:
“I grew up watching the CMA Awards like it was the Super Bowl. Being invited back to host for a second year is truly humbling. I’m grateful CMA trusted me, and I can’t wait to show love to the genre that’s given me so much.”
Lainey entered the night with six nominations, including the top honor: Entertainer of the Year.
Lainey Wilson Shines With a Dazzling Performance of “Ring Finger”
The first round of CMA performers was announced on November 6, confirming that Lainey — along with fellow Female Vocalist nominees Ella Langley and Megan Moroney — would take the stage.
Cody Johnson introduced Lainey before she stepped out in a signature show-stopping outfit. Her look blended sparkle, southern flair, and her trademark retro style, complete with lace-detailed bell bottoms.
She launched into “Ring Finger” with powerful vocals, high-energy choreography, and an electrifying stage presence that had the crowd on its feet.
And right there in the audience, proudly cheering her on, was her fiancé Duck Hodges — smiling through the entire performance.
A Milestone Year for the Louisiana Trailblazer
Lainey Wilson’s momentum in country music shows no signs of slowing. Her album Whirlwind brought home the 2025 ACM Award for Album of the Year, and her smash hit “Heart Like a Truck” earned Country Song of the Year at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards.
With major wins, a major hosting role, and a major new performance, 2025 is shaping up to be one of Lainey’s most defining years yet.