The Road to Nashville: Your All-Access Guide to the CMA Awards Countdown Week
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
With Country Music’s Biggest Night™ fast approaching, the Country Music Association (CMA) and ABC are rolling out the red carpet far in advance, offering fans a full slate of special programming leading up to the “The 59th Annual CMA Awards” on Wednesday, November 19. From in-depth celebrity interviews to a primetime special celebrating the genre’s history, the five-day countdown promises an unprecedented look behind the curtain of Music City.
The main event, hosted by CMA Award nominee Lainey Wilson, airs live Wednesday, Nov. 19 (8:00–11:00 PM/ET) on ABC and streams the next day on Hulu. Here is your chronological breakdown of the must-watch lead-up programming.
Weekend Warm-Up: Counting Down on the Carpet
The all-access journey begins on Saturday, Nov. 15, and Sunday, Nov. 16, with “ON THE RED CARPET: CMA AWARDS PREVIEW.” Hosted by On The Red Carpet’s George Pennacchio, this 30-minute special offers exclusive, intimate interviews with some of country music’s biggest names and rising stars.
Viewers can expect to hear from industry heavyweights like Kenny Chesney and Lady A, get insight from the new generation, including Tucker Wetmore, and catch up with music icon LeAnn Rimes and beloved group Little Big Town. Plus, fans will get a sneak peek at the night’s proceedings from this year’s host, Lainey Wilson.
Late Night and Primetime: Setting the Stage
Jimmy Kimmel Live! Takes Over Hollywood
As the week ramps up, late-night television gets a dose of Nashville twang. On Monday, Nov. 17, Eric Church delivers a powerful performance, ensuring the start of the week is high-energy. The following night, Tuesday, Nov. 18, CMA Award nominee and performer Stephen Wilson Jr. steps into the spotlight at 11:35 PM/EST.
CENTER STAGE: COUNTDOWN TO THE CMA AWARDS
The crown jewel of the lead-up coverage airs Tuesday, Nov. 18 (10:07-11:00 P.M. EST), with the primetime special, “CENTER STAGE: COUNTDOWN TO THE CMA AWARDS — SPECIAL EDITION OF 20/20.” Chart-topper Luke Bryan hosts this one-hour special, taking viewers on a geographic and emotional tour of Nashville’s most legendary spaces, from the bright lights of Broadway to the sacred Grand Ole Opry.
Highlights of the special include:
- Kenny Chesney returns to Lower Broadway, revisiting the very venues where he played as a young, aspiring artist, and discusses his new book, “Heart Life Music.”
- Stars like Lauren Alaina, Gabby Barrett, Dan+Shay, and Russell Dickerson gather to honor the 100th anniversary of The Grand Ole Opry, a monument to country music tradition.
- A dedicated look at this year’s CMA Award-nominated Musical Event of the Year collaborations, featuring powerhouse pairings like Blake Shelton with Post Malone and Carrie Underwood with Cody Johnson, as well as Ella Langley with Riley Green.
- Additional appearances from current chart favorites, including Jelly Roll, Megan Moroney, Ashley McBryde, and Keith Urban.
This special promises to be a deep dive into the culture and history that feeds Country Music’s Biggest Night.
The Main Event and Beyond: Day-of Coverage and Recap
Good Morning America Reveals and Red Carpet Live
The excitement culminates on Wednesday, Nov. 19, the day of the awards. “Good Morning America” kicks off the morning (7:00-9:00 A.M. Local) with Lara Spencer, offering an exclusive early reveal of the winners for Musical Event of the Year and Music Video of the Year. Fans can also catch a special behind-the-scenes look at the preparations for the show with host Lainey Wilson.
Later that afternoon, the cameras go live outside Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena for “ON THE RED CARPET LIVE AT THE CMA AWARDS” (5:00-8:00 PM/EST). This three-hour live stream, available on Hulu and OnTheRedCarpet.com, features reporters Joelle Gargiulo, Ryan Chiaverini, and fashion expert Roshumba Williams, capturing star arrivals, fashion highlights, and last-minute nominee interviews. The coverage will also be simulcast across ABC affiliates.
The Post-Show Wrap-Up
Finally, the day after the show, Thursday, Nov. 20 (7:00-9:00 A.M. Local), Lara Spencer returns to Good Morning America to provide a comprehensive recap, highlighting the biggest moments and all the CMA Award winners from the night before.
The expansive programming slate ensures fans won’t miss a single moment of the excitement leading up to, and following, the 59th Annual CMA Awards.