Lainey Wilson will step into the spotlight as the host of the 59th Annual CMA Awards this week. She becomes the first woman to host solo since Reba McEntire did it in 1991.
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"I grew up watching the CMA Awards like it was the Super Bowl, so to be hosting for a second year is a true honor," she said. "I'm humbled that CMA has trusted me with this role, and I can't wait to love on this genre that has given me so much."
The "Somewhere Over Laredo" singer hosted last year with Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning. But the six-time nominee is not taking her duties lightly. She reached out to McEntire for some advice and got a lot more than she asked for.
Reba McEntire Gave Lainey Wilson A List
Wilson is only the third woman to host the CMA Awards solo. McEntire hosted 34 years ago, and Dolly Parton did it back in 1988.
Given the icons who have come before her, Wilson decided to reach out to McEntire for advice. She shared what happened in a press conference yesterday.
"I texted Reba last night and I said, 'If you had one piece of advice to give me going into this week, what would it be?'" said Wilson.
"And I thought she was just gonna say something like, 'Just be yourself and have fun,'" she continued. "She sent me a list. I was like, 'Whoa, woah, woah, woah, woah. One piece of advice!' But it's like I said, it's some really big shoes to fill and I just am so honored..."
There Are Also Some Big Names Performing at the CMA Awards This Year
You can watch Wilson host the 59th Annual CMA Awards on Nov. 19 at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. The event will be broadcast live on ABC at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. It will also be available for streaming the next day on Hulu.
On Thursday, Kelsea Ballerini, Kenny Chesney, Brandi Carlile, Riley Green, Miranda Lambert, Patty Loveless, Old Dominion, The Red Clay Strays, and Chris Stapleton were announced as performers.
Previously announced performers include BigXthaPlug, Luke Combs, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Shaboozey, Zach Top, Tucker Wetmore, Lainey Wilson, and Stephen Wilson Jr.
