CMA Awards’ Performance Lineup Adds Kenny Chesney, Brandi Carlile, Miranda Lambert, Red Clay Strays and More

In a significant update for the 59th Annual CMA Awards, the Country Music Association unveiled nine additional performers this Thursday. The newly confirmed lineup includes Kelsea Ballerini, Brandi Carlile, Kenny Chesney, Riley Green, Miranda Lambert, Patty Loveless, Old Dominion, the Red Clay Strays, and Chris Stapleton, all set to appear during the live broadcast next Wednesday. Departing from the usual secrecy around award show performances, the CMA and its broadcast partner ABC disclosed most of the songs, though the selections for Carlile, Chesney, and Loveless remain unannounced.

Several artists will showcase recent or signature material. Kelsea Ballerini, nominated for female vocalist of the year, will debut a new track titled "I Sit in Parks," while four-time nominee Riley Green will perform his hit "Worst Way." Old Dominion, competing for vocal group of the year, will deliver a five-song medley including "Break Up With Him," "Memory Lane," "One Man Band," "Hotel Key," and "Snapback." The Red Clay Strays, also nominated in the vocal group category, will present "People Hatin'," and Chris Stapleton is scheduled for a busy night—performing "Bad as I Used to Be" from the "F1: The Movie" soundtrack and joining Miranda Lambert for their recent duet "A Song to Sing."

The undisclosed performances by Carlile, Chesney, and Loveless have fueled industry speculation, with some insiders suggesting Carlile or the esteemed Patty Loveless may be part of a multi-artist tribute. This year’s ceremony will honor Vince Gill, the recent recipient of the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes artists who have profoundly influenced country music. Brandi Carlile, though widely regarded as an Americana artist, maintains deep ties to Nashville and recently released the album "Returning to Myself," making her a fitting participant. Kenny Chesney, who was just inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, is currently promoting his memoir "Heart Life Music" on a book tour, and his CMA appearance will serve as an official celebration of that honor. As one music historian noted, "Chesney’s Hall of Fame induction cements his status as a defining voice of modern country, and his performance is bound to be a highlight."

These additions join a previously announced roster that includes host Lainey Wilson, Ella Langley, and Megan Moroney—each tied for the most nominations this year with six. Also confirmed to perform are BigXThaPlug, Luke Combs, Shaboozey, Zach Top, Tucker Wetmore, and Stephen Wilson Jr. The ceremony will be broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, a 20,000-seat venue that has been the event’s home since 2006. The CMA Awards will air on November 19 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, with streaming available on Hulu starting the next day. The list of presenters has not yet been released.