Country music’s biggest night is almost here! The 59th Annual CMA Awards will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, starting at 8:00 PM ET on ABC. This year’s ceremony is already making history, with top-nominated superstar Lainey Wilson taking on the solo hosting duties while also competing for the coveted Entertainer of the Year award against giants like Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen.
For fans determined to catch every high-energy performance and emotional acceptance speech, the biggest question is: How to watch the CMA Awards live without cable? This guide cuts the cord for you, detailing every option, from free trials on top US streaming services to simple VPN solutions that let international viewers stream the event from anywhere in the world. Get ready for music’s most exciting night!
2025 CMA Awards Live Streaming Viewing Information
| Event Detail | Information |
| Date | Wednesday, November 19, 2025 |
| Location | Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN |
| Live Show Time (ET) | 8:00 PM ET (Eastern Time) |
| Live Show Time (CT) | 7:00 PM CT (Central Time) |
| Red Carpet Time (ET) | 5:00 PM ET (Starts streaming) |
| US Broadcast Network | ABC |
| Next-Day Streaming | Hulu |
| Host | Lainey Wilson |
How To Watch 2025 CMA Awards Live Online From Anywhere With CastifyIt?
CastifyIt is designed to be the ultimate hub for Awards fans who want a streamlined, all-in-one platform without the hassle of cable. Its key feature is a centralised, intuitive interface that brings live games, highlights, and on-demand content from multiple networks into a single, easy-to-navigate location. This eliminates the need for users to switch between different apps to find the game they want to watch.
How it Works:
- Visit the Site: To get started, you’ll need to visit the CastifyIt website.
- View Pricing: The service offers a variety of plans tailored to different viewing habits. The “Awards Pass” provides access to the 2025 CMA Awards.
- Select Your Plan and Join: Once you’ve chosen the best plan for you, simply complete the registration and payment process to create your account.
- Start Watching Live: With your account activated, you can immediately begin streaming live games on your preferred device, including computers and mobile devices.
CMA Awards 2025: A Night of Music, Mayhem, and Unforgettable Moments
The 59th Annual CMA Awards, broadcast live from Nashville on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, cemented country music’s current era of powerful female artists and genre-bending collaborations.
With energy and comedy, six-time nominee host Lainey Wilson created history as the lone female emcee, fighting for the much-desired Entertainer of the Year trophy against heavyweights like Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen. However, in the nomination count, the closest race was between Wilson, Ella Langley, and Megan Moroney, all of whom tied with six votes each, indicating the rise of a new generation.
The show delivered on its promise of unforgettable moments, highlighted by Kelsea Ballerini’s emotional debut of her new song and a powerful duet between Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton. A major highlight was the special tribute dedicated to the legendary Vince Gill, who received the prestigious Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.
From the surprising win for New Artist of the Year to the genre-defying performance by Luke Combs and rapper BigXthaPlug, the 2025 CMA Awards provided a vibrant and dynamic snapshot of country music’s past, present, and globally expanding future.]
How to Watch the CMA Awards Live Without Cable (US Options)
If you’ve cut the cord and don’t have a traditional satellite or cable subscription, you have several excellent, legal options to live stream the CMA Awards 2025. Since ABC is the official US broadcaster, any service that offers live access to your local ABC affiliate will allow you to watch the CMA Awards live.
1. Use a Digital Antenna
The absolute cheapest way to watch the CMA Awards live is through a simple, one-time purchase: a digital indoor HDTV antenna.
- How it Works: The antenna picks up the live, local ABC channel broadcast signal over the air (OTA).
- Pro Tip: This option provides the highest quality, uncompressed HD signal and is completely free once the antenna is purchased. This is the ultimate “free” way to watch the CMA Awards without cable.
2. Live TV Streaming Services (The Best for Live Streaming)
These subscription services bundle live channels, including local networks like ABC. Crucially, almost all offer generous free trials that you can use to watch the CMA Awards live and then cancel to avoid being charged.
| Streaming Service | ABC Live Access | Free Trial Available | Watch Live |
| Hulu + Live TV | YES (Includes local ABC) | 3-7 Days | Yes |
| YouTube TV | YES (Includes local ABC) | 7-14 Days | Yes |
| FuboTV | YES (Includes local ABC) | 7 Days | Yes |
| DIRECTV STREAM | YES (Includes local ABC) | 5 Days | Yes |
3. Next-Day Streaming (For Delayed Viewing)
If you can’t tune in live, the entire awards show will be available to stream the next day.
- Hulu: The CMA Awards will be available to stream on-demand on standard Hulu starting Thursday, November 20, 2025. (Note: Standard Hulu is separate from Hulu + Live TV). This is a simple, low-cost option if you don’t need to watch the performances live.
How to Watch the 2025 CMA Awards Live From Anywhere (International Guide)
If you are travelling or located outside the United States, you will encounter geographic restrictions on the US streaming services. This is where a Virtual Private Network (VPN) becomes essential to stream the CMA Awards live from anywhere.
Bypassing Geo-Restrictions with a VPN
A VPN allows you to virtually change your location to a US server, tricking streaming platforms like Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV into thinking you are inside the US.
- Choose a High-Quality VPN: Select a reputable VPN known for unblocking US streaming services (e.g., ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark).
- Connect to a US Server: Open your VPN app and select a US server location (e.g., New York, Chicago, Los Angeles).
- Access the Stream: Use your chosen US streaming service (like the Hulu + Live TV free trial or YouTube TV) to access the ABC live stream.
This method is the best way for fans in Canada, the UK, Australia, and Asia to watch the CMA Awards live at the time of broadcast.
International Broadcast Partners
The CMA works with many international partners. While a complete, up-to-the-minute list for 2025 is often released closer to the event, check these typical partners first:
- Canada: CMT Canada, CTV.
- Australia: Check Foxtel’s Country Music Channel (CMC) or Kayo Sports.
- European Markets: Often televised through various country music channels or specific local broadcasters, but usually delayed.
The safest and most reliable method to watch the CMA Awards live globally remains the VPN + US streaming service combination.
The Nominees & Performers: Who to Watch
The 2025 CMA Awards nominees showcase a mix of established superstars and rapidly rising talent, promising a night of genuine surprise and high-octane performances.
The Race for Entertainer of the Year
This year’s Entertainer of the Year category is exceptionally strong, featuring five genre heavyweights. This award is determined by the votes of over 7,000 CMA professional members, making it the most significant peer-voted honour.
- Luke Combs
- Cody Johnson
- Chris Stapleton
- Morgan Wallen
- Lainey Wilson
Analysis: With her historic six nominations and hosting duties, Lainey Wilson is a strong contender to take the top prize for the second consecutive year. However, Luke Combs remains a formidable force in ticket and record sales, while Chris Stapleton always commands respect for his vocal prowess.
Top Contenders: Six Nominations Each
The 59th CMA Awards feature a rare three-way tie for the most nominations, highlighting the genre’s current vitality:
- Lainey Wilson: Six nominations, including Entertainer, Album (Whirlwind), and Female Vocalist.
- Ella Langley: Six nominations, a huge breakout year for the rising star.
- Megan Moroney: Six nominations, including Female Vocalist and Single of the Year (“Am I Okay?”).
The Performance Lineup
The CMA Awards are famous for their unforgettable performances and collaborative “Musical Events.” Confirmed performers for the 2025 show include:
- Luke Combs (performing his hit “Pray Hard” with rapper BigXThaPlug)
- Chris Stapleton
- Kenny Chesney
- Riley Green
- Brandi Carlile
- Keith Urban
- Little Big Town
- Vince Gill (receiving the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award with a special tribute performance)
This year’s performance list emphasises collaborations and tributes, ensuring major viral moments that drive online buzz and search traffic.
2025 CMA Awards: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What channel are the CMA Awards on in 2025?
A: The 2025 CMA Awards are broadcast live on the ABC television network in the United States. They will also be available for next-day streaming on Hulu.
Q: Can I watch the CMA Awards 2025 for free?
A: Yes! You can watch the CMA Awards for free by using a digital antenna to pick up your local ABC broadcast, or by signing up for a free trial from a streaming service like Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV, which offer live ABC access. Remember to cancel the trial before the billing date.
Q: Will Morgan Wallen perform at the CMA Awards?
A: While Morgan Wallen is a major nominee (including for Entertainer of the Year and his album I’m the Problem), his attendance and performance are not always guaranteed at awards shows. Check official CMA announcements closer to the date for the final performance lineup.
Q: What time does the CMA Awards 2025 start?
A: The main awards show starts at 8:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) and 7:00 PM Central Time (CT) on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. The Red Carpet pre-show begins at 5:00 PM ET.
Q: Can I stream the CMA Awards outside the US?
A: Yes, the best way to stream the CMA Awards outside the US is by using a high-quality VPN (Virtual Private Network) set to a US server. This allows you to access the live stream on US-based platforms like Hulu + Live TV.
