The three most-nominated artists at the 59th CMA Awards are all female artists: Lainey Wilson, Ella Langley and Megan Moroney.

The three singer-songwriters are tied with six nominations each at the upcoming Country Music Association show at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Wilson, who is hosting the show for her second consecutive year, shared her reaction during a press conference held at the arena on Sunday (November 16). Country Music Association CEO Sarah Trahern moderated the discussion.

“I am so proud, y’all,” Wilson said when Trahern brought up the top-nominated artists. “I just remember even being at home in Louisiana and watching Miranda [Lambert] a few times that I saw her acceptance speeches, she was always talking about how there’s not enough girls, you know? Where are the girls at? And I think she’s one of them that would be really proud to see how things are starting to kind of turn because the girls are doing it, y’all. And they’re not just half-a** doing it. They’re really doing it. For a girl to make it, she has to really make it. And Megan and Ella both, it’s just so cool and refreshing to see these ladies who have a vision, they have their eye on the prize, they work hard, they show up when they say they’re gonna show up. Their fan bases are just great fan bases. They love them and support them. You can tell they’re gonna be there until the bitter end, and I think both of those girls right there are gonna be around for a long time. So, I’m excited to see some ladies like that who are not going anywhere.”

Trahern pointed out that she doesn’t believe Wilson is going anywhere either, and the Whirlwind megastar replied, “I hope not.”

Wilson is hosting the show solo this year (after making her debut with Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning in 2024). She’s the third female artist in CMA history to host the event by herself, joining the ranks of Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire, who hosted the CMAs in the 90s. Wilson said it’s “wild” to be the third female artist to take on the role as host. She has “some big ol’ shoes to fill, (and) I don’t take it lightly.”

Wilson is also among he star-studded list of performers, which also include Kelsea Ballerini, Brandi Carlile, Kenny Chesney, Riley Green, Miranda Lambert, Patty Loveless, Old Dominion, The Red Clay Strays, Chris Stapleton, BigXthaPlug, Luke Combs, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Shaboozey, Zach Top, Tucker Wetmore, and Stephen Wilson Jr. The Country Music Association announced on Monday (November 17) — along with presenters and special guests — that Keith Urban and Little Big Town also joined the lineup.

Find the full list of CMA Award nominees here. The Country Music Association announced this spring that the 59th CMA Awards will air live on ABC at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT on November 19. The show will be available to stream the following day on Hulu.

Bo Dalton