Country Star Breaks 30-Year Glass Ceiling to Host CMA Awards Solo

In a groundbreaking move, country music star Lainey Wilson, 33, will host the upcoming 59th Annual CMA Awards solo, becoming the first woman to do so since Reba McEntire in 1991. Wilson, known for hits like "Watermelon Moonshine" and "Hang Tight Honey," expressed her excitement about the opportunity, saying she "looked it up" and was surprised to learn it had been over three decades since a woman hosted the prestigious awards show alone.

The singer revealed that she plans to take full advantage of her hosting duties, telling Rolling Stone's Nashville Now podcast that she hopes to "poke fun" at her fellow artists, including Luke Combs, during the ceremony. Wilson had previously attempted to secure the hosting gig last year but was met with some resistance, as the producers felt her jokes were "too far." However, this time around, the country music community seems to be fully behind her, with Wilson stating that Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, her co-hosts from previous years, are likely "happy" to have a year off.

As she prepares to take the stage on November 19th, Wilson is humbled by the trust placed in her by the Country Music Association. "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, adding that she "can't wait to love on this genre that has given me so much."