Lainey Wilson Asked Reba McEntire For “One Piece Of Advice” Before Hosting 2025 CMA Awards, Instead “She Sent Me A List”

Lainey Wilson is preparing to solo host the 59th Annual CMA Awards on Wednesday (November 19) at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. In a Q&A ahead of the event, Wilson recounted how she sought “one piece of advice” from five-time host Reba McEntire. But instead of encouraging her to “just be yourself and have fun,” like Wilson expected, “She sent me a list,” the singer recalled with a laugh. “I was like, ‘Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. One piece of advice!’” Reflecting on the honor of filling such “big ol’ shoes,” Wilson, who previously cohosted the 2024 show with Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, expressed pride and humility in leading the ceremony, which will air live on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu. The Grammy-winning Wilson also plans to perform during the CMAs, where she is tied for the most nominations with six, including the show’s biggest prize, Entertainer of the Year, which she took home in 2023. (People)