Luke Combs Names CMA Awards Favorites Ahead of 2025 Show

Nashville, TN — Ahead of the 2025 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, Luke Combs, a nominee for Entertainer of the Year, shared his favorites in the category. During an interview with Taste of Country, Combs expressed his thoughts on the competition, revealing his vote wouldn’t go to himself.

Combs, who previously won Entertainer of the Year in 2021 and 2022, highlighted Lainey Wilson and Cody Johnson as strong contenders. “I mean, I think Lainey’s chances are high,” he said. “But CoJo would be kinda sick, too, you know what I mean? He’s great. I love him, too.”

This year’s nominees for Entertainer of the Year include Combs, Wilson, Johnson, and reigning champion Morgan Wallen. Johnson, making his first nomination in this category, is considered by some as the closest to an underdog since he has never won the award. In contrast, both Combs and Wallen have won it previously, with Wilson also holding one win to her name.

Wallen, who won last year, benefited from a successful album release earlier this year, titled “I’m the Problem.” The album topped the Billboard 200 for 12 weeks, bolstered by hit singles such as “Just in Case.”

Wilson, hosting the upcoming awards show on November 19, has been busy on her Whirlwind World Tour, promoting her album of the same name. Meanwhile, Johnson toured extensively in 2025 and released a cover of “Travelin’ Soldier” this month.

With the ceremony just days away, the competition remains tight. Combs, Wilson, and Johnson will all take part in the CMA Awards broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

The 59th Annual CMA Awards will air live on ABC, promising performances from some of the biggest stars in country music.