Luke Combs delivered a fiery, high-energy performance of his chart-topping hit “Back In The Saddle” at the 2025 CMA Awards, igniting the stage with flames and a rodeo-inspired cowboy setup.
Live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, Combs transformed the awards show into a full-blown Western spectacle with an explosive performance of his latest chart-topping hit.
“‘Cause I’m back in the saddle like some old cowboy/ Who dug his way out of his grave/ Pulled up his boots, put his pistol on his hip/ Climbed up and took hold of the reins/ Don’t worry where I’ve been/ I’m back in the saddle again,” Combs, an 11-time CMA Awards winner, sang on the chorus.
“Back In The Saddle,” written by Combs alongside Dan Isbell and Jonathan Singleton, is the lead single from his yet-to-be announced sixth studio album. The song, which went on to become Combs 24th consecutive No. 1 hit, was also featured on the Madden NFL ’26 Soundtrack.
Combs was nominated for three awards at the 2025 CMA Awards, including Single Of The Year (“Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma”), Male Vocalist Of The Year and the night’s highest honor, Entertainer Of The Year.
The 59th Annual CMA Awards featured unforgettable performances from BigXthaPlug, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Shaboozey, Zach Top, Tucker Wetmore, Lainey Wilson, Stephen Wilson Jr., Kelsea Ballerini, Brandi Carlile, Kenny Chesney, Riley Green, Miranda Lambert, Patty Loveless, Old Dominion, The Red Clay Strays, Chris Stapleton and more.
In addition to performances, the show also featured a star-studded list of presenters and special guests, including Lady A, Alison Brown, Jessica Capshaw, Billy Ray Cyrus, Lauren Daigle, Jordan Davis, Elizabeth Hurley, Cody Johnson, Bert Kreischer, Brandon Lake, Ella Langley, Steve Martin, Leanne Morgan, NE-YO, Chris O’Donnell, Kimberly Perry, LeAnn Rimes, Alan Ritchson, Lara Spencer, Billy Bob Thornton, Grace Van Patten, Gretchen Wilson, Bailey Zimmerman and more.
“Country Music’s Biggest Night” also honored Vince Gill with the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. The 68-year-old country music legend was celebrated with a special tribute performance before accepting the coveted award. The 59th Annual CMA Awards was a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton was the Executive Producer, Alan Carter was the Director and Jon Macks was the Head Writer.
Hosted by Lainey Wilson, the 2025 CMA Awards broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 19 (8:00–11:00 PM ET) on ABC and will be made available to stream the following day on Hulu.
