Luke Combs Describes His Perfect Day, Reveals His New Dad Skill, And Talks CMA Awards [Exclusive]

Luke Combs joined us backstage at the CMA Awards where he discussed his upcoming appearance at Country Music’s Biggest Night and gave fans a glimpse into what life looks like as a dad of two, with a third on the way.

As he’s entered into this chapter of fatherhood, the country superstar has also leaned into that side of his life with heartfelt songs that reflect the realities and emotions that come with parenthood. His listeners got to experience this in his recently released track, “Days Like These.”

While reflecting on the powerful tune that touches on the priceless value of family time, Combs shared what the perfect day looks like for him at this stage of life.  

“I feel like for me, it’s more of a feeling, almost, opposed to what happens. It’s almost like…I don’t want to sound spacey or anything, but it’s almost like the stars align,” he explained.

Combs went on to note that the weather also plays a big factor in how he’s feeling that day.

“It’s got to be a Spring day, autumn day, fall type vibe for me. Not too hot, not too cold. That’s a requirement. But then everything else is just kind of like, man, today just rocks for whatever reason. I don’t know. It doesn’t have to be…nothing has to happen.”

While becoming a dad has changed his perspective on daily life, it has also given him the chance to learn lessons he never expected to need. Even something as simple as making breakfast has become a race against the clock, with two energetic little boys waiting impatiently at the table. Over time, this has turned him into a true speed-cooker.

“I feel like I’ve always been pretty decent at cooking. It’s more like the speed at which I have to cook sometimes,” he joked. “Now like, oh, the kids are up. It’s like they’re not going to wait. I can’t explain to them why it’s going to take 30 minutes to have breakfast on the table.”

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This week, the “My Kinda Saturday Night” singer with get a few hours off his dad duties to appear at the 59^th CMA Awards on Wednesday, November 19. Combs, already an 11-time CMA Awards winner, is going into this year’s show a three-time nominee this year. He is vying for a win in the categories of Entertainer of the Year, Single of the Year (“Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma”), and Male Vocalist of the Year.

Along with his own recognition, he called out another major name in Country Music who is receiving a very special honor of his own at the coveted awards show – Vince Gill. The Grand Ole Opry member is set to receive the 2025 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, adding to his extensive CMA recognition.

“It’s super deserved. I think he’s such an under appreciated artist, not just of the nineties, but of country music. So it’s great to see the CMA’s recognize him,” Combs pointed out. “I think he’s so prolific songwriter, producer, singer, guitar player. I mean, he just does it all, you know what I mean? He’s just in a rarefied era, someone that can really do everything to such a high level. So I’m excited to be there.”

Combs’ longtime friend Lainey Wilson will also be a part of the special evening, as she has been tapped to return as the host. This will mark the Louisiana native’s first time hosting solo and the first time a female has hosted the show on her own since Reba McEntire in 1991.

While preparing for her important role, Wilson revealed that she plans to bring her most authentic self to the stage, which could include her roasting a few of her closest friends. Luckily, Combs says that if he ends up in her line of fire, he’ll be ready to take what she’s dishing out.

“Yeah, I can handle it,” he admitted. “I can’t say I’m surprised. Me and Lainey go way back, so I hope she didn’t hold any punches for sure.”

In addition to his name appearing in several categories, fans will see Luke Combs take the stage at Bridgestone Arena to showcase his latest single, “Back In The Saddle” in addition to teaming up with BigXthaPlug to perform their collaboration, “Pray Hard.”

The 59th Annual CMA Awards will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 19 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on ABC and is available next day on Hulu.

Tickets for “The 59th Annual CMA Awards” are on-sale now at CMAawards.com/tickets.