CMA Awards: Rapper BigXthaPlug & Luke Combs Give Fiery “Pray Hard” Performance

Rap Artist BigXthaPlug Was Announced As A CMA Awards Performer
On November 6, the CMA Awards announced the first round of performers for the 59th Annual show, which was slated for Wednesday, November 19. Hosted by Lainey Wilson, the show was held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

The announcement of performers had expected singers on the list, and one musician that was a huge surprise. Lainey Wilson, Tucker Wetmore, Zach Top, Shaboozey, Stephen Wilson Jr., Megan Moroney, Ella Langley, and Luke Combs were all announced as performers on November 8th, and so was rapper BigXthaPlug.
BigXthaPlug, whose real name is Xavier Landum, was revealed to be performing a duet with Luke Combs.

BigXthaPlug And Luke Combs Released A Duet Together
On August 25, 2025, BigXthaPlug released an album titled I Hope You’re Happy, which featured collaborations with country artists Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Shaboozey, Darius Rucker, Bailey Zimmerman, Ella Langley, Tucker Wetmore, and Thomas Rhett.

Luke Combs’ appearance on the album was on a song called “Pray Hard.”
BigXthaPlug and Luke Combs Joined Forces For Powerful “Pray Hard” Performance At CMA Awards
The performance was introduced by host Lainey Wilson, who gave the audience a little bit of history on the rapper. She explained that country music had welcomed him with open arms, with everyone
BigXthaPlug chose to forgo his signature open shirt on the Bridgestone stage and delivered the rap verses of “Pray Hard” with Combs singing the chorus passionately. They had the entire audience on their feet and singing along the entire performance!
Watch it below!