The 59th Annual CMA Awards delivered a night full of heartfelt speeches, surprising upsets and major milestones for some of country music’s most beloved stars. Held on Wednesday night, the ceremony highlighted the genre’s rising talents and long-established icons, with Lainey Wilson, Ella Langley, and Riley Green leading the celebrations.
Lainey Wilson Reclaims the Spotlight
Lainey Wilson had an unforgettable evening, collecting three major awards, including:
Entertainer of the Year
Album of the Year for Whirlwind
Female Vocalist of the Year
As the solo host of this year’s awards, Wilson charmed the audience with her humour and humility. While accepting Entertainer of the Year, she joked about forgetting that she was hosting the show, adding,
“Thank you for letting me run my mouth on this legendary stage and celebrate the best genre in the world — country dang music.”
Wilson reflected on her journey, recalling her younger years passionately learning to express herself through music.
“I remember being that little 11-year-old girl who poured her heart into her guitar… that’s exactly what I’ve done these last two years.”
Ella Langley and Riley Green Dominate With Their Duet
One of the biggest stories of the night was the success of the hit duet “You Look Like You Love Me”, earning the pair three wins:
Single of the Year
Song of the Year
Music Video of the Year
Ella Langley and Riley Green captured fans’ hearts with their natural chemistry and fresh country sound. Langley praised the song as
“the gift that keeps on giving.”
Green added a light-hearted moment, celebrating the fact that a country song with “talking verses” could still win Song of the Year.
Major Upsets: Cody Johnson and The Red Clay Strays Take Home First Wins
This year’s awards broke long-standing streaks and delivered memorable upsets.
Cody Johnson: New Male Vocalist Champion
Cody Johnson dethroned long-time category favourite Chris Stapleton to win Male Vocalist of the Year, marking his first victory.
Johnson paid tribute to Stapleton, calling him
“one of the greatest vocalists of all time in any genre.”
The Red Clay Strays: Vocal Group of the Year
In a surprise turn, rock-leaning group The Red Clay Strays beat out industry giants such as Old Dominion, ending their long reign in the category.
Other Memorable Highlights
Zach Top claimed New Artist of the Year, winning a hotly contested category that included rising stars like Ella Langley and Shaboozey.
Brooks & Dunn secured their 16th Vocal Duo of the Year award. Kix Brooks joked,
“You ever get sick of this? Hell no!”
After 33 nominations since 1989, steel guitar legend Paul Franklin finally earned Musician of the Year, ending his decades-long wait.
Host Lainey Wilson treated viewers to a special musical medley celebrating modern country classics with cameos from artists like Little Big Town, Gretchen Wilson, and Keith Urban.
Full List of CMA Awards 2025 Winners
Below is the complete list of nominees, with winners in bold.
Entertainer of the Year
Luke Combs
Cody Johnson
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
Lainey Wilson
Single of the Year
Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)
“4x4xU” – Lainey Wilson
“Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma” – Luke Combs
“Am I Okay?” – Megan Moroney
“I Never Lie” – Zach Top
“You Look Like You Love Me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green
Album of the Year
“Am I Okay?” – Megan Moroney
“Cold Beer & Country Music” – Zach Top
“F-1 Trillion” – Post Malone
“I’m the Problem” – Morgan Wallen
“Whirlwind” – Lainey Wilson
Song of the Year
Award goes to Songwriters
“4x4xU”
“Am I Okay?”
“I Never Lie”
“Texas”
“You Look Like You Love Me”
Female Vocalist of the Year
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Ella Langley
Megan Moroney
Lainey Wilson
Male Vocalist of the Year
Luke Combs
Cody Johnson
Chris Stapleton
Zach Top
Morgan Wallen
Vocal Group of the Year
Lady A
Little Big Town
Old Dominion
Rascal Flatts
The Red Clay Strays
Vocal Duo of the Year
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Maddie & Tae
The War and Treaty
Musical Event of the Year
“Don’t Mind if I Do” – Riley Green ft. Ella Langley
“Hard Fought Hallelujah” – Brandon Lake with Jelly Roll
“I’m Gonna Love You” – Cody Johnson with Carrie Underwood
“Pour Me a Drink” – Post Malone ft. Blake Shelton
“You Had to Be There” – Megan Moroney ft. Kenny Chesney
Musician of the Year
Jenee Fleenor – Fiddle
Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar
Brent Mason – Guitar
Rob McNelley – Guitar
Derek Wells – Guitar
Music Video of the Year
“Am I Okay?” – Megan Moroney
“I’m Gonna Love You” – Cody Johnson with Carrie Underwood
“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
“Think I’m in Love With You” – Chris Stapleton
“You Look Like You Love Me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green
New Artist of the Year
Ella Langley
Shaboozey
Zach Top
Tucker Wetmore
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sources
CMA Awards 2025 Official Broadcast
CMA Awards Press Announcements
Interviews from the CMA Awards Red Carpet
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