The biggest stars in country music gathered under one roof on Wednesday as the 59th Annual Country Music Association Awards lit up Nashville. Hosted by reigning superstar Lainey Wilson and broadcast live on ABC, the ceremony delivered a night of powerhouse performances, emotional wins, and a celebration of the genre’s brightest talent.
Wilson entered the night as the top nominee — tied with Megan Moroney and Ella Langley at six nods each — and she lived up to the hype with some of the most significant wins of the evening.
A Star-Studded Night of Performances
The stage saw an incredible lineup, including performances from Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, Ella Langley, Keith Urban, Luke Combs, Brandi Carlile, Old Dominion, Miranda Lambert, Kelsea Ballerini, Kenny Chesney, The Red Clay Strays, Zach Top, Post Malone & Blake Shelton, and more.
From heartfelt ballads to electric collaborations, it was one of the most musically diverse CMA shows in years.
Here Are the Official Winners of the 2025 CMA Awards
🏆 Entertainer of the Year
Lainey Wilson
🏆 Single of the Year
“you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green
(Producer: Will Bundy; Mix Engineer: Jim Cooley)
🏆 Album of the Year
Whirlwind – Lainey Wilson
(Producer: Jay Joyce)
🏆 Song of the Year
“you look like you love me”
(Songwriters: Riley Green, Ella Langley, Aaron Raitiere)
🏆 Female Vocalist of the Year
Lainey Wilson
🏆 Male Vocalist of the Year
Cody Johnson
🏆 Vocal Group of the Year
The Red Clay Strays
🏆 Vocal Duo of the Year
Brooks & Dunn
🏆 Musical Event of the Year
“Pour Me A Drink” – Post Malone (feat. Blake Shelton)
🏆 Musician of the Year
Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar
🏆 Music Video of the Year
“you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green
(Directors: Ella Langley, John Park, Wales Toney)
🏆 New Artist of the Year
Zach Top
🏆 Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award
Vince Gill
Final Words
It was a defining night for Lainey Wilson — reaffirming her status as the future (and present!) face of country music — and a powerful showcase of rising stars like Ella Langley and Zach Top. With unforgettable performances and emotional moments, the 2025 CMA Awards proved once again why Nashville remains the beating heart of country music.
