When the lights dimmed and the final notes rang out at the 59th Annual CMA Awards, held November 19, 2025 at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, one thing was clear: country music was in celebration mode. The night honoured legends, spotlighted rising stars, and delivered a few surprises — all while the genre’s community rallied to salute the very best of 2025.
With the show hosted by Lainey Wilson, who proved to be more than just a master of ceremonies, the evening turned into a showcase of power, performance and peer recognition. That said — here’s how the trophy haul went down.
Standout Moments & Night of Victory
- Host with the Midas Touch — Lainey Wilson didn’t just emcee the show — she dominated it. She walked away with three of the biggest awards: Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, and Album of the Year for Whirlwind. That’s a rare sweeps in the top categories.
- A Breakthrough for New Blood — It was a big night for newcomers. Zach Top earned the coveted New Artist of the Year trophy, making a striking first impression in the CMA world.
- Duets, Groups & Legacy Preserved — Old guard and rising acts alike found their moments. The Red Clay Strays ended a long-running dominance by a previous group to win Vocal Group of the Year. Meanwhile Brooks & Dunn — a duo many fans thought had slowed down — claimed Vocal Duo of the Year yet again, extending their record.
- Songwriting & Visual Storytelling Honored — The overnight sensation that was You Look Like You Love Me — by Ella Langley & Riley Green — swept across three major categories: Single, Song and Music Video of the Year. It underscores how country music fans this year embraced authentic storytelling paired with modern delivery.
- Musicians Behind the Scenes Take a Bow — Recognition wasn’t just for front-line artists. Long-time session legend Paul Franklin finally picked up Musician of the Year (Steel Guitar), a tribute decades in the making after many nominations.
Complete List of 2025 CMA Award Winners
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Entertainer of the Year | Lainey Wilson |
| 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 |
| New Artist of the Year | Zach Top |
| Album of the Year | Whirlwind — Lainey Wilson |
| Single of the Year | “You Look Like You Love Me” — Ella Langley & Riley Green |
| Song of the Year (Songwriters) | “You Look Like You Love Me” — Riley Green, Ella Langley, Aaron Raitiere |
| 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 |
| Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award | Vince Gill |
The Night in Context
The 2025 awards marked one of the most consequential ceremonies in recent memory. With Lainey Wilson at the centre – both hosting and winning top honours — the CMAs managed a rare blend of celebration and shockwaves. Her triple win underscored not just dominance, but a growing acceptance for female artists leading in categories once overwhelmingly male. Meanwhile, the emergence of new artists like Zach Top, Ella Langley and The Red Clay Strays pointed to a generational shift: traditional country roots meeting fresh voices and new energy.
Perhaps most meaningful was the nod to behind-the-scenes talent – from session legends like Paul Franklin, finally earning the recognition his peers long felt he deserved, to songwriters and video directors whose work brought songs to life.
In short: the 2025 CMAs didn’t just celebrate the stars – they honoured the full ecosystem of country music, old and new.
