Host Lainey Wilson Crowned CMA Entertainer Of The Year During CMA Awards In Nashville

“The 59th Annual CMA Awards” honored format excellence Wednesday from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville with host Lainey Wilson claiming the night’s top honor – CMA Entertainer of the Year.

Zach Top took home his first CMA Award for New Artist of the Year. Riley Green, Ella Langley and Wilson also emerged as the night’s leading winners, each taking home three crystal trophies. In addition, format stalwarts Brooks & Dunn now hold the record for the most CMA Award wins of all time, with 20 total.

From stripped-down performances to flashy, bedazzled production numbers performers included Wilson, Green, Langle along with Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, Megan Moroney, Old Dominion, The Red Clay Strays, Stapleton, Top, Tucker Wetmore and Stephen Wilson Jr.

Collaborations included BigXthaPlug with Combs, Shaboozey and Stephen Wilson Jr., and Lambert with Stapleton. 

Kenny Chesney, who was recently inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame received a standing ovation for his medley of “American Kids” and “When the Sun Goes Down,” following a brief recognition of fellow inductees Tony Brown and June Carter Cash. 

A standout moment of the evening came with an emotional tribute to country icon Vince Gill, who hosted the CMA Awards for a record-tying 12 years and received the 2025 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. Brandi Carlile and Patty Loveless delivered stirring performances that brought the audience to their feet as the award’s 2024 recipient, George Strait, stepped onstage in a surprise appearance to personally present Gill with the honor. 

Winners in the 12 award categories are determined by the 7,000-plus voting members of the Country Music Association, the Nashville-based trade association representing every aspect of the country music industry.

2025 CMA Award Winners:

Entertainer of the Year – Lainey Wilson (READ MORE)

Single of the Year (Award goes to Artist, Producer and Mix Engineer) – “you look like you love me”; Ella Langley & Riley Green; Producer Will Bundy: Mix Engineer Jim Cooley

Album of the Year (Award goes to Artist, Producer and mix Engineer) – Whirlwind; Lainey Wilson; Producer Jay Joyce; Mix Engineer Jason Hall / Jay Joyce

Song of the Year (Award goes to Songwriters) – “you look like you love me”; 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 (READ MORE)

Vocal Duo of the Year – Brooks & Dunn

Musical Event of the Year (Award goes to Artist and Producer) – “Pour Me A Drink”; Post Malone (feat. Blake Shelton); Producers Louis Bell / Charlie Handsome

Musician of the Year – Paul Franklin (Steel Guitar)

Music Video of the Year (Award goes to Artist and Director) – “you look like you love me”; Ella Langle & Riley Green; Directors Ella Langley / John Park / Wales Toney

New Artist of the Year – Zach Top