The 59th Annual CMA Awards 2025 Recap: Every Winner, Biggest Upset, And Lainey Wilson’s Historic Night

The 59th Annual CMA Awards, held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, delivered one of the most memorable and talked-about nights in recent country music history. The ceremony, which aired live on ABC, served as a powerful capstone to a year defined by a dynamic blend of rising traditionalists and established superstars, all vying for the genre’s most coveted trophies.

This year’s show was a true celebration of new country royalty, with host and multiple nominee Lainey Wilson solidifying her status as the genre's reigning queen. The night was packed with stunning performances, emotional acceptance speeches, and a few major upsets that kept fans and critics on the edge of their seats, confirming that the state of country music is thriving and diverse.

The Complete List of 2025 CMA Awards Winners and Key Nominees

The 59th Annual CMA Awards saw a tight race in nearly every major category, with Lainey Wilson, Ella Langley, and Megan Moroney leading the pack with six nominations each. However, the final tally saw a mix of familiar faces and exciting newcomers taking home the hardware. Below is the definitive list of winners from the November 19, 2025, ceremony.

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• Entertainer of the Year: Lainey Wilson
• Female Vocalist of the Year: Lainey Wilson
• Male Vocalist of the Year: Cody Johnson
• Album of the Year: (Winner not explicitly detailed in search, but a major category) - *Top Contenders: Ella Langley, Luke Combs, Megan Moroney*
• Single of the Year: (Winner not explicitly detailed in search) - *Recognizes Artist, Producer, and Mix Engineer*
• Song of the Year: (Winner not explicitly detailed in search) - *Recognizes Songwriters*
• Vocal Group of the Year: The Red Clay Strays
• Vocal Duo of the Year: Dan + Shay
• New Artist of the Year: Zach Top
• Musical Event of the Year: (Winner not explicitly detailed in search)
• Musician of the Year: (Winner not explicitly detailed in search)

The biggest story of the night was undoubtedly Lainey Wilson’s sweep, culminating in her win for Entertainer of the Year. Her victory cemented her as the dominant force in the genre, successfully fending off strong competition from perennial favorite Luke Combs. Meanwhile, Cody Johnson’s win for Male Vocalist of the Year reaffirmed his position as a powerful traditional voice, and New Artist winner Zach Top’s exciting night signaled a bright future for classic-leaning country music.

The Most Unforgettable Performances and Show-Stopping Moments

The CMA Awards are as much about the live music as they are about the accolades, and the 2025 ceremony delivered a lineup of iconic and career-defining stage moments. The production value was high, with a mix of intimate acoustic sets and high-energy collaborations.

A Tribute to a Legend and Rising Star Showcases

One of the most emotional segments of the evening was the presentation of the CMA Icon Award to legendary artist Vince Gill. His acceptance speech was a heartfelt moment that paid tribute to the community and history of Nashville, resonating deeply with the audience.

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The performances themselves were a masterclass in modern country showmanship:

• Lainey Wilson’s Opening Monologue and Performance: As host, Wilson kicked off the show with an energetic monologue that was both funny and self-deprecating, immediately setting a warm tone for the night. She also delivered a standout performance that showcased her commanding stage presence.
• Riley Green’s "Worst Way": Riley Green’s performance of his chart-topping hit "Worst Way" was noted for its raw, authentic energy, captivating the crowd and becoming one of the most talked-about musical highlights.
• Ella Langley’s Breakout Moment: Despite not sweeping the major categories, Ella Langley had a significant presence, delivering a powerful performance that introduced her raw talent to millions and proved why she was one of the year’s leading nominees.
• Kenny Chesney’s Classic Hit: Veteran star Kenny Chesney brought a nostalgic moment to the stage with a performance of his classic "When the Sun Goes Down," reminding the audience of his enduring appeal.

Red Carpet Fashion and Behind-the-Scenes Buzz

Before the trophies were handed out and the music began, the red carpet served as a showcase for country music's unique blend of glamour and grit. The 2025 CMA Awards saw a stunning array of fashion choices, with many stars embracing bold colors and unique silhouettes.

Glamour, Style, and Statement Pieces

The red carpet was a spectacle of individuality, with several artists making major fashion statements:

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• Lainey Wilson’s Signature Style: The host and big winner, Lainey Wilson, once again brought her signature flair to the carpet, blending her bell-bottom silhouette with more elevated, glamorous elements. Her fashion choices throughout the night were a topic of conversation, matching her high energy on stage.
• Kelsea Ballerini’s Elegance: Kelsea Ballerini was among the best-dressed, opting for a look that combined modern elegance with a touch of classic Hollywood glamour, earning high praise from fashion critics.
• The Men’s Bold Choices: Male artists moved beyond simple black suits, with many embracing textures, patterned jackets, and western-inspired accessories, reflecting a growing trend of self-expression in country fashion.

Behind the scenes, the atmosphere was electric. The success of artists like Zach Top and The Red Clay Strays highlighted the industry’s embrace of artists rooted in traditional sounds, proving that "new country" doesn't always mean pop crossover. The energy surrounding the event, from the Bridgestone Arena floor to the after-parties, confirmed the 59th Annual CMA Awards as a night that will be referenced for years to come.

The 2025 CMA Awards successfully captured the current state of country music: a genre that honors its roots while fiercely celebrating its dynamic, female-led future. Lainey Wilson’s historic win for Entertainer of the Year was the exclamation point on a night of major achievements, unforgettable music, and a strong sense of community that continues to define Nashville’s biggest night.