Lainey Wilson Crowned 2025 CMA Entertainer of Year/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Lainey Wilson claimed the coveted Entertainer of the Year title at the 2025 CMA Awards, marking another milestone in her skyrocketing career. She also took home Album and Female Vocalist of the Year. The night featured powerful performances and emotional tributes, highlighting a mix of rising stars and country legends.
CMA Awards 2025 Quick Looks
- Lainey Wilson wins Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year, and Female Vocalist.
- Ella Langley and Riley Green win Single and Song of the Year.
- Vince Gill receives the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Brooks & Dunn win Vocal Duo of the Year for the 16th time.
- Cody Johnson named Male Vocalist of the Year.
- Zach Top wins New Artist of the Year.
- Show featured energetic performances from Kelsea Ballerini, Chris Stapleton, Kenny Chesney, and more.
- Hosted live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and streamed on ABC and Hulu.
Deep Look
Lainey Wilson Dominates 2025 CMA Awards with Entertainer of the Year Win
The 59th annual Country Music Association Awards lit up Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday night with emotional speeches, powerhouse performances, and a commanding sweep by Lainey Wilson—who earned the top honor of Entertainer of the Year.
Wilson, who also hosted and performed during the ceremony, became the undisputed standout of the night. Accepting the coveted award, she thanked her team and supporters with heartfelt enthusiasm: “It takes a village. We about to party,” she declared to the roaring crowd.
In addition to the evening’s biggest prize, Wilson walked away with Album of the Year for Whirlwind—her second win in that category—and was again named Female Vocalist of the Year, a title she’s now earned four times.
Her speech, however, wasn’t just filled with gratitude. Wilson also took a moment to address critics who pit women in country music against one another.
“For the folks that are sitting at home, in your mama’s basement, eating your Cheetos, trying to pit women against each other,” she said, “y’all need to find something better to do.”
The night wasn’t just a win for Wilson, but a celebration of both established talent and the next generation of country stars.
Langley, Green, and Top Celebrate Milestones
Ella Langley and Riley Green made a strong impression early in the night, taking home both Single and Song of the Year for their throwback hit You Look Like You Love Me.
Langley called it “the gift that keeps on giving,” while Green added, “How cool is it that a song with talking verses wins song of the year?”
Rising star Zach Top claimed his first CMA trophy, winning New Artist of the Year after a powerful early performance of his track Guitar.
Accepting the award with a beer in hand, he joked, “I can’t remember if I was supposed to put my beer down first or not,” before taking a swig to the crowd’s delight.
Legendary Recognition and Veteran Wins
One of the most emotional moments of the evening came when Vince Gill was honored with the prestigious Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. Fellow country greats Brandi Carlile and Patty Loveless performed Gill’s classic When I Call Your Name in tribute, while George Strait presented the award.
“His guitar playing is amazing. His songwriting is amazing. His singing is amazing,” Strait said. “He’s just an immense talent. And oh yeah, he plays with The Eagles.” Gill added humor to his acceptance, joking about his high vocal tone and how he might be the first recipient of the Willie Nelson award “who’s never smoked any weed.”
Meanwhile, Brooks & Dunn extended their record by winning Vocal Duo of the Year for the 16th time. “I heard earlier tonight, ‘Man, y’all ever get sick of this?’” said Kix Brooks. “Hell no!”
Male Vocalist of the Year went to Cody Johnson, a first-time win in the category, further validating his growing presence in mainstream country.
High-Energy Performances and Cross-Genre Moments
The evening’s performances were a major highlight. Luke Combs opened the show with a fiery rendition of Back in the Saddle, while Wilson returned to the stage for a medley joined by Little Big Town and Keith Urban.
The lineup of performers included Chris Stapleton, Kelsea Ballerini, The Red Clay Strays, Stephen Wilson Jr., and Kenny Chesney. Old Dominion delivered a fan-favorite medley from a smaller stage in the center of the audience, creating an intimate concert feel.
Shaboozey brought emotional depth to the stage, while Wilson’s funk-infused Ring Finger showed her range. The night also featured Tucker Wetmore, BigXThaPlug, and a genre-blending moment when Combs joined BigXThaPlug for Pray Hard, signaling a growing acceptance of country-rap crossovers.
Industry Recognition and Viewership
All winners and nominees were selected and voted on by members of the Country Music Association, which includes professionals across the industry, from artists and songwriters to executives and publicists.
The show aired live on ABC and will be available for streaming Thursday on Hulu, continuing the tradition of bringing country music’s biggest night to homes across America.
From heartfelt tributes to genre-bending collaborations, the 2025 CMA Awards celebrated the full spectrum of country music—past, present, and future—with Lainey Wilson proudly at the center.
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