Quick Read
- Lainey Wilson hosted the CMA Awards for the second year in a row and won Entertainer of the Year.
- The ceremony was held on November 19, 2025, at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and broadcast live on ABC.
- Vince Gill was honored with the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Wilson also won Album of the Year (“Whirlwind”) and Female Vocalist of the Year.
- Ella Langley and Riley Green won Single and Music Video of the Year for “you look like you love me.”
Lainey Wilson: From Superfan to CMA Awards Host
Every November, Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena transforms into the beating heart of country music. But in 2025, there was a special energy in the air: Lainey Wilson, who grew up watching the CMA Awards as if they were the Super Bowl, returned not just as a nominee, but as the host—her second time in the coveted role. For Wilson, it’s more than a job. “I’m humbled that CMA has trusted me with this role, and I can’t wait to love on this genre that has given me so much,” she shared earlier this year (TV Insider).
Wilson’s journey from small-town dreamer to the face of country music’s biggest night is a testament to her tenacity and deep connection to the genre. Her opening monologue—a blend of heartfelt stories and a medley of her hits—set a tone of warmth and authenticity. The crowd, dotted with legends and newcomers alike, responded with enthusiasm, underscoring Wilson’s popularity and respect within the industry.
2025 CMA Awards: When, Where, and How to Watch
The 59th Annual CMA Awards were broadcast live on ABC from the Bridgestone Arena on November 19, 2025, at 8/7c. For those who missed the live event, the ceremony was available to stream the following day on Hulu, opening up the celebration to fans around the world.
For the first time, fans could also experience the backstage buzz in real-time via the CMA Awards Backstage Live, streamed on TikTok and hosted by Lauren Alaina and HaleyyBaylee. This digital expansion featured interviews, behind-the-scenes moments, and unfiltered reactions, making country music’s biggest night more interactive than ever.
The Night’s Biggest Winners: Lainey Wilson Takes Center Stage
Wilson didn’t just command the stage as host—she also emerged as the night’s biggest winner. Taking home the prestigious Entertainer of the Year award, Wilson cemented her status as one of country’s leading stars. She also clinched Album of the Year for “Whirlwind” and Female Vocalist of the Year, further solidifying her dominance in a year stacked with talent.
Her competition for Entertainer of the Year included heavyweights like Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Chris Stapleton, and Cody Johnson. But it was Wilson’s ability to connect with audiences—both in her hosting and her performances—that tipped the scales in her favor (Good Morning America).
Other notable winners included Ella Langley and Riley Green, who snagged Music Video and Single of the Year for “you look like you love me,” and Zach Top, who was named New Artist of the Year. The diversity of winners, from established icons to breakout acts, reflected the genre’s dynamic evolution.
Star-Studded Performances and Emotional Tributes
Beyond the awards, the CMAs are about unforgettable performances. The 2025 show didn’t disappoint. Wilson herself delivered a showstopping medley, while a parade of stars—Luke Combs, Kelsea Ballerini, Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, and Little Big Town—kept the energy high throughout the night. Notably, Stephen Wilson Jr. and Shaboozey teamed up for a special collaboration, and Miranda Lambert joined Stapleton for a memorable duet.
The night also featured a heartfelt tribute to Vince Gill, recipient of the 2025 CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. Gill, a 12-time former host and 18-time CMA winner, was celebrated by George Strait and Brandi Carlile, who performed in his honor. During his acceptance speech, Gill struck a tone both humble and humorous, joking about his place among past honorees and expressing gratitude to his family and the Grand Ole Opry. “They let me host this show for 12 years—must be the dumbest thing they ever did, trusting my a– with their show, but they did,” Gill quipped, drawing laughter and applause from the audience (Good Morning America).
His tribute was a reminder of the deep roots and enduring legacy that underpin country music, and of the sense of community that defines the genre.
The Full List of 2025 CMA Nominees and Winners
While Wilson led with six nominations, she shared the spotlight with Ella Langley and Megan Moroney, who also earned six nods each. Key categories and winners included:
- Entertainer of the Year: Lainey Wilson
- Album of the Year: “Whirlwind” – Lainey Wilson
- Female Vocalist of the Year: Lainey Wilson
- Male Vocalist of the Year: Chris Stapleton
- New Artist of the Year: Zach Top
- Single of the Year: “you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green
- Music Video of the Year: “you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green
Other nominees included Cody Johnson, Morgan Wallen, Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, and more, reflecting the genre’s breadth and depth. For the complete list of winners and nominees, fans were directed to the official CMA Awards website.
Behind the Scenes: Voting, Presenters, and the Community Spirit
The CMA Awards are unique among music honors, with over 7,000 industry professionals voting for the nominees and winners. This peer-driven process ensures that recognition is given by those who understand the craft and its impact. This year’s show boasted a star-studded lineup of presenters, including Lady A, Alison Brown, Jessica Capshaw, Billy Ray Cyrus, Lauren Daigle, Steve Martin, LeAnn Rimes, Alan Ritchson, and many others, highlighting the crossover appeal and broad influence of country music.
Tickets for the live show were in high demand, and for those unable to attend in person, the expanded digital coverage brought the excitement home. The 2025 CMAs weren’t just a celebration of individual achievement—they were a vibrant showcase of the collective power and evolving spirit of country music.
Lainey Wilson’s dual role as host and top winner at the 2025 CMA Awards perfectly encapsulates the genre’s current moment: honoring tradition while embracing new voices and perspectives. Her journey from fan to star, and her ability to unite the community both onstage and off, is a powerful reminder that country music’s heart beats strongest when it celebrates both its roots and its future.