The 59th Annual CMA Awards 2025 turned Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena into country music’s biggest celebration on 19 November 2025, with Lainey Wilson hosting and walking away as the night’s biggest winner. She claimed the coveted Entertainer of the Year trophy, plus Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year for Whirlwind, confirming her status as the new powerhouse of modern country.
Embed from Getty ImagesFor fans who missed the live telecast on ABC, the full show is available to stream the next day on Hulu, while the official list of nominees and winners is published on the CMA Awards website.
Big Winners at the 2025 CMA Awards
The 2025 show was all about a mix of familiar stars and fresh faces:
- Lainey Wilson – Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year (Whirlwind)
- Ella Langley & Riley Green – “you look like you love me” swept major categories including Single, Song and Music Video of the Year
- Zach Top – New Artist of the Year
- Cody Johnson – Male Vocalist of the Year
- The Red Clay Strays – Vocal Group of the Year
- Brooks & Dunn – Vocal Duo of the Year
- Post Malone feat. Blake Shelton – Musical Event of the Year for “Pour Me A Drink”
- Vince Gill – Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award
Out on the red carpet and inside the arena, it was a night of powerful performances and emotional speeches. For a more detailed winners breakdown and reactions, fans can also check the People Magazine winners list .
Quick CMA Awards 2025 Winners List (Major Categories)
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 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 | Cody Johnson |
| Single of the Year | “you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green |
| Song of the Year | “you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green (songwriters) |
| Music Video of the Year | “you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green |
| Musical Event of the Year | “Pour Me A Drink” – Post Malone feat. Blake Shelton |
| Vocal Group of the Year | The Red Clay Strays |
| Vocal Duo of the Year | Brooks & Dunn |
| New Artist of the Year | Zach Top |
| Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award | Vince Gill |
Why This Year’s CMA Awards Matter
With Lainey Wilson winning Entertainer of the Year while also hosting the show, the 2025 CMAs mark a major moment for women in country music and a clear sign of where the genre is heading. Ella Langley, Riley Green and Zach Top underline the rise of a new generation of artists, while veterans like Vince Gill and Brooks & Dunn remind fans how strong the classic country backbone still is.
Also trending this week: the emotional tribute performance featuring Brandi Carlile, Vince Gill and Patty Loveless is going viral across country music circles. Read the full story here — Brandi Carlile, Vince Gill & Patty Loveless Performance Trending .
How to Watch the CMA Awards 2025 Replay
The 59th CMA Awards aired live on ABC from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and can be streamed on Hulu for viewers catching up the next day. Keep an eye on the official CMA Awards page for performance clips, red carpet photos and backstage interviews straight from Country Music’s Biggest Night™.
