Lainey Wilson and breakout duo Ella Langley & Riley Green dominated the 59th Annual CMA Awards on November 19, 2025, with each act taking home three trophies, including the night’s top prize.
Lainey Wilson made history as the first solo female host of the CMA Awards in over three decades and capped the evening by winning Entertainer of the Year — her second in three years — along with Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year for Whirlwind. Ella Langley and Riley Green’s viral hit “you look like you love me” swept Single, Song, and Music Video of the Year.
Major upsets shook the night: Cody Johnson ended Chris Stapleton’s long reign as Male Vocalist of the Year, The Red Clay Strays toppled Old Dominion to claim Vocal Group of the Year, and newcomer Zach Top won New Artist of the Year, accepting the trophy with a beer in hand.
Other key winners included:
Key Highlights and Performances
The show kicked off with host Lainey Wilson joining Keith Urban for a medley opener, setting a festive tone.
Standout moments included:
- Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award: Vince Gill
- Stephen Wilson Jr.'s acoustic cover of "Stand by Me", which earned the night's first standing ovation.
- Kenny Chesney's medley of "American Kids" and "When the Sun Goes Down", getting the crowd on its feet
- A heartfelt tribute to Vince Gill by Brandi Carlile and Patty Loveless on "When I Call Your Name," with pedal steel legend Paul Franklin (who won his first CMA that night) joining in.
- Ella Langley's debut performance of "Choosin' Texas", a high-energy two-step that buzzed on social media for its fresh vibe.
- Duets like Post Malone and Blake Shelton's "Pour Me A Drink" (pre-announced winner) and George Strait with Vince Gill, though some fans noted the legends "looked old" amid the younger crowd.
Red carpet fashion stole early attention, with Kelsea Ballerini in a striking red gown post-EP drop, Megan Moroney in a bejeweled stunner, and Wilson arriving arm-in-arm with fiancé Devlin Hodges. Crossovers like '9-1-1: Nashville' stars LeAnn Rimes, Chris O'Donnell, and Jessica Capshaw added TV flair as presenters.