Lainey Wilson wins entertainer of the year at 2025 CMA Awards
[November 20, 2025]
By MARIA SHERMAN
NEW YORK (AP) — The top prize of entertainer of the year at the 2025
Country Music Association Awards went to none other than Lainey Wilson,
who hosted, performed and barely left the stage Wednesday night.
“It takes a village,” she said in her acceptance speech. “We about to
party.” She beat out Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton and
Morgan Wallen, last year’s winner in the category.
Earlier in the night, she won album of the year for “Whirlwind” —
marking her second career win in the category — and earned the trophy
for female vocalist of the year. It was her fourth time winning that
title.
She celebrated other women in country music — and had a few choice words
for those who don’t.
“For the folks that are sitting at home, in your mama’s basement, eating
your Cheetos, trying to pit women against each other,” she concluded her
speech. “Y’all need to find something better to do.”
In some ways, it echoed 2023's award show, where Wilson took home five
trophies including entertainer of the year.
But it wasn't just Lainey celebrating at the 59th annual CMA Awards,
which aired live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. It was also a big
night for Ella Langley and Riley Green from the jump. The duo's retro
radio hit, “You Look Like You Love Me,” took home both single and song
of the year on Wednesday night.
“This song is the gift that keeps on giving,” Langley said.
“How cool is it that a song with talking verses wins song of the year,”
added Green.
The legendary Vince Gill was presented with the Willie Nelson Lifetime
Achievement Award, serenaded with his classic “When I Call Your Name” by
Brandi Carlile and Patty Loveless.
“His guitar playing is amazing. His songwriting is amazing. His singing
is amazing,” said George Strait. He handed the award to Gill, his
friend, and said there was none more deserving. “He's just an immense
talent. And oh, yeah, he plays with The Eagles."
Gill joked throughout his acceptance speech. First, about his high vocal
tone, and later, that he might be the only person to win the award
“that's never smoked any weed,” a nod to its namesake and his friend
Nelson.
Brooks & Dunn won vocal duo of the year, their 16th victory in the
category. “I heard earlier tonight, ‘Man, y’all ever get sick of this?’”
Kix Brooks said in his acceptance speech. “Hell no!”
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Chris Stapleton, left, and Miranda Lambert perform "A Song To Sing"
during the 59th Annual Country Music Association Awards on
Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn.
(AP Photo/George Walker IV)
 Male vocalist of the year went to
Cody Johnson, his first win in the category.
Combs opened the show with a fiery rendition of his single “Back in
the Saddle,” setting the stage for Wilson to launch into a spirited
medley. She was joined by a star-studded crew of surprise
collaborators, Little Big Town and Keith Urban among them.
Performances arrived fast and fierce from there: Moroney, Stapleton,
Kelsea Ballerini, The Red Clay Strays, Stephen Wilson, Jr. and Kenny
Chesney shined, one after another. Old Dominion performed on a small
stage in the middle of the audience, working their way through a
medley of “Break Up with Him," “Memory Lane," “One Man Band," “Hotel
Key” and “Snapback.”
Shaboozey brought some much needed depth; Wilson's funky “Ring
Finger” further proved she can do it all. Langley, Green, Tucker
Wetmore and rapper BigXThaPlug held it down for a new generation of
country music fans. The latter was especially noteworthy: Combs
joined the Texas MC for their duet “Pray Hard,” further confirmation
of country and rap's crossover.
Zach Top, who performed his ode to six-strings, “Guitar,” early in
the show, took home the trophy for new artist of the year. “I can't
remember if I was supposed to put my beer down first or not,” he
joked in his speech before taking a swig. It was his first CMA
Award.
The CMA Awards are nominated and voted on by members of the Country
Music Association, which includes music executives, artists,
publicists, songwriters and other industry professionals.
The CMA Awards were broadcast live on ABC and will be available to
stream Thursday on Hulu.
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