The CMA Awards 2025 lit up Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on November 19, bringing together the biggest artists in modern country music—from Kelsea Ballerini and Lainey Wilson to Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen and Cody Johnson. As fans tuned in from around the world, the industry’s finest gathered for a night that celebrated artistry, songwriting excellence, and unforgettable performances.
This year’s ceremony wasn’t just another awards night—it marked a shift in country music’s cultural landscape. New voices rose, legends were honored, and one performer, Lainey Wilson, etched her name into history. With a solo female host for the first time since Reba McEntire in 1991, the 2025 CMA Awards carried a distinct energy: bold, confident, and unapologetically country.
For fans searching “when is CMA Awards 2025?” the event aired live on Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. CT on ABC and was also available for CMA Awards streaming through Hulu the next day. Viewers around the world who couldn’t attend in person were treated to a night of exceptional talent, electrifying collaborations, and historic wins.
Below is an in-depth look at the show—including the CMA winners 2025, top performances, record-breaking moments, appearances from icons, and the complete rundown of results in every category.
A Night to Remember: Lainey Wilson Wins Big as CMA Entertainer of the Year 2025
The biggest headline of the evening came when Lainey Wilson took home the coveted CMA Entertainer of the Year 2025 award. Fans have been asking online all year: “Who won Entertainer of the Year 2025?” and now the answer is official.
Lainey’s victory solidifies her rapid ascent from rising newcomer to Nashville powerhouse. Her presence at the awards was everywhere—hosting the ceremony, performing, winning major categories, and giving heartfelt speeches about her love of country music.
The full list of nominees included Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Cody Johnson, and Morgan Wallen (prompting the viral question: is Morgan Wallen at the CMAs 2025? Yes—he attended and performed).
By securing the title, Lainey joins a very small group of women who have won Entertainer of the Year, and her win marks a cultural moment for female leadership in country.
CMA Awards 2025 Winners: Complete, Category-by-Category Breakdown
Fans searching “CMA winners 2025”, “CMA Award winners 2025”, or “CMA Awards 2025 winners” will find the full official list below, rewritten with context and commentary for a richer understanding of each category’s significance.
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Nominees:
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Luke Combs
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Cody Johnson
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Chris Stapleton
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Morgan Wallen
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WINNER: Lainey Wilson
Lainey Wilson’s win represents a career-defining achievement and sets a new standard for future female entertainers. Her dominance in 2025, from chart-topping singles to sold-out shows, secured her the top honor.
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
Awarded to artist(s), producers, and mix engineers.
Nominees:
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“4x4xU” – Lainey Wilson
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“Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” – Luke Combs
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“Am I Okay?” – Megan Moroney
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“I Never Lie” – Zach Top
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WINNER: “you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green
Ella Langley (known online as ella.langley) and Riley Green delivered one of the best collaborative singles of the year. For those asking “Where is Riley Green from?”—he hails from Jacksonville, Alabama, a background that heavily influences his Southern storytelling style.
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Nominees:
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Am I Okay? – Megan Moroney
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Cold Beer & Country Music – Zach Top
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F-1 Trillion – Post Malone
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I’m The Problem – Morgan Wallen
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WINNER: Whirlwind – Lainey Wilson
Wilson’s Whirlwind was praised for cohesion, storytelling, and innovation, making it one of the best albums of 2025.
SONG OF THE YEAR
Awarded to songwriters.
Nominees:
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“4x4xU”
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“Am I Okay?”
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“I Never Lie”
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“Texas”
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WINNER: “you look like you love me” – Written by Riley Green, Ella Langley, Aaron Raitiere
This win gave Ella Langley one of the biggest breakthroughs of the night and reinforced Riley Green’s growing influence in songwriting.
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Nominees:
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Kelsea Ballerini
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Miranda Lambert
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Ella Langley
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Megan Moroney
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WINNER: Lainey Wilson
This category was especially competitive. Many expected Kelsea Ballerini or Megan Moroney to win, but Lainey Wilson’s vocal power and touring success pushed her ahead. For searchers asking “CMA Female Vocalist of the Year 2025?”—Lainey is your answer.
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Nominees:
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Luke Combs
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Chris Stapleton
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Zach Top
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Morgan Wallen
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WINNER: Cody Johnson
Country traditionalist Cody Johnson finally claimed his well-deserved title as Male Vocalist of the Year 2025, beating out heavyweights like Stapleton and Combs.
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Nominees:
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Lady A
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Little Big Town
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Old Dominion
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Rascal Flatts
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WINNER: The Red Clay Strays
The Red Clay Strays’ win shocked many viewers but signaled a shift toward Americana-influenced groups.
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
Nominees:
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Brothers Osborne
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Dan + Shay
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Maddie & Tae
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The War and Treaty
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WINNER: Brooks & Dunn
Brooks & Dunn proved once again why they remain one of the best duos in country history.
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
Nominees:
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“Don’t Mind If I Do” – Riley Green feat. Ella Langley
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“Hard Fought Hallelujah” – Brandon Lake with Jelly Roll
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“I’m Gonna Love You” – Cody Johnson & Carrie Underwood
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“You Had To Be There” – Megan Moroney feat. Kenny Chesney
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WINNER: “Pour Me A Drink” – Post Malone feat. Blake Shelton
Post Malone’s country transformation was one of the year’s biggest stories, making him a surprising but celebrated winner.
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Nominees:
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Jenee Fleenor
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Brent Mason
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Rob McNelley
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Derek Wells
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WINNER: Paul Franklin
Slide guitar legend Paul Franklin took home the title, honoring decades of excellence.
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Nominees:
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“Am I Okay?” – Megan Moroney
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“I’m Gonna Love You” – Cody Johnson & Carrie Underwood
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“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
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“Think I’m In Love With You” – Chris Stapleton
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WINNER: “you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green
Ella Langley’s multi-platform appeal helped this video dominate streaming platforms.
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Nominees:
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Ella Langley
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Shaboozey
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Tucker Wetmore
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Stephen Wilson Jr.
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WINNER: Zach Top
Zach Top became one of the most talked-about new artists of the year, blending traditional country with modern flair.
Vince Gill: Recipient of the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award
A major highlight of the night was Vince Gill receiving the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring his monumental contributions to country music. This accolade, often referred to as the Willie Nelson Award CMA, has been historically bestowed upon the genre’s most legendary figures.
Fans searching “CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award” or “Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award winners” will know that only a select few have been honored:
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Willie Nelson (2012)
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Kenny Rogers (2013)
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Johnny Cash (2015)
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Dolly Parton (2016)
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Kris Kristofferson (2019)
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Charley Pride (2020)
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Loretta Lynn (2021)
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Alan Jackson (2022)
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George Strait (2024)
Gill’s tribute included emotional CMA Awards performances from several stars. Many fans asked “Who sang with Brandi Carlile at the CMA Awards?” because Carlile delivered one of the best homages of the night. Patty Loveless and George Strait also appeared, honoring Gill’s influence across genres.
Best Performances of the Night: A Showcase of 2025’s Top Talent
The CMA Awards performances this year were powerful, diverse, and artistically rich. Fans were treated to:
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Megan Moroney performing “Am I Okay?” with a raw emotional delivery
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Luke Combs debuting a new single to roaring applause
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Ella Langley and Riley Green bringing the house down with their award-winning hit
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Kelsea Ballerini, stylish and sincere, offering one of her best live vocals
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Morgan Wallen, whose presence stirred anticipation online (yes—is Morgan Wallen at the CMAs 2025? He performed and presented)
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Chris Stapleton, who stunned with “Think I’m In Love With You”
These weren’t just performances—they were carefully crafted moments that showcased both rising talent and industry icons.
How to Watch the CMA Awards: Streaming Options
Fans wanting information on CMA Awards streaming could watch:
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Live on ABC
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Next-day on Hulu
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Through Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, or YouTube TV
For country lovers around the world, multiple platforms ensured no one missed the biggest night in Nashville.
A Night That Defined Country Music’s Future
2025 proved to be a transformative year for the CMAs. The night highlighted:
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The rise of new voices like Ella Langley and Zach Top
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The continued dominance of Lainey Wilson
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The seasoned excellence of artists like Cody Johnson and Chris Stapleton
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The cultural impact of legends like Vince Gill
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The enduring power of storytelling, harmony, and musical authenticity
The CMA Awards 2025 winners revealed a shift toward diversity in sound and style while staying grounded in country tradition.
With one of the strongest lineups in recent memory, the 2025 CMA Awards delivered a blend of nostalgia, innovation, and showmanship. Whether you came for the legends, the newcomers, or the unpredictable moments, this year’s ceremony captured everything that makes country music timeless—and everything that keeps it evolving.
Country fans will remember this night as the moment when Lainey Wilson took her place as a generational artist, Vince Gill received the honor of a lifetime, and the next generation of stars—Ella Langley, Riley Green, Zach Top—stepped confidently into the spotlight.
