The 59th CMA Awards were full of big wins, fun surprises, and a few “well, finally!” moments. Lainey Wilson won some of the most competitive awards of the night, including entertainer of the year and album of the year. Ella Langley and Riley Green had their own victory parade going.
Vince Gill got a moment that felt big in the best way. He earned the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. And then came the plot twists. Cody Johnson broke through a streak that Chris Stapleton seemed glued to. The Red Clay Strays managed to topple Old Dominion from a category they’ve held onto forever.
From the moment the show started, it was obvious that this was Lainey Wilson’s year. Hosting the ceremony and taking home three awards of the night is no easy feat. But she pulled it off with the confidence of someone who’s been steadily rising and finally hit full speed. Her album Whirlwind continued to live up to its name, adding another major award to its run.
Across the board, the competition felt tighter this year. The entertainer of the year race had some of the genre’s biggest names elbow-to-elbow. And in the female vocalist category, the lineup was stacked so tightly that any name could have reasonably taken the crown. Still, Wilson managed to rise above the noise.
Below is the complete winners’ list. The who, the what, and everyone they beat out along the way.
Entertainer of the Year
The top honor of the night went right back into the hands of the woman who’s been everywhere this year. This category only ever names one winner, and Lainey Wilson held onto that spotlight with ease.
Winner:
Lainey Wilson
Other Nominees:
Single of the Year
This award celebrates not just the artists but the entire team behind a standout track. This award celebrates the voice, the producer, and the mix engineer, including. In 2025, Ella Langley and Riley Green grabbed the win with a single that clearly connected with both fans and voters.
Winner:
You Look Like You Love Me by Ella Langley & Riley Green
Producer: Will Bundy
Mix Engineer: Jim Cooley
Other Nominees:
Album of the Year
The album category is all about cohesive storytelling and sound. Lainey Wilson’s “Whirlwind” swept up this win, a reminder that she’s had one of the strongest creative years of her career.
Winner:
Whirlwind by Lainey Wilson
Producer: Jay Joyce
Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
Other Nominees:
Song of the Year
Give a round of applause to the #CMAawards Song of the Year, "you look like you love me" written by Riley Green, Ella Langley, and Aaron Raitiere ✍️💫 pic.twitter.com/BUZIdsbw3O
Unlike single of the year, this one goes straight to the people who wrote the words. Songwriters finally get their flowers here. The winning track was one that clearly stuck with listeners.
Winner:
You Look Like You Love Me
Songwriters: Riley Green, Ella Langley, Aaron Raitiere
Other Nominees:
Female Vocalist of the Year
The 2025 CMA Awards delivered! 🎤✨
Lainey Wilson dominated with Entertainer, Album & Female Vocalist of the Year. 🌟
Zach Top took New Artist — a huge moment for country’s next generation.
Cody Johnson, Brooks & Dunn & Vince Gill also shined.
Country’s future is bright!… pic.twitter.com/unJd6Gr1eA
Lainey Wilson added yet another win to her résumé, finishing the night with a trio of major trophies.
Winner:
Lainey Wilson
Other Nominees:
Male Vocalist of the Year
Cody Johnson scores his first #CMA Male Vocalist of the Year win and honors Chris Stapleton in his speech!
Details:https://t.co/E4yxz67NK4 pic.twitter.com/2BYbIqw0Dv
Cody Johnson had more than one reason to celebrate this week. Just days after welcoming another child, he took home the male vocalist title — finally breaking through a category that has belonged to the same winner for years.
Winner:
Cody Johnson
Other Nominees:
Vocal Group of the Year
The Red Clay Strays dedicate first CMA Award to late band member https://t.co/eJEDNqGgbv
One of the most unexpected wins of the night. The Red Clay Strays stepped in and snagged a category that Old Dominion has dominated seemingly forever.
Winner:
The Red Clay Strays
Other Nominees:
Vocal Duo of the Year
Give it up for the #CMAawards Vocal Duo of the Year, @BrooksAndDunn 👏🌟 pic.twitter.com/RrpxSrcrnW
Brooks & Dunn continued to prove that classic partnerships never really lose steam, taking home the top duo prize.
Winner:
Brooks & Dunn
Other Nominees:
Musical Event of the Year
Post Malone’s pairing with Blake Shelton had the right amount of energy to take the win.
Winner:
Pour Me a Drink by Post Malone (feat. Blake Shelton)
Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome
Other Nominees:
Musician of the Year
Paul Franklin has won Best Musician Of The Year at the #CMAAwards pic.twitter.com/G5nfSUcahx
A category reserved for the instrumentalists who give country music its backbone.
Winner:
Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar
Other Nominees:
Music Video of the Year
This award celebrates the creative vision behind a song’s visuals. Ella Langley and Riley Green picked up yet another win with a video that clearly hit the mark.
Winner:
You Look Like You Love Me by Ella Langley & Riley Green
Directors: Ella Langley, John Park, Wales Toney
Other Nominees:
New Artist of the Year
2025 CMA Awards Highlights
Lainey Wilson hosted solo, winning Entertainer of the Year and Female Vocalist. Billy Ray Cyrus and Elizabeth Hurley presented an award and enjoyed Chris Stapleton's performance. Zach Top won Best New Artist. Vince Gill received the Willie Nelson… pic.twitter.com/JDGhl5uofb
A nod to the emerging names who are shaping the future of country music. This year, the honor went to the rising talent, Zach Top.
Winner:
Zach Top
Other Nominees:
So, who’s your absolute favorite among this year’s winners? Let us know in the comments.
