Lainey Wilson claimed the top honor of entertainer of the year at the 2025 Country Music Association Awards, dominating the stage as host, performer, and barely leaving it on Wednesday night.
“It takes a village,” she said in her acceptance speech. “We about to party.” Wilson outshone competitors including Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, and last year’s winner Morgan Wallen.
Earlier in the evening, she also won album of the year for “Whirlwind,” her second career win in the category, and secured the trophy for female vocalist of the year for the fourth time.
The country star took a moment to recognize other women in the industry, while addressing critics.
“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.”
The night brought back memories of the 2023 CMA Awards, where Wilson had won five trophies, including entertainer of the year.
But Wilson wasn’t the only one celebrating. Ella Langley and Riley Green also had a standout night. Their retro radio hit, “You Look Like You Love Me,” took home both single and song of the year awards.
“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.
Country music legend Vince Gill received the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, accompanied by performances of 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 presented the award to Gill and praised him as a deserving recipient. “He`s just an immense talent. And oh, yeah, he plays with The Eagles."
Gill brought humor to his acceptance speech, joking first about his high vocal tone and later saying he might be the only person to win the award “that`s never smoked any weed,” referencing his friend and the award’s namesake Nelson.
Brooks & Dunn earned vocal duo of the year for the 16th time. “I heard earlier tonight, ‘Man, y’all ever get sick of this?’” Kix Brooks said in his acceptance speech. “Hell no!”
Cody Johnson was named male vocalist of the year, marking his first win in the category.
Luke Combs kicked off the show with a fiery rendition of “Back in the Saddle,” setting the tone for Wilson’s energetic medley, joined by surprise collaborators including Little Big Town and Keith Urban.
Performances continued at a rapid pace, with Moroney, Stapleton, Kelsea Ballerini, The Red Clay Strays, Stephen Wilson, Jr., and Kenny Chesney all delivering standout moments. Old Dominion performed a medley on a small stage amidst the audience, including “Break Up with Him,” “Memory Lane,” “One Man Band,” “Hotel Key,” and “Snapback.”
Shaboozey added depth to the performances, while Wilson’s funky “Ring Finger” reinforced her versatility. Langley, Green, Tucker Wetmore, and rapper BigXThaPlug represented the next generation of country music, with Combs joining BigXThaPlug for their duet “Pray Hard,” highlighting the genre’s crossover with rap.
Zach Top, performing “Guitar,” an ode to six-string instruments, won 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 acceptance speech, taking a sip before celebrating his first CMA Award.
The CMA Awards are determined by members of the Country Music Association, which includes artists, executives, songwriters, publicists, and other industry professionals.
The show aired live on ABC and will be available to stream on Hulu starting Thursday.
