NEW YORK — Lainey Wilson claimed the top honor of Entertainer of the Year at the 2025 Country Music Association Awards, a night in which she hosted, performed, and dominated the stage from start to finish.
“It takes a village,” she said joyfully during her acceptance speech. “We about to party.” She triumphed over major nominees Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, and last year’s winner, Morgan Wallen.
Earlier in the ceremony, Wilson added two more accolades to her growing list of achievements. She won Album of the Year for Whirlwind, marking her second career victory in that category, and earned her fourth award for Female Vocalist of the Year.
During her speech, she celebrated the women of country music — and addressed critics with a firm message.
Lainey Wilson accepts the female vocalist of the year award at the CMA Awards in Nashville, Tenn., on Wednesday. Jason Kempin / Getty Images
“For the folks that are sitting at home, in your mama’s basement, eating your Cheetos, trying to pit women against each other,” she said, “y’all need to find something better to do.”
The moment echoed her landmark night at the 2023 CMA Awards, where she took home five trophies, including entertainer of the year.
A Big Night Beyond Lainey
The 59th annual CMA Awards, broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, also delivered breakout victories for Ella Langley and Riley Green. Their retro-styled radio hit You Look Like You Love Me won both Single of the Year and Song of the Year.
“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,” Green added with a grin.
The legendary Vince Gill received the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, honored with a beautiful performance of “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, who presented the award. “He’s just an immense talent. And oh, yeah, he plays with The Eagles.”
Gill brought humor to his acceptance speech, joking about his vocal tone and teasing that he might be the only recipient of the award “that’s never smoked any weed,” nodding affectionately to Willie Nelson.
More Winners and Highlights
Brooks & Dunn won Vocal Duo of the Year, marking their 16th victory in the category. “I heard earlier tonight, ‘Man, y’all ever get sick of this?’” Kix Brooks said. “Hell no!”
Cody Johnson took home Male Vocalist of the Year, earning his first win in the category.
The show opened with Luke Combs delivering an energetic performance of “Back in the Saddle,” which set the tone for the evening. Wilson followed with a spirited medley featuring surprise appearances from Little Big Town and Keith Urban.
The performances came one after another: Megan Moroney, Chris Stapleton, Kelsea Ballerini, The Red Clay Strays, Stephen Wilson Jr., and Kenny Chesney all delivered standout moments. Old Dominion performed a crowd-pleasing medley from a small stage in the center of the audience.
Shaboozey added emotional depth, while Wilson’s funky “Ring Finger” highlighted her impressive range. Langley, Green, Tucker Wetmore, and rapper BigXThaPlug represented the new wave of country talent — with a major highlight being Luke Combs joining BigXThaPlug for their genre-blending duet “Pray Hard.”
Zach Top earned his first CMA Award, winning New Artist of the Year after performing his guitar tribute “Guitar.” “I can’t remember if I was supposed to put my beer down first or not,” he joked before taking a sip.
The CMA Awards nominees and winners are determined by members of the Country Music Association, which includes artists, executives, songwriters, publicists, and other industry leaders.
The 2025 CMA Awards aired live on ABC and will be available to stream beginning Thursday on Hulu.