The 59th Annual CMA Awards lit up the Bridgestone Arena earlier tonight (November 19), delivering unforgettable performances, emotional tributes, and plenty of country-star magic. From powerhouse solos to jaw-dropping collaborations, this year’s show celebrated the very best of Country Music while honoring legends and shining a spotlight on fresh talent.
It was a big night for Lainey Wilson, who took home the top honor of CMA Entertainer of the Year, along with Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year for Whirlwind. Opening the show with a high-energy medley, Lainey honored icons past and present — including Chris Stapleton, Brooks & Dunn, Miranda Lambert, Lady A, and Shaboozey — while surprising the crowd with duets alongside Little Big Town and Keith Urban.
Her wins cement her status as one of country music’s brightest stars, and her stage presence set the tone for an electric night of performances.
Other noteworthy moments from the night came from Zach Top, who earned his first CMA Award as New Artist of the Year. He also delivered a show-stopping performance of his hit “Guitar.”
Riley Green and Ella Langley also had major nights, each taking home three awards, including Single of the Year for their collaboration “you look like you love me.” Ella and Riley not only shared the award but also co-directed the music video for the track, highlighting their creative versatility.
Additionally, country legends Brooks & Dunn made history, becoming the most awarded artists in CMA history with 20 wins total, a milestone celebrated by fans and peers alike.
VINCE GILL, GEORGE STRAIT, BRANDI CARLILE, PATTY LOVELESS
The evening balanced full-scale productions with intimate, heartfelt moments — like Kenny Chesney delivering a two-song medley of “American Kids” and “When the Sun Goes Down” to celebrate his 2025 Country Music Hall of Fame induction.
An emotional tribute honored Vince Gill, who received the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. Brandi Carlile and Patty Loveless brought the house to its feet, with surprise appearances by George Strait to personally present the award. Additionally, unexpected collaborations kept viewers on their toes, including BigXthaPlug with Luke Combs, Shaboozey with Stephen Wilson Jr., and a duet from Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton.
Keep scrolling for a full list of winners below and don’t forget to let us know if your favorite snagged an award by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sliding into our DMs on Instagram at @celebsecretscountry.
59th Annual CMA Awards – Full List of Winners
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Lainey Wilson
SINGLE OF THE YEAR – Award goes to Artists, Producer and Mix Engineer
“you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green
Producer: Will Bundy
Mix Engineer: Jim Cooley
ALBUM OF THE YEAR — Award goes to Artist, Producer and Mix Engineers
Whirlwind – Lainey Wilson
Producer: Jay Joyce
Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
SONG OF THE YEAR — Award goes to Songwriters
“you look like you love me”
Songwriters: Riley Green, Ella Langley, Aaron Raitiere
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Lainey Wilson
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Cody Johnson
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
The Red Clay Strays
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
Brooks & Dunn
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR — Award goes to Artists and Producers
“Pour Me A Drink” – Post Malone (feat. Blake Shelton)
Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR — Award goes to Artists and Directors
“you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green
Directors: Ella Langley, John Park, Wales Toney
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Zach Top
