If anyone knows how to command a stage, it’s Lainey Wilson. The country superstar returned as host of the 59th Annual CMA Awards and left a glittering trail of sequins, cowboy hats, and trophies in her wake.
The 33-year-old singer-songwriter didn’t just host — she won three major awards, including Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year for Whirlwind, and Female Vocalist of the Year for the fourth time, cementing her place as one of country music’s brightest stars.
This was Wilson’s first time solo hosting, and she made it count. Opening with a monologue medley of the night’s hottest country hits, she delivered laughs, playful banter with friend and comedian Leanne Morgan, and even crowned a special “Cowgirl of the Night” and “Cowboy of the Night” alongside actor Alan Ritchson.
She also tore up the stage with a high-energy performance of “Ring Finger” from Whirlwind, proving that Lainey can host, joke, and sing with equal flair.
“I looked it up too, and I was like, there’s no way. I let Reba know I was doing this, and she was so excited,” Wilson shared on Rolling Stone’s Nashville Now podcast. “It’s been a long time since a woman has done it solo. I’m glad they trust me. I like to run my mouth, and I love country music.”
LAINEY WILSON
Wilson’s night wasn’t just about music — it was a fashion extravaganza. The star dazzled in eight jaw-dropping outfits, each paired with a matching cowboy hat.
For her opening look, Lainey wore a turquoise Reem Acra jumpsuit with a sheer cape, metallic pumps, and sparkling embellishments.
For her performance outfit, Lainey wore Puffy-sleeved white jacket with metallic details, flared pants, belt reading “CMA,” and boots from her Golden West line, briefly twinning with Leanne Morgan.
Some other standout looks included a baby blue halter dress with feather trim, silver fringe jumpsuit, purple one-shoulder ensemble, tailored black jacket with silver accents, and a final camo-print jumpsuit for her Entertainer of the Year acceptance.
“If I can poke fun at people, hey, we good,” she joked, teasing her playful approach to hosting. “I go way back with these people. Let me make fun of Luke Combs, please.”
The celebration wasn’t just about Lainey. Blake Shelton nabbed Musical Event of the Year for “Pour Me a Drink” with Post Malone, marking his 11th CMA win, while BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville VP Lynette Garbonola was honored with the Jo Walker Meador International Award for her contributions to expanding country music globally.
LAINEY WILSON
The 59th CMA Awards aired live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on ABC and available for streaming now on Hulu, but it’s safe to say Lainey Wilson’s dazzling performance, stunning fashion, and record-breaking wins will be remembered long after the cameras stopped rolling.
Watch Lainey’s “Ring Finger” performance from the CMA Awards below and don’t forget to let us know if you loved watching the Bell Bottom Country queen host the show this year by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sliding into our DMs on Instagram at @celebsecretscountry.
