The 2025 Country Music Association Awards delivered a night packed with powerful performances, emotional speeches and historic wins. Hosted by the ever-charismatic Lainey Wilson, the ceremony proved to be one of the most memorable CMA nights in recent years — and Wilson herself was one of the evening’s biggest stars.
From Zach Top’s breakout moment to Vince Gill’s emotional tribute, here’s everything you need to know about this year’s standout winners and unforgettable moments.
Lainey Wilson Dominates the Night
Already a Grammy winner, Lainey Wilson walked into the CMA Awards as a fan favorite — and walked out as one of the most awarded artists of the year. Not only did she host the show with effortless charm, but she also delivered a stunning performance that blended fan-favorite hits like Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”, Chris Stapleton’s “White Horse”, and Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush.”
Her momentum didn’t end there. Wilson snagged multiple awards including major categories like Entertainer of the Year and Single of the Year for her radio smash “4x4xU.”
A Big Night for Newer Stars
The 2025 CMAs also marked a milestone for rising country acts. Zach Top, after a breakout year, claimed his first CMA trophy — New Artist of the Year — solidifying his place as one of country’s most promising voices.
Ella Langley, another fast-rising name, also shined with multiple nominations and collaborative wins.
Show-Stopping Performances
The CMA Awards are known for bringing the biggest names in country music together, and this year was no exception. Performances from:
Kelsea Ballerini
Luke Combs
Riley Green
kept the energy high and the audience cheering all night.
Vince Gill Receives Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award
One of the most emotional moments of the evening came when Vince Gill was honored with the prestigious Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. His heartfelt speech reflected on five decades in music, his early days in Nashville, and the deep passion that drove him from the start.
“All my hopes and dreams were involved in this,” Gill said. “I would’ve kept doing it no matter what — success or no success — because that’s how deeply I loved my music.”
Full List of 2025 CMA Award Winners
Entertainer of the Year
Lainey Wilson
Luke Combs
Cody Johnson
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
Single of the Year
“4x4xU” — Lainey Wilson
“Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” — Luke Combs
“Am I Okay?” — Megan Moroney
“I Never Lie” — Zach Top
“You look like you love me” — Ella Langley & Riley Green
Album of the Year
“Whirlwind” — Lainey Wilson
“Am I Okay?” — Megan Moroney
“Cold Beer & Country Music” — Zach Top
“F-1 Trillion” — Post Malone
“I’m The Problem” — Morgan Wallen
Song of the Year
“4x4xU” — Songwriters: Jon Decious, Aaron Raitiere, Lainey Wilson
“Am I Okay?” — Jessie Jo Dillon, Luke Laird, Megan Moroney
“I Never Lie” — Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols, Zach Top
“Texas” — Johnny Clawson, Josh Dorr, Lalo Guzman, Kyle Sturrock
“You look like you love me” — Riley Green, Ella Langley, Aaron Raitiere
Female Vocalist of the Year
Lainey Wilson
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Ella Langley
Megan Moroney
Male Vocalist of the Year
Chris Stapleton
Luke Combs
Cody Johnson
Zach Top
Morgan Wallen
Vocal Group of the Year
Little Big Town
Lady A
Old Dominion
Rascal Flatts
The Red Clay Strays
Vocal Duo of the Year
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Maddie & Tae
The War And Treaty
Musical Event of the Year
“Don’t Mind If I Do” — Riley Green (feat. Ella Langley)
“Hard Fought Hallelujah” — Brandon Lake with Jelly Roll
“I’m Gonna Love You” — Cody Johnson (with Carrie Underwood)
“Pour Me A Drink” — Post Malone (feat. Blake Shelton)
“You Had To Be There” — Megan Moroney (feat. Kenny Chesney)
Musician of the Year
Derek Wells — Guitar
Jenee Fleenor — Fiddle
Paul Franklin — Steel Guitar
Brent Mason — Guitar
Rob McNelley — Guitar
Music Video of the Year
“Am I Okay?” — Megan Moroney
“I’m Gonna Love You” — Cody Johnson (with Carrie Underwood)
“Somewhere Over Laredo” — Lainey Wilson
“Think I’m In Love With You” — Chris Stapleton
“You look like you love me” — Ella Langley & Riley Green
New Artist of the Year
Zach Top
Ella Langley
Shaboozey
Tucker Wetmore
Stephen Wilson
Final Thoughts
The 2025 CMA Awards celebrated everything fans love about country music — strong storytelling, powerful vocals, heartfelt tributes, and artists pushing the genre forward. With Lainey Wilson, Zach Top, and Megan Moroney leading a new era, the future of country music looks brighter than ever.