Lainey Wilson Lights Up the 2025 CMA Awards
Lainey Wilson just had one of those nights where it felt like the whole show was orbiting around her, and honestly, it kind of was. At the 2025 Country Music Association Awards, she walked away with the biggest honour of the evening — entertainer of the year — and it happened on a night when she was hosting, performing, and barely stepping off the stage. When she accepted the award, she kept it simple and warm, saying, “It takes a village,” before promising, “We about to party.” And considering who she beat — Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton and last year’s winner, Morgan Wallen — it was a major statement about the moment she’s having in country music right now.
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Earlier in the night, her album Whirlwind won album of the year, which marked her second career win in that category. She also picked up female vocalist of the year again — her fourth time taking home that title. And in true Lainey fashion, she used her time on stage to celebrate the women around her while calling out those who stir up negativity. She had some pointed words for people “sitting at home, in your mama’s basement, eating your Cheetos, trying to pit women against each other,” telling them to find “something better to do.” It was blunt, but it hit the room just right.
But even though the night carried her energy, she wasn’t the only one celebrating big wins. Ella Langley and Riley Green kicked off the show’s early excitement by winning both single and song of the year for their throwback-style hit “You Look Like You Love Me.” They were just as surprised as anyone, joking about how unusual it was for a song with spoken verses to snag song of the year.
A really touching moment landed with Vince Gill receiving the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. Tribute performances of “When I Call Your Name” filled the arena, and even George Strait took the stage to talk about Gill’s unmatched talent. Gill kept things lighthearted in his speech, joking about his voice and even teasing that he might be the first recipient of the award who’s “never smoked any weed,” a nod to Willie Nelson himself.
Other big moments came quickly: Brooks & Dunn picked up vocal duo of the year once again — their 16th time. Cody Johnson earned his first male vocalist of the year win. A long list of artists delivered rapid-fire performances, from Kelsea Ballerini to Chris Stapleton to Kenny Chesney. Even the genre-blending trend was spotlighted when Luke Combs teamed up with rapper BigXThaPlug for their duet “Pray Hard.”
By the end of the night, new artist of the year went to Zach Top, who joked about whether he was supposed to put his beer down before giving his speech. It was a night full of personality, surprises, big voices and even bigger moments — but it was very clearly Lainey Wilson’s night to shine.
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