The 59th CMA Awards kicked off in Nashville with a moment that felt both electric and surprisingly tender.
Lainey Wilson, who also served as host, found herself clutching the first honor of the evening: Album of the Year for Whirlwind.
It’s her second time taking home that particular trophy, and judging by her reaction, she wasn’t expecting it one bit.
“Mama, daddy, check it out,” she grinned, admitting the win caught her totally off guard.
fresh off a world tour that lived up to the album’s name, she said the love fans poured into the songs night after night made the experience unforgettable.
Why Whirlwind Hits So Deep
Wilson opened up about writing the album during a period when life felt like it kept shifting under her feet.
But she stayed anchored in the values she grew up with.
She described herself as that same 11-year-old who ran home from school, grabbed her guitar, and told the truth through music. “When everything felt different,” she said, “my heart stayed the same.”
Ella Langley & Riley Green Get an Early Surprise
The first winners announced—almost before the audience had settled in—were Ella Langley and Riley Green, snagging Single of the Year for “you look like you love me.”
Langley, 26, looked stunned. “I wasn’t expecting to be up here this early,” she laughed, stumbling through a speech filled with both gratitude and nerves.
She thanked the fans who kept the song spinning, her collaborators Will Bundy and Jim Cooley, and Green for stepping in on verse two.
Green, 37, kept things simple: he was just proud to be part of a song he believes keeps country music authentically country.
And Then… They Won Again
Moments later, Langley and Green were right back onstage—this time for Song of the Year, alongside songwriter Aaron Raitiere.
Langley explained this song was written purely out of love for the craft, and the win felt deeply personal.
“These songs change our lives,” she said, choking up as she thanked her team and family.
Brooks & Dunn Keep Making History
The iconic duo Brooks & Dunn extended their record with a 16th Vocal Duo of the Year win.
Ronnie Dunn admitted the honor still hits him hard even after decades of success.
Kix Brooks summed it up with a grin: “Do we ever get tired of this? Hell no!”
A Big First for Zach Top
It was also a milestone evening for Zach Top, who earned New Artist of the Year.
He seemed humbled to be listed alongside other rising names and called the win his “first big CMA moment.”
Red Clay Strays Celebrate a Dream Come True
In one of the night’s most heartfelt speeches, The Red Clay Strays earned their first Vocal Group of the Year trophy.
Frontman Brandon Coleman was visibly moved, thanking everyone from Jesus to the crew members who keep their tours rolling.
He admitted that when they started, they didn’t even know how to set up their own gear.
Bandmate John Hall dedicated part of the win to his late brother Jacob, who passed in 2020.
“He should be up here with us,” Hall said, his voice cracking. “This one’s for Jacob.”
Lainey Wilson Steps Into the Spotlight as Host
With six nominations, Wilson was already having a banner year.
But taking on hosting duties brought things full circle for the Louisiana native.
She shared that growing up in Baskin—population just 175—meant country music wasn’t just “music,” it was a way of living.
Her family had two sacred traditions: never miss bull riding and never miss the CMA Awards.
And given the choice between the two? The CMAs always won.
Hosting the show, she said, made little “bright-eyed, bushy-tailed” Lainey incredibly proud.
The Competition for Top Honors
Wilson was also in the running for Entertainer of the Year, up against Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, and 2024 winner Morgan Wallen—one of the strongest fields in recent memory.
A Tribute to a Legend
Later in the evening, Vince Gill was set to receive the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring his decades-long influence on Music City and beyond.
Where to Watch and How Winners Are Chosen
If you missed the live show, Hulu will have the full event available for streaming starting Thursday.
As always, winners are selected by members of the Country Music Association.
Full List of 2025 CMA Award Nominees and Winners
(All nominee and winner information kept intact as provided)
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