NEW YORK — Artist of the Year Grand Prize 2025 Country Music Association Awards went to none other than Laney Wilson, who hosted, performed and barely left the stage Wednesday night.
“It takes a village,” she said in her acceptance speech. “We're going to a party.” She defeated Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton and Morgan Wallen. last year's category winner.
Earlier in the evening, she won album of the year for “Whirlwind” – marking her second career win in this category and winning the award for Female Vocalist of the Year. This was her fourth time winning the title.
She celebrated other women in country music and had some words for those who don't.
“For the people who are sitting at home in your mom's basement eating your Cheetos and trying to turn women against each other,” she concluded her speech. “You need to find something better.”
In some ways, this echoed the 2023 awards ceremony, where Wilson took home five trophies including artist of the year.
But Laney wasn't just celebrating the 59th Annual CMA Awards, which aired live from Nashville's Bridgestone Arena. It was also a big night for Ella Langley and Riley Green after the jump. The duo's retro radio hit “You Look Like You Love Me” won single and song of the year on Wednesday night.
“This song is the gift that keeps on giving,” Langley said.
“It’s great that a song with talking verses becomes song of the year,” Green added.
the legendary Vince Gill was awarded the Willie Nelson Award for Distinguished Service, serenading his classic song “When I Call Your Name” with Brandi Carlile and Patty Loveless.
“His guitar playing is amazing. His songwriting is amazing. His singing is amazing,” he said. George Strait. He presented the award to Gill, his friend, and said that there was no more worthy award. “He's just a huge talent. And, oh yeah, he plays for the Eagles.”
Gill joked throughout his acceptance speech. First about his high-pitched voice, and later about how he may be the only person to win the award “who has never smoked weed”, a reference to his namesake and his friend Nelson.
Brooks & Dunn won Vocal Duo of the Year, their 16th win in the category. “Tonight I heard, 'Dude, do you ever get tired of this?' Kix Brooks said in his acceptance speech. “Hell no!”
Male Vocalist of the Year went to Cody Johnson, his first win in this category.
Combs opened the show with a fiery performance of his single “Back in the Saddle,” setting the stage for Wilson to launch into an energetic medley. She was joined by an all-star team of unexpected collaborators, Little Big City And Keith Urban among them.
From there, the performances got fast and furious, with Moroney, Stapleton, Kelsea Ballerini, The Red Clay Strays, Steven Wilson Jr. and Kenny Chesney shining one after the other. Old Dominion performed on a small stage in the middle of the room, performing a medley of “Break Up with Him,” “Memory Lane,” “One Man Band,” “Hotel Key” and “Snapback.”
Shaboozey brings some much needed depth; Wilson's funky “Ring Finger” once again proved that she can do anything. Langley, Green, Tucker Wetmore and rapper BigXThaPlug did it for a new generation of country music fans. The latter was especially notable: Combs joined the Texas MC for their duet “Pray Hard,” further demonstrating the intersection of country and rap.
Zac Tope, who performed his ode to the six-string “Guitar” at the start of the set, took home the award for new artist of the year. “I can’t remember if I should have put the beer down first or not,” he joked in his speech before taking a sip. This was his first CMA Award.
The CMA Awards are nominated and voted on by members of the Country Music Association, which includes music executives, artists, publicists, songwriters and other industry professionals.
The CMA Awards aired live on ABC and will be available to stream Thursday on Hulu.
