Lainey Wilson Dominates 59th CMA Awards with Three Wins, Including Entertainer of the Year
The 59th annual Country Music Association (CMA) Awards brought big moments, emotional performances, and record-breaking wins to Nashville on Wednesday night — and it was Lainey Wilson who once again stole the show.
A Triumphant Night for Lainey Wilson
The country powerhouse walked away with three major awards, including Entertainer of the Year for the second consecutive time, cementing her as one of country music’s reigning superstars.
Wilson also took home Album of the Year for Whirlwind, joining Miranda Lambert as only the second female artist in CMA history to win the category twice. Her previous win came in 2023 for Bell Bottom Country. To round out her wins, she earned Female Vocalist of the Year for the fourth straight year — a streak that solidifies her as one of the genre’s most consistent and commanding voices.
“I’m just so thankful that country music has let me be me,” Wilson said during her acceptance speech. “This is for all the dreamers who didn’t give up.”
Historic Wins for Brooks & Dunn and Cody Johnson
Veteran duo Brooks & Dunn celebrated a historic achievement, winning Vocal Duo of the Year for a record-breaking 16th time. The victory also pushed them past Chris Stapleton for the most overall CMA wins in history — 20 in total.
Meanwhile, Cody Johnson made headlines by ending Stapleton’s five-year dominance in the Male Vocalist of the Year category. His win marked his first-ever CMA Award in that category, a milestone that fans and peers alike applauded.
Emerging Artists Make Their Mark
It was also a breakthrough night for new talent. Rising stars Ella Langley and Riley Green took home three awards for their hit collaboration “You Look Like You Love Me,” showcasing the next wave of country chart-toppers.
Zach Top won New Artist of the Year, and The Red Clay Strays were honored with Vocal Group of the Year, both earning their first-ever CMA trophies.
Vince Gill Receives Lifetime Achievement Honor
Country legend Vince Gill was presented with the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his enduring contributions to country music. With characteristic humor, Gill lightened the mood during his acceptance speech, joking,
“I’m pretty confident I’m the only one that’s ever won this award that’s never smoked any weed.”
The quip drew laughter and applause from the crowd as Gill reflected on his decades-long career and influence on generations of artists.
Memorable Performances Light Up Nashville
The night was packed with standout performances, beginning with Lainey Wilson’s dynamic opening medley, which included renditions of Lady A’s “Need You Now,” Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush,” and Miranda Lambert’s “Gunpowder and Lead.”
Lambert later joined Chris Stapleton for the first-ever live performance of their duet “A Song to Sing,” a highlight that captivated both the audience and viewers at home.
In another emotional moment, Kenny Chesney delivered a heartfelt medley of “American Kids” and “When the Sun Goes Down,” dedicating the performance to songwriter Brett James, who tragically died in a plane crash in September.
A Night That Celebrated Country’s Future and Legacy
From Lainey Wilson’s continued dominance to fresh faces taking the spotlight, the 59th CMA Awards balanced tradition and innovation. The evening underscored the strength and evolution of modern country music — a genre that continues to honor its roots while embracing new voices and perspectives.
The 2025 CMAs proved that Nashville’s magic still runs deep, with Wilson leading the charge as one of its brightest stars.
What was your favorite moment from this year’s CMA Awards? Share your thoughts with us on InvestRecords.com.
