The CMA Awards 2025 delivered an unforgettable night of celebration, honoring the artists, songwriters, producers, and musicians who shaped country music over the past year. From Lainey Wilson’s continued reign to breakthrough wins for newcomers like Zach Top and Ella Langley, here’s the complete breakdown of every category and winner.
CMA Awards 2025: Entertainer of the Year
The night’s highest honor went to Lainey Wilson, who continued her powerhouse year and solidified her status as one of country music’s leading stars.
Winner: Lainey Wilson
Nominees: Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen
Single of the Year
(Awarded to artist(s), producer(s), and mix engineer(s))
The standout single “you look like you love me” by Ella Langley & Riley Green took the top prize, praised for its emotional punch and stellar production.
Winner: “you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green
Producer: Will Bundy
Mix Engineer: Jim Cooley
Nominees:
– “4x4xU” – Lainey Wilson
– “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” – Luke Combs
– “Am I Okay?” – Megan Moroney
– “I Never Lie” – Zach Top
CMA Awards 2025: Album of the Year
Lainey Wilson claimed another major win with Whirlwind, applauded for its authenticity, storytelling, and rich production.
Winner: “Whirlwind” – Lainey Wilson
Producer: Jay Joyce
Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
Nominees:
– “Am I Okay?” – Megan Moroney
– “Cold Beer & Country Music” – Zach Top
– “F-1 Trillion” – Post Malone
– “I’m The Problem” – Morgan Wallen
CMA Awards 2025: Song of the Year
(Awarded to songwriter(s))
Songwriters Riley Green, Ella Langley, and Aaron Raitiere took home one of the night’s most prestigious honors for “you look like you love me.”
Winner: “you look like you love me”
Songwriters: Riley Green, Ella Langley, Aaron Raitiere
Nominees:
– “4x4xU”
– “Am I Okay?”
– “I Never Lie”
– “Texas”
Female Vocalist of the Year
Lainey Wilson continued her awards sweep, earning another major vocal honor.
Winner: Lainey Wilson
Nominees: Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney
Male Vocalist of the Year
Cody Johnson’s commanding vocals brought him one of the night’s biggest wins.
Winner: Cody Johnson
Nominees: Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Zach Top, Morgan Wallen
CMA Awards 2025: Vocal Group of the Year
A monumental moment for rising band The Red Clay Strays, who captured their first major group win at the CMA Awards 2025.
Winner: The Red Clay Strays
Nominees: Lady A, Little Big Town, Old Dominion, Rascal Flatts
Vocal Duo of the Year
Country icons Brooks & Dunn once again proved their enduring impact.
Winner: Brooks & Dunn
Nominees: Brothers Osborne, Dan + Shay, Maddie & Tae, The War and Treaty
CMA Awards 2025: Musical Event of the Year
Post Malone’s rapid rise in country music continued as his collaboration with Blake Shelton, “Pour Me A Drink,” earned the top spot.
Winner: “Pour Me A Drink” – Post Malone feat. Blake Shelton
Nominees:
– “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
– “You Had to Be There” – Megan Moroney feat. Kenny Chesney
CMA Awards 2025: Musician of the Year
Steel guitar legend Paul Franklin took home the honor, highlighting his contributions to countless hit records this year.
Winner: Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar
Nominees: Jenee Fleenor, Brent Mason, Rob McNelley, Derek Wells
Music Video of the Year
Ella Langley & Riley Green claimed another win with the touching visual for “you look like you love me.”
Winner: “you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green
Directors: Ella Langley, John Park, Wales Toney
Other Nominees:
– “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
New Artist of the Year
Zach Top’s breakout year was officially recognized, earning him one of the night’s most exciting wins.
Winner: Zach Top
Nominees: Ella Langley, Shaboozey, Tucker Wetmore, Stephen Wilson Jr.
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