Nashville, TN – The 59th Annual CMA Awards lit up Bridgestone Arena Thursday night, uniting the biggest names in country music for an evening of standout performances, emotional tributes, and record-breaking wins.
Lainey Wilson claimed the show’s highest honor, winning CMA Entertainer of the Year, and tied with Riley Green and Ella Langley for the most trophies of the night, each taking home three.
Zach Top captured his first major industry prize as CMA New Artist of the Year, signaling the arrival of one of the genre’s fastest-rising newcomers.
Wilson, who hosted the event, opened the show with a high-energy musical tribute celebrating country’s evolution, performing alongside Chris Stapleton, Brooks & Dunn, Miranda Lambert, and others in a crowd-raising medley.
Throughout the night, audiences saw a mix of large-scale stage productions and intimate acoustic moments, with solo performances by Luke Combs, Kelsea Ballerini, Megan Moroney, Old Dominion, The Red Clay Strays, and Stephen Wilson Jr.
Wilson, Green, and Langley headline a night of major wins
Wilson’s Entertainer of the Year victory cemented her place as one of country’s leading artists, while her collaborative performances with Little Big Town and Keith Urban highlighted her versatility. Riley Green and Ella Langley matched her with three awards each, underscoring a new wave of stars defining the current country landscape.
Brooks & Dunn achieved a career milestone as they became the most decorated act in CMA Awards history, bringing their total number of wins to 20. Their moment onstage drew a standing ovation from the crowd.
Vince Gill honored with lifetime achievement award
The night’s emotional peak came with a tribute to Vince Gill, recipient of the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. Brandi Carlile and Patty Loveless performed heartfelt renditions of Gill’s classics before George Strait surprised fans by stepping onstage to personally present the honor.
Kenny Chesney was also celebrated with a performance of “American Kids” and “When the Sun Goes Down” in recognition of his 2025 Country Music Hall of Fame induction, alongside fellow inductees Tony Brown and June Carter Cash.
Performances and collaborations electrify Bridgestone Arena
The CMA stage delivered one unforgettable moment after another. Collaborations included Luke Combs with BigXthaPlug, Shaboozey with Stephen Wilson Jr., and Miranda Lambert teaming with Chris Stapleton for a powerful duet that brought the crowd to its feet.
Winners across 12 categories were revealed by a lineup of artists, actors, and media personalities, with results determined by the more than 7,000 members of the Country Music Association.
Key Points
- Lainey Wilson won CMA Entertainer of the Year and tied with Riley Green and Ella Langley for three awards each.
- Vince Gill received the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by George Strait.
- Brooks & Dunn became the most-awarded act in CMA history, earning their 20th CMA trophy.