The 2025 CMA Awards lit up Nashville with a star-studded celebration of country music’s biggest voices, unforgettable performances, and just enough surprises to keep everyone buzzing. Held at the Bridgestone Arena, this year’s show felt like a high-energy reunion, a milestone night for Lainey Wilson, and a reminder that country music is as rowdy, heartfelt, and glitter-drenched as ever.
Luke Combs set the tone early, strutting into the spotlight with “Back in the Saddle” – and if that wasn’t a metaphor for the entire night, I don’t know what is. The audience barely had a chance to catch its breath before Lainey Wilson emerged as host, decked out in a white and gold bell-bottom ensemble complete with the kind of hat that says, “Yes, I run this town.” And she did.
Wilson owned the stage, not just introducing acts, but walking up to stars in the crowd—Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Shaboozey—and getting them to sing along with her like it was a bar on Broadway.
Keith Urban joined Wilson for a mid-show performance, but that wasn’t his only spotlight. He returned at the end of the night to hand over the grand prize—Entertainer of the Year—to none other than Wilson herself, cementing her status as Nashville royalty. And yes, she made history too, becoming just the third woman ever to host the CMAs solo, joining the ranks of Dolly and Reba. Legendary company.
Billy Ray Cyrus took the stage with Elizabeth Hurley—yep, that Elizabeth Hurley—who dazzled on the red carpet in red and sparkles. The couple presented Single of the Year to Ella Langley and Riley Green for “You Look Like You Love Me.”
Cyrus called the night their “first date in Nashville” on Instagram. That got plenty of attention, especially with Billy Bob Thornton later joking on stage about going to bed early for church—right before handing out Musician of the Year with Wilson.
Zach Top accidentally brought a beer onstage while accepting Best New Artist, proving country is still country. Megan Moroney went full pink with “6 Months Later,” and Chris Stapleton—up for Entertainer of the Year again—gave the crowd chills with “Bad As I Want to Be.”
Meanwhile, Vince Gill got the night’s emotional moment when George Strait honored him with the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.
Kenny Chesney brought down the house with “American Kids,” LeAnn Rimes reflected on being back where it all began, and Brantley Gilbert declared it “date night” with his wife. Even Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning couldn’t resist texting Lainey mid-show—though Bryan might’ve needed a reminder about what night it was.
All in all, the 59th Annual CMA Awards didn’t just crown winners. It reminded fans and artists alike why country music continues to strike a chord—because, as Vince Gill said, “The songs are forever.”
