CMA Awards 2025: Full Winners List, Show Highlights & How Lainey Wilson Stole the Night

The 2025 CMA Awards brought the heat to the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, as country music’s finest gathered to celebrate the genre’s most influential artists, breakout stars, and unforgettable hits. With a packed lineup of nominees and show-stopping performances, the night lived up to the hype — and then some.

From Lainey Wilson’s history-making wins to Chris Stapleton’s continued dominance, here’s your full recap of everything that happened at this year’s CMAs.

Who Were the Biggest Winners of the 2025 CMA Awards?

Did Lainey Wilson Just Have the Best Night of Her Career?

Absolutely. Lainey Wilson walked into the night as one of the most-nominated artists and left as a certified powerhouse. She took home Female Artist of the Year, Artist-Songwriter of the Year, and earned massive recognition with nominations in Song of the Year and Visual Media of the Year for “4X4XU.”

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But the real headline? She was one of the final seven names in the running for Entertainer of the Year, alongside Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, and Morgan Wallen.

Who Took Home the Top Honors?

Here’s a breakdown of the top categories:

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• Entertainer of the Year: Chris Stapleton
• Female Artist of the Year: Lainey Wilson
• Male Artist of the Year: Chris Stapleton
• Group of the Year: Old Dominion
• Duo of the Year: Dan + Shay
• Album of the Year: “Whirlwind” by Lainey Wilson
• Song of the Year: “Dirt Cheap” by Cody Johnson
• Single of the Year: “You Look Like You Love Me” by Ella Langley and Riley Green

While Stapleton solidified his status as a CMA favorite, Cody Johnson, Ella Langley, and Post Malone also made their mark in major categories.

Which New Artists Are Taking Over in 2025?

The CMAs continue to spotlight the future of country music, and this year’s new artist categories were filled with fresh energy.

• New Female Artist of the Year: Ella Langley
• New Male Artist of the Year: Zach Top
• New Duo or Group of the Year: The Red Clay Strays

Ella Langley’s duet with Riley Green, “You Look Like You Love Me,” swept several categories, proving that she’s not just new — she’s next.

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What Were the Most Talked-About Performances and Moments?

Did Post Malone Just Steal the Show?

Believe it or not, yes. Post Malone and Morgan Wallen lit up the stage with their hit “I Had Some Help,” which was nominated across Single, Song, and Music Event of the Year. Post’s album “F-1 Trillion” also made waves in the Album of the Year category.

Another standout moment? Carrie Underwood and Cody Johnson joined forces for a heartfelt duet of “I’m Gonna Love You,” which was up for Visual Media and Music Event of the Year.

Who Had the Strongest Showing in the Songwriting Categories?

If you’re curious about who’s crafting all these hits behind the scenes, the CMA Awards shined a light on some of the best pens in the business.

• Songwriter of the Year: Jessie Jo Dillon
• Artist-Songwriter of the Year: Lainey Wilson

Jessie Jo Dillon’s influence was everywhere this year, while Wilson proved she’s just as powerful behind the mic as she is behind the lyrics.

Which Moments Got Fans and Artists Talking?

Several artists shared emotional speeches and real gratitude. Lainey Wilson reflected on her journey from small-town Louisiana to country superstardom. Chris Stapleton, always the quiet legend, dedicated his win to his team and family.

Meanwhile, the crowd roared when The Red Clay Strays accepted New Duo or Group of the Year, marking a big step in their breakout year.

And yes, Reba McEntire made a stylish and sassy appearance — proving once again she’s still country royalty.

What Does This Year’s CMA Awards Say About Country Music in 2025?

The 2025 CMA Awards confirmed what fans already knew — country music is evolving fast, and it’s in great hands. The blending of traditional storytelling with fresh voices like Zach Top, Ella Langley, and even cross-genre stars like Post Malone signals a new era that still honors the heart of the genre.

And if one name defined the night, it was Lainey Wilson. From Album of the Year to Female Artist and her multiple nods, she’s now firmly in the conversation as one of country’s biggest icons-in-the-making.