The 59th Country Music Association Awards ceremony commenced on Wednesday, November 19, in Nashville. The event took place at the Bridgestone Arena, celebrating the genre’s biggest stars.
Lainey Wilson, a top nominee, served as the sole host for the first time. She had previously co-hosted the 2024 ceremony with Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning.
Wilson expressed her excitement to Us Weekly before the show. "Oh, Lord, it’s going to be fun. It’s going to be a busy night," she said.
"But I told them, ‘If I can get up there, and they let me run my mouth and celebrate country music and all my friends in this industry, then I think I’ll do just fine.’"
Wilson leads the 2025 nominations with six nods. Her categories include Entertainer of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year.
She shares the highest number of nominations with Ella Langley and Megan Moroney.
Country music icon Vince Gill was honored with the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. Past recipients of this prestigious award include Dolly Parton, Alan Jackson, and the late Loretta Lynn.
The evening recognized outstanding achievements across numerous categories. Here is a look at the nominees and the first winners.
Entertainer of the Year
Luke Combs
Cody Johnson
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
Lainey Wilson
Single of the Year
“4x4xU” – Lainey Wilson
“Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma” – Luke Combs
“Am I Okay?” – Megan Moroney
“I Never Lie” – Zach Top
“You Look Like You Love Me” – Ella Langley and Riley Green
Album of the Year
Am I Okay? – Megan Moroney
Cold Beer & Country Music – Zach Top
F-1 Trillion – Post Malone
I’m the Problem – Morgan Wallen
Whirlwind – Lainey Wilson
Song of the Year
“4x4xU” – Lainey Wilson
“Am I Okay?” – Megan Moroney
“I Never Lie” – Zach Top
“Texas” – Blake Shelton
“You Look Like You Love Me” – Ella Langley and Riley Green
Female Vocalist of the Year
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Ella Langley
Megan Moroney
Lainey Wilson
Male Vocalist of the Year
Luke Combs
Cody Johnson
Chris Stapleton
Zach Top
Morgan Wallen
Vocal Group of the Year
Lady A
Little Big Town
Old Dominion
Rascal Flatts
The Red Clay Strays
Vocal Duo of the Year
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Maddie & Tae
The War and Treaty
Musical Event of the Year
“Don’t Mind If I Do” – Riley Green with Ella Langley
“Hard Fought Hallelujah” – Brandon Lake with Jelly Roll
“I’m Gonna Love You” – Cody Johnson with Carrie Underwood
“Pour Me a Drink” – Post Malone with Blake Shelton
“You Had to Be There” – Megan Moroney with Kenny Chesney
Musician of the Year
Jenee Fleenor – Fiddle
Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar
Brent Mason – Guitar
Rob McNelley – Guitar
Derek Wells – Guitar
Music Video of the Year
“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
“You Look Like You Love Me” – Ella Langley and Riley Green
New Artist of the Year
Ella Langley
Shaboozey
Zach Top
Tucker Wetmore
Stephen Wilson Jr.