WINNERS ANNOUNCED AT “THE 59TH ANNUAL CMA AWARDS”
Country Music’s Biggest Night™ is more than just an awards show; it’s a fashion spectacle, and the red carpet for “The 59th Annual CMA Awards” tonight at the Bridgestone Arena absolutely delivered! From glittering gowns to sharp, western-inspired tuxedos, the stars shined before heading in for an evening that celebrated the excellence and evolution of the genre.
The anticipation was palpable as artists like Lainey Wilson, the night’s future top honoree, graced the carpet, setting a high bar for style before heading in to showcase her hosting skills and unforgettable opening monologue—a high-energy medley honoring Country favorites past and present. She would later walk away with the coveted CMA Entertainer of the Year award, tying with Riley Green and Ella Langley for the most wins of the night at three each.
Newcomer Zach Top also made his presence felt, hitting the carpet with the kind of excitement that foreshadowed his first-ever CMA Award win for New Artist of the Year. The vibrant energy continued inside, delivering powerful collaborations like BigXthaPlug with Luke Combs, and Miranda Lambert with Chris Stapleton, alongside tributes that brought the house down—especially the emotional recognition of Vince Gill receiving the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.
The 59th Annual CMA Awards was a dazzling success, blending show-stopping performances, bold collaborations, and defining moments. While the fashion was the first taste of the evening’s high-wattage glamour, the star-studded ceremony proved to be an unforgettable celebration of today’s hitmakers, like record-breakers Brooks & Dunn, and the legends who continue to pave the way.
About the CMA Awards
First held in 1967, the CMA Awards is the longest-running, annual music awards program on network television. Each year, the show honors outstanding achievement in Country Music—celebrating the artists, songwriters, musicians, and industry professionals whose work has shaped the genre. Winners and nominees are determined by CMA’s Professional voting membership, reflecting the voices of their peers across the industry. The CMA Awards airs live on ABC, with next-day streaming available on Hulu, and is part of CMA’s television portfolio alongside “CMA Fest” and “CMA Country Christmas.”
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Lainey Wilson
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artists, Producer and Mix Engineer
“you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green
Producer: Will Bundy
Mix Engineer: Jim Cooley
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist, Producer and Mix Engineers
Whirlwind – Lainey Wilson
Producer: Jay Joyce
Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
SONG OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Songwriters
“you look like you love you”
Songwriters: Riley Green, Ella Langley, Aaron Raitiere
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Lainey Wilson
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Cody Johnson
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
The Red Clay Strays
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
Brooks & Dunn
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artists and Producers
“Pour Me A Drink” – Post Malone (feat. Blake Shelton)
Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artists and Directors
“you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green
Directors: Ella Langley, John Park, Wales Toney
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Zach Top