The 59th Country Music Association Awards have arrived, bringing with them an exciting lineup of performers, nominees; and highlights for viewers on November 19, 2025. Originally established in 1967, this annual televised awards ceremony celebrates outstanding achievements in country music, featuring many popular artists.
This year, the CMA Awards was hosted by the energetic American singer-songwriter Lainey Wilson. The event also showcased both well-known and emerging artists such as Zach Top, Riley Green, Ella Langley, and Cody Johnson.
All About the Performances, Presenters, and Winners
The CMA 2025 featured some of the biggest performances, including ‘Ring Finger’ by Lainey Wilson, New Artist of the Year; Zach Top’s ‘Guitar‘; ‘Worst Way’ by Riley Green; and the cowboy-themed ‘Back in the Saddle’ by Luke Combs. Lainey Wilson also performed several popular songs-‘White Horse,’ ‘You Look Like You Love Me,’ and ‘Need You Now’ in her hosting medley, paying tribute to her fellow artists. The medley was beautifully concluded with a guest appearance by country singer and songwriter Keith Urban. This year’s presenters included influential figures like American singer Billy Ray Cyrus and actress Elizabeth Hurley, who presented the Single of the Year award. Other presenters included Leanne Morgan, Billy Bob Thornton, Bert Kreischer, Bailey Zimmerman, and Keith Urban.
The winners at the 2025 CMA included Lainey Wilson, who swept major categories such as ‘Entertainer of the Year,’ ‘Female Vocalist of the Year,’ and ‘Album of the Year’ for her fifth studio album, ‘Whirlwinds.’ Artists like Riley Green and Ella Langley also showcased their talent by winning ‘Song of the Year’ (for ‘You Look Like You Love Me,’ featuring Riley Green), ‘Single of the Year,’ and the ‘Music Video of the Year’ for the same song. Meanwhile, ‘Music of the Year’ was awarded to steel guitarist Paul Franklin, and Cody Johnson and Zach Top won Male Vocalist and New Artist of the Year, respectively.
About the Country Music Association Awards Ceremony
The Country Music Association Awards recognize achievements in country music and celebrate both emerging artists and the legacies of established stars. The CMA presents awards across twelve categories, including Entertainer, Male Vocalist, Female Vocalist, Vocal Duo, New Artist, and Musician of the Year.
Radio broadcasters are also honored in nine categories, such as Station of the Year and Personality of the Year. Since 2012, the ceremony has also included the tradition of presenting Lifetime Achievement Awards. The first CMA Awards was held at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium in 1967 and has been televised annually since then.
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