2025 CMA Awards Recap

The 2025 CMA Awards are officially here. Luke Combs kicked off the event, showcasing his performance of “Back in the Saddle,” which set quite the tone for country music’s biggest night.

Hosting the ceremony this year is Laney Wilson, who made a stylish entrance in a white and gold bell-bottom outfit complemented by a white cowboy hat and a sizable CMA belt buckle. After Combs’ performance, she took to the stage, engaging with country icons in the audience and even inviting them to join her in song. It looked like a fun moment, especially when Keith Urban came up to perform alongside her.

The CMA Awards, held on November 19, 2025, at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, saw Billy Ray Cyrus and Elizabeth Hurley present the award for single of the year. This honor went to Ella Langley and Riley Greene for their hit “You Look Like You Love Me.”

Megan Moloney followed with a vibrant performance of “6 Month Later,” and Chris Stapleton, a notable winner with 19 CMA Awards under his belt, took the stage to sing “Bad As I Want to Be.” It was clear that the audience was loving every minute, with notable figures like Harley and Cyrus clapping along.

This year marked Laney Wilson’s solo hosting debut, a significant moment since last year she shared the spotlight with Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning. Alongside Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire, she has now made history as one of the few women to host this prestigious event. During her time on stage, Wilson humorously noted receiving text messages from Bryan and Manning, adding a personal touch to her hosting.

In a light-hearted moment, she shared that Manning praised her and remarked that Bryan seemed a bit out of the loop about the show’s timing. Seems like even big stars have their mix-ups sometimes!

As the night progressed, Zack Top received the CMA New Artist of the Year Award, and in a rather humorous twist, he accidentally brought a can of beer onto the stage. It was definitely a memorable moment.

Wilson presented the Musician of the Year award together with Billy Bob Thornton, who made a funny quip about his routines, including needing to get to bed early on Saturdays for church. It was a delightful exchange.

On the red carpet, Dustin Lynch praised Wilson, describing her as the perfect fit for hosting. He suggested she had this natural essence, blending fun and confidence seamlessly.

Meanwhile, Brantley Gilbert and his wife Amber celebrated their “date night” at the CMAs. He mentioned how he’s usually swamped with family responsibilities, making this night out feel quite special. LeAnn Rimes reflected on her journey, noting how attending the CMAs felt like coming full circle since her teenage years in the late ’90s.

The ceremony not only highlighted star performances from talented artists like Megan Moloney, Kelsea Ballerini, and Miranda Lambert but also showcased Kenny Chesney, who electrified the stage with “American Kids.”

Additionally, country music legend Vince Gill was set to receive the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes a remarkable career and influence in the industry. Gill expressed anticipation for this honor, hoping to reflect his heritage through his music.

All in all, the 2025 CMA Awards were a vibrant mix of performances, heartfelt moments, and the celebration of country music’s finest.