The top prize of entertainer of the year at the 2025 Country Music Association Awards went to none other than Lainey Wilson, who hosted, performed and barely left the stage Wednesday night.
“It takes a village,” she said in her acceptance speech. “We about to party.” She beat out Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton and Morgan Wallen, last year’s winner in the category.
Earlier in the night, she won album of the year for “Whirlwind” – marking her second career win in the category – and earned the trophy for female vocalist of the year. It was her fourth time winning that title.
She celebrated other women in country music – and had a few choice words for those who don’t. “For the folks that are sitting at home, in your mama’s basement, eating your Cheetos, trying to pit women against each other,” she concluded her speech. “Y’all need to find something better to do.”
In some ways, it echoed 2023’s award show, where Wilson took home five trophies including entertainer of the year. But it wasn’t just Lainey celebrating at the 59th annual CMA Awards, which aired live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. It was also a big night for Ella Langley and Riley Green from the jump. The duo’s retro radio hit, “You Look Like You Love Me,” took home both single and song of the year at the 2025 Country Music Association Awards Wednesday night.
“This song is the gift that keeps on giving,” Langley said.?”How cool is it that a song with talking verses wins song of the year,” added Green. The legendary Vince Gill was presented with the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, serenaded with his classic “When I Call Your Name” by Brandi Carlile and Patty Loveless.
“His guitar playing is amazing. His songwriting is amazing. His singing is amazing,” said George Strait. He handed the award to Gill, his friend, and said there was none more deserving. “He’s just an immense talent. And oh, yeah, he plays with The Eagles.”