The 2025 CMA Awards featured plenty of milestone moments for the genre’s biggest stars.
Lainey Wilson returned to host the awards show for the second year in a row on Wednesday, November 19, and celebrated country music’s most notable names at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.
“I grew up watching the CMA Awards like it was the Super Bowl, so to be hosting for a second year is a true honor,” Wilson said in a statement months before taking the stage. “I’m humbled that CMA has trusted me with this role, and I can’t wait to love on this genre that has given me so much.”
Aside from hosting, Wilson was nominated for six trophies and took home the top prize, Entertainer of the Year. The “Ring Finger” musician also won Female Vocalist of the Year for the fourth year in a row. (She was nominated alongside Miranda Lambert, Kelsea Ballerini, Ella Langley and Megan Moroney.)
CMA Awards 2025: Complete List of Nominees and Winners
“It’s a good night. Thank you, Jesus, thank you so much,” she said during her female vocalist speech on Wednesday. “I am so proud to be in this category with these women.”
Keep scrolling for a breakdown of the best and worst moments from last night’s CMAs:
Best Performance: Lainey Wilson’s Medley of Country Hits
Wilson began the show with a medley of country’s biggest hits, kicking off with Chris Stapleton’s “White Horse.” The medley ended with a surprise appearance from Keith Urban, who played guitar for Wilson’s rendition of his song “Where the Blacktop Ends.”
An honorable mention moment was 5-foot-6 Wilson looking up at 6-foot-2 Shaboozey while singing “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”
The other songs included in her performance were: “Hillybilly Deluxe” by Brooks & Dunn, “You Look Like You Love Me” by Ella Langley and Riley Green, “Redneck Woman” by Gretchen Wilson, “Need You Now” by Lady A, “Gunpowder and Lead” by Miranda Lambert, and “Girl Crush” by Little Big Town.
Best Acceptance Speech: Vince Gill’s Lifetime Achievement Award
Gill took home the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award on Wednesday night. He was honored by George Strait, who took home the award last year, and Brandi Carlile and Patty Loveless, who sang a rendition of Gill’s song “When I Call Your Name.”
“It’s not lost on me they had to get girls to come out here and sing for me tonight,” Gill joked. “No boys can get up that high.”
Best Unexpected Guest: Steve Martin — And His Banjo
It’s not lost on Us that people were confused about Martin’s appearance at the awards show, but for those not in the know, the actor has released several banjo albums over the years. His most recent was titled Safe, Sensible and Sane and was released alongside Alison Brown, with whom he took the stage to present an award.
Best Dressed: Kelsea Ballerini
Ballerini’s sheer Christian Siriano gown turned heads as the singer walked the CMAs red carpet days after releasing her Mount Pleasant EP. Later on in the night, she took the stage to perform “I Sit in Parks” from the new collection of songs.
2025 CMA Awards Red Carpet Fashion: Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson
Worst Snub: Chris Stapleton
While Stapleton was nominated for three awards during last night’s show — Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Music Video of the Year — he lost out on all three. However, he did take the stage to perform “A Song to Sing” alongside Miranda Lambert.
Worst Time to Win an Award: Zach Top
Top took home the New Artist of the Year award while he was mid-chug. Yes, you read that right. The singer took his Coors Banquet can on stage with him and held on to the beer while making his acceptance speech.
