Lainey Wilson dominates CMA Awards 2025 with major wins; Zach Top claims breakout honour

Lainey Wilson dominates CMA Awards 2025

The 59th Annual Country Music Association (CMA) Awards lit up Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena with a night full of powerhouse performances, emotional moments, and defining wins—none bigger than those claimed by Lainey Wilson. The singer-songwriter, known for her bold blend of modern grit and classic storytelling, emerged as the evening’s biggest victor, securing two of the ceremony’s most coveted trophies: Entertainer of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year.

Lainey Wilson, who also took on hosting duties for the first time, delivered a confident, magnetic presence throughout the evening. The back-to-back honors reinforced what many in the industry have been saying all year, that Wilson is no longer just a rising star, but a defining voice of her generation.

Lainey Wilson performs Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song” at the #CMAAwards pic.twitter.com/Qz9UPSj2hh

Story continues below Advertisement

Remove Ad

— Deadline (@DEADLINE) November 20, 2025

Lainey Wilson has a moment with Miranda Lambert singing “Gunpowder & Lead” during #CMAAwards opening pic.twitter.com/LnbALexRb0

— Deadline (@DEADLINE) November 20, 2025

The night’s other major breakthrough came from Zach Top, who took home New Artist of the Year. Accepting the honor, Zach expressed gratitude for the recognition early in his career.

This year’s awards also highlighted country music’s expanding reach, with performances that blended styles, generations, and moods. Yet it was the triumphs of Lainey Wilson and Zach Top that ultimately became the emotional anchors of the night.

Also Read: Sounds of Kumbha shortlisted for 68th Grammy Awards; 'Indian devotional music has the power to stand proudly on the world stage,' says composer Siddhant Bhatia - Exclusive interview

Check out the complete winners list of CMA Awards 2025:

Entertainer of the Year: Lainey Wilson
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
New Artist of the Year: Zach Top
Album of the Year: Lainey Wilson, Whirlwind (Jay Joyce and Jason Hall, Joyce)
Song of the Year: Riley Green and Ella Langley, "You Look Like You Love Me" (Green, Langley, Aaron Raitiere)
Single of the Year: Riley Green and Ella Langley, "You Look Like You Love Me" (Will Bundy and Jim Cooley)
Musical Event of the Year: Post Malone and Blake Shelton, "Pour Me a Drink" (Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome)
Music Video of the Year: Riley Green and Ella Langley, "You Look Like You Love Me" (Directors: Ella Langley, John Park, Wales Toney)
Musician of the Year: Paul Franklin - Steel Guitar