Lainey Wilson Opens the CMA Awards With a Show-Stopping Medley of Country Classics

Lainey Wilson set the tone for Country Music’s Biggest Night™ with an explosive, high-energy opening medley that pulled the entire Bridgestone Arena to its feet. Kicking off The 59th Annual CMA Awards, Wilson delivered a whirlwind celebration of the genre’s most iconic hits – a bold, joyous start to a night filled with surprises, emotional moments, and record-breaking wins.

Performing everything from Chris Stapleton’s “White Horse” (with guitar wizard Charlie Worsham) to Gretchen Wilson’s “Redneck Woman,” Wilson honored the artists seated in the front rows while showing fans everywhere exactly why she continues to dominate country music. The medley moved seamlessly between eras and styles – roaring through Brooks & Dunn’s “Hillbilly Deluxe,” shifting into Ella Langley and Riley Green’s viral “you look like you love me,” and exploding into Miranda Lambert’s “Gunpowder & Lead.”

Wilson then brought out Little Big Town for a soaring duet on “Girl Crush,” before wrapping the medley with Keith Urban on “Where the Blacktop Ends,” lighting up the arena in one of the most electrifying CMA openings in years. It was uplifting, nostalgic, and fiercely country – a perfect showcase for Wilson’s command as a performer and her role as this year’s CMA host.

The show aired live from Nashville on November 19, 2025, and is now available to stream on Hulu.

Lainey Wilson Wins Big: Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year & Female Vocalist

After opening the show, Lainey Wilson went on to dominate the night – taking home Entertainer of the Year for the second time, Album of the Year for Whirlwind, and Female Vocalist of the Year for the fourth year in a row. It was a monumental night for an artist who continues to rise higher with each album, tour, and live performance.

Her latest single, “Somewhere Over Laredo,” is currently racing up US country radio after hitting #1 in the UK, adding another milestone to an already career-defining season.

Zach Top and Ella Langley Break Through With Major Wins

It was a huge night for newcomers too. Zach Top – beer can still in hand – claimed New Artist of the Year, marking one of the night’s most talked-about moments. The traditional country singer has had a breakout year, and his win signals a major shift in the genre’s center of gravity.

Meanwhile, Ella Langley & Riley Green swept two major categories with their hit “you look like you love me,” taking home both Single of the Year and Music Video of the Year. The song has been one of 2025’s biggest success stories, and its CMA wins solidify its place as a defining country hit of the year.

Riley Green, Ella Langley, and Lainey Wilson were the night’s top winners, each walking away with three awards.

Cody Johnson Ends Chris Stapleton’s Reign

In one of the night’s most surprising twists, Cody Johnson won Male Vocalist of the Year, breaking Chris Stapleton’s years-long dominance in the category. Johnson’s powerhouse vocals and emotional performances made this a widely-celebrated and long-overdue win.

Brooks & Dunn Make CMA History

Brooks & Dunn – already one of country music’s most legendary duos — set a new record last night, becoming the most awarded act in CMA history with 20 total wins. They added another Vocal Duo of the Year trophy to their collection, proving their lasting impact across generations.

Post Malone & Blake Shelton Win Musical Event of the Year

Post Malone’s country crossover era continues to deliver big moments. He and Blake Shelton took home Musical Event of the Year for their fan-favorite collaboration “Pour Me A Drink,” produced by Louis Bell and Charlie Handsome. For Blake Shelton, this marks his eleventh CMA Award.

Earlier in the day, Good Morning America revealed this win during their broadcast.

Emotional Tribute: Vince Gill Receives the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award

One of the most powerful moments of the night came when country legend Vince Gill was honored with the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. Brandi Carlile and Patty Loveless delivered moving performances in his honor, and in a surprise moment, last year’s recipient George Strait appeared onstage to personally present the award.

It was a heartfelt celebration of Gill’s extraordinary career – from his 50 years in music to his time hosting the CMA Awards for a record-tying 12 years.

Kenny Chesney, June Carter Cash & Tony Brown Honored as Hall of Fame Inductees

Kenny Chesney took to the stage for a two-song medley of “American Kids” and “When the Sun Goes Down” to mark his 2025 Country Music Hall of Fame induction. The broadcast also celebrated fellow inductees June Carter Cash and legendary producer Tony Brown.

Standout Performances and Big Collaborations

The night showcased a wide range of performances – from stripped-down acoustic moments to arena-sized production. Highlights included:

• Luke Combs and BigXthaPlug surprising fans with a genre-blending collaboration
• Shaboozey joining Stephen Wilson Jr.
• Miranda Lambert teaming up with Chris Stapleton
• Megan Moroney, Riley Green, The Red Clay Strays, and Tucker Wetmore delivering some of their strongest CMA performances yet.

A true reminder that country music continues to expand, evolve, and push boundaries.

Special Industry Honor: Lynette Garbonola Receives Jo Walker Meador International Award

BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s Lynette Garbonola, VP of International, was honored with the Jo Walker Meador International Award for expanding country music’s global reach. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to growing the genre outside the United States – a remarkable achievement for someone whose work has helped elevate American country music to a worldwide audience.

Where to Watch

Missed the show?

• CMA performances are available now on YouTube
• The full broadcast is streaming tomorrow on Hulu