Lainey Wilson dominated the 59th Annual CMA Awards held at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on November 19, 2025. The Louisiana-born singer won 3 major awards including the coveted Entertainer of the Year crown. She made history as the third woman ever to win this prestigious award twice. Wilson also hosted the electrifying evening, delivering a flawless balance between entertaining and winning big.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Lainey Wilson won Entertainer of the Year at the 59th Annual CMA Awards
- She claimed her second Entertainer of the Year award, becoming the third woman in CMA history to achieve this.
- Album of the Year went to Whirlwind, making her only the second female winner ever
- Wilson also won Female Vocalist of the Year, marking her dominant night
- The awards ceremony took place at Bridgestone Arena on November 19, 2025
Lainey Wilson Dominates the 2025 CMA Awards Stage
Lainey Wilson cemented her status as country music’s reigning queen. She claimed three awards at the ceremony. Entertainer of the Year went to the multi-talented performer. It’s a historic achievement for the artist. Only two women have ever won this award twice. Miranda Lambert is the only other female artist who matched this feat. Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn are the only other women to hold multiple Entertainer titles.
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Wilson’s album Whirlwind took home the Album of the Year award. This is significant territory for females in country music. Only Miranda Lambert won this twice before Wilson. Her victories came through record-breaking touring and consistent artistry.
Cody Johnson captured Male Vocalist of the Year, while Ella Langley and Riley Green won big with their viral hit “you look like you love me.” They took home both Single of the Year and Song of the Year honors. Zach Top emerged as the New Artist of the Year.
Historic Win Marks Wilson’s Remarkable Ascent
This second Entertainer of the Year award shows Wilson’s staying power. She won the award before in 2023 for her debut album Bell Bottom Country. That quick repeat demonstrates her rapid rise.
The evening belonged to Wilson on multiple fronts. She hosted the entire ceremony. She performed throughout the night. She walked away with three major awards. This triple-threat performance set her apart. The CMA Awards generally consider Entertainer of the Year the highest competitive honor available.
Morgan Wallen won this same award just one year ago. His latest album I’m The Problem had massive success across all genres. Despite the album’s impact, Wallen came home empty-handed this year. The competition clearly favored Wilson’s consistent touring and versatility.
2025 CMA Awards Winners at a Glance
The 59th Annual CMA Awards crowned champions across multiple categories. Here’s what happened:
| Award Category | Winner |
| Entertainer of the Year | Lainey Wilson |
| Female Vocalist of the Year | Lainey Wilson |
| Album of the Year | Whirlwind by Lainey Wilson |
| Male Vocalist of the Year | Cody Johnson |
| Single of the Year | “you look like you love me” by Ella Langley & Riley Green |
| Song of the Year | “you look like you love me” by Ella Langley & Riley Green |
| New Artist of the Year | Zach Top |
| Vocal Group of the Year | The Red Clay Strays |
| Vocal Duo of the Year | Brooks & Dunn |
The Red Clay Strays ended Old Dominion’s impressive seven-year streak as Vocal Group of the Year. Brooks & Dunn claimed the Vocal Duo of the Year triumph. These victories represent shifts in country music’s competitive landscape.
What’s Next for Country Music’s Elite?
The CMA Awards set expectations for the coming year. Wilson’s three awards signal momentum heading into award season. More ceremonies will follow.
- Lainey Wilson will likely dominate other major award shows this season
- Her Whirlwind album continues gaining critical recognition and streaming plays
- Ella Langley and Riley Green‘s viral success will drive touring opportunities
- Zach Top enters the spotlight as country’s promising new voice
- Watch for these artists at the Grammy Awards and other major ceremonies
The 2025 CMA Awards demonstrated country music’s depth and diversity. New talents emerged alongside established veterans. Lainey Wilson proved she deserves her position among country music’s elite. Her performance, hosting skills, and musical achievements combined perfectly.
Can Lainey Wilson Repeat This Dominance?
History rarely repeats itself at award shows. Can Wilson maintain her momentum through the awards season? Her three victories at the CMAs suggest she’ll contend for major prizes elsewhere. The Grammy Awards and other ceremonies await.
Wilson’s hosting skills also impressed observers throughout the evening. She balanced humor with respect for the traditions. She performed multiple times with energy and precision. Her three-award sweep makes her the night’s undisputed champion. Industry insiders already speculate about her prospects for coming awards shows and potential tour announcements.
Sources
- The Hollywood Reporter – Complete winners list and ceremony details
- Billboard – CMA Awards 2025 coverage and analysis
- People Magazine – Lainey Wilson entertainer of the year coverage
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.