The 59th Annual CMA Awards took place on November 19, 2025 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Early winners included Post Malone and Blake Shelton winning Musical Event of the Year. Ella Langley and Riley Green claimed Music Video of the Year for their hit “You Look Like You Love Me.” Country’s biggest night delivered multiple record-breaking moments.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Post Malone scored his first-ever CMA Award for “Pour Me a Drink” with Blake Shelton
- Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, and Lainey Wilson led nominations going into the ceremony
- Lainey Wilson hosted the event as the first female solo host in over 30 years
- The show aired live 8 PM ET on ABC from Bridgestone Arena
- Vince Gill received the 2025 Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award
Early Winners Break New Ground at Country’s Biggest Night
Post Malone made history with his first CMA Award win as part of the early winners. His collaboration with Blake Shelton on “Pour Me a Drink” earned Musical Event of the Year. This marks a significant milestone for the pop star transitioning into country music. His album “F1 Trillion” signaled his serious entry into the genre earlier this year.
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Ella Langley and Riley Green took home the Music Video of the Year award for “You Look Like You Love Me.” The Western-themed music video impressed voters. Langley co-directed the visual production alongside John Park and Wales Toney. Her nomination haul made her one of the ceremony’s leading artists.
Several powerhouse artists performed throughout the evening. Kenny Chesney, Brandi Carlile, Kelsea Ballerini, Chris Stapleton, Old Dominion, and Riley Green all took the stage. Lainey Wilson made her mark as the event’s solo host for the evening.
Why This Year’s CMA Awards Matter So Much
The 2025 CMA Awards showcased country music’s evolving landscape. Artists like Post Malone prove the genre welcomes diverse musical talent. His win validates the crossover appeal ruling modern country radio. New voices like Ella Langley demonstrate the genre’s future looks bright and innovative.
Lainey Wilson hosting solo marked another milestone moment. As the first female solo host in over 30 years, she represented progress in country music administration. This isn’t just about awards—it’s about representation at the industry’s highest levels.
The ceremony also honored legends like Vince Gill. Receiving the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award acknowledged his decades-long impact on country music. Such recognition keeps tradition alive while celebrating innovation.
Complete Early Winners and Award Categories
The 59th CMA Awards began announcing winners before the main broadcast. Below are the key early winners announced:
| Category | Winner |
| Musical Event of the Year | Post Malone feat. Blake Shelton – “Pour Me a Drink” |
| Music Video of the Year | Ella Langley & Riley Green – “You Look Like You Love Me” |
| Top Host | Lainey Wilson (first female solo host in 30+ years) |
| Lifetime Achievement | Vince Gill – Willie Nelson Award |
The ceremony continued throughout the evening with multiple performance segments. Industry veterans and rising stars took center stage all night long.
What to Watch For Moving Forward
Post Malone’s country success could inspire more pop artists to explore the genre. His album sales and streaming numbers prove country audiences embrace crossover performers. Expect more collaborations between established pop acts and country stars.
- Ella Langley looks poised for major career growth following her nomination success
- Record-breaking moments may emerge as voting continues throughout the live broadcast
- Performance highlights featuring Kenny Chesney and Brandi Carlile generate discussion
- Next year’s 60th CMA Awards will compete for viewership growth
- New Artist categories continue launching emerging talent into the spotlight
Will Country Music’s Evolution Continue Beyond the 2025 CMA Awards?
The 2025 CMA Awards delivered precisely what fans expected: tradition meets progress. Post Malone winning his first award represents one direction. Ella Langley and Riley Green’s success represents another path forward entirely. Both matter to country music’s future identity.
Lainey Wilson hosting alone sends a powerful message about opportunity. Vince Gill’s recognition reminds everyone country music values its heritage. Balancing these elements keeps the genre relevant and thriving moving ahead.
As ratings rolled in from ABC’s broadcast that evening, industry observers tracked every moment. Will crossover success dominate next year’s awards? Will traditional country make a comeback? The answers lie ahead, but one thing’s certain—November 19, 2025 marked another pivotal moment in country music history.
Sources
- Billboard – Post Malone’s first CMA Award win coverage
- Rolling Stone – Complete 2025 CMA Awards winners list
- People Magazine – Comprehensive ceremony coverage and details
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.