Zach Top claimed the biggest prize of his career. The 28-year-old country star won New Artist of the Year at the 59th CMA Awards on Wednesday, Nov. 19 in Nashville. He took the stage with model girlfriend Amelia Taylor by his side. The Bridgestone Arena erupted as Top accepted his first-ever CMA win from the country music industry’s most prestigious stage.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Zach Top, age 28, won New Artist of the Year at the 59th CMA Awards
- Beat out Ella Langley, Shaboozey, Tucker Wetmore, and Stephen Wilson Jr.
- Performed his hit single “Guitar” earlier in the ceremony
- Nominated for five total CMA Awards in 2025
- From Sunnyside, Washington, released album “Ain’t in it for My Health” in August 2025
The Rise of a Country Breakout Star
Top didn’t just win a trophy Wednesday night. He marked his official arrival at country music’s highest level. The Sunnyside, Washington native has spent the last two years climbing from obscurity to stardom. His journey started on family farmland where he grew up playing music with his siblings. Now he’s standing on the biggest stages in Nashville.
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During his acceptance speech, Top spoke from the heart. “Thank you very, very much. I can’t remember if I was supposed to put my beer down first or not. But here it is now,” he told the Nashville crowd. His humility resonated instantly. He thanked his parents for believing in his music career. He expressed gratitude for “the gift to be able to sing and play.”
Top explained that this win felt enormous because it was his first. He noted it was a big deal to beat four other talented artists competing in the same category. His gratitude extended to everyone who believed in him throughout his rapid rise.
Romance on Country Music’s Biggest Night
Amelia Taylor made her presence known on the CMA Awards red carpet beside Top. The model from Mississippi has become a fixture at his side since their relationship went public in November 2024. They walked Nashville’s red carpet looking confident and supportive.
Taylor works as a runway and print model for brands including House of Barretti and Marc Defang. Originally from Grenada, Mississippi, she graduated from Winona Christian School in June 2023. She competed in the 2021 Miss Mississippi Teen USA pageant. Her combined social media following topped 100,000 followers across Instagram and TikTok.
The couple share a chocolate springer spaniel named Otis whom they adopted in November 2024. Taylor regularly posts behind-the-scenes content from Top’s tour, proudly celebrating his success. She traveled with him to his sold-out stadium show in Houston in March 2025 where over 70,800 fans attended.
A Big Night Among Five Nominations
Top’s win marked just one victory in what could be a dominant night for the country star. He arrived at the Bridgestone Arena with five total nominations in major categories. Beyond New Artist of the Year, he was competed for Male Vocalist, Album of the Year, Single of the Year, and Song of the Year.
He performed his latest single “Guitar” during the live broadcast, showcasing the traditional country sound that resonates with fans. The performance proved why he’s become one of country music’s hottest emerging talents. His music blends 1990s traditionalist vibes with modern production that keeps listeners engaged.
“It’s been a hell of a last couple of years,” Top concluded in his speech. “So, so thankful and ready to celebrate all night.” That energy perfectly captures his trajectory from farm life to country music’s biggest stage.
The Numbers Behind His Breakthrough
Zach Top’s breakout success accelerated in 2024-2025. His debut album “Cold Beer & Country Music” dropped in April 2024, establishing his sound immediately. Producers and industry insiders took notice of his commercial appeal. By May 2025, he picked up his first ACM Award for New Male Artist of the Year at the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards.
His breakthrough proved no fluke. Rolling Stone named him one of the “hottest acts right now” in country music. His second album “Ain’t in it for My Health” released in August 2025 featured singles like “Good Times & Tan Lines.” The album solidified his position as a force in modern country music.
By November 2025, his five CMA nominations demonstrated his broad appeal across multiple categories. Unlike artists who dominate one category, Top shows versatility as a vocalist, songwriter, and recording artist.
What’s Next for Country’s Newest Star?
Zach Top’s New Artist of the Year win opens doors to even bigger opportunities. Country music historically breaks new stars through major award recognition. This win positions him for radio rotation increases, major tour offers, and potential awards show performances.
The early competition between nominees was intense. Ella Langley, age 26, came with serious credentials after her 2024 CMA win for “Musical Event of the Year” with Riley Green. Shaboozey, age 30, tied the Billboard record for longest-running Hot 100 chart-topper with “A Bar Song.” Tucker Wetmore, age 26, released his debut album in April 2025. Stephen Wilson Jr., age 46, made his breakthrough in 2023.
That caliber of competition makes Top’s win significant. Industry veterans recognized his authentic approach to traditional country as the future of the genre. His win signals a potential shift back toward classic country sounds in mainstream radio.
Where to Watch the Performance
The 59th CMA Awards broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. EST on ABC. The ceremony will stream the next day on Hulu. Lainey Wilson hosted this year’s ceremony.
Sources
- People Magazine – Zach Top’s CMA Awards win and acceptance speech coverage
- CMA Awards Official – Complete nominations and winners list
- Country Music News – Background on nominees and competitor achievements
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.