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Nashville Shines Bright as Lainey Wilson Dominates CMA Awards
NASHVILLE, TN – Country music’s biggest night, the Country Music Association Awards, saw Lainey Wilson sweep the competition on Wednesday, November 19th, at the Bridgestone Arena. The talented artist, who also took on solo hosting duties for the second consecutive year, walked away with the most awards of the evening, including the coveted Entertainer of the Year.
Wilson’s impressive haul also included her fourth Female Vocalist of the Year award and her second Album of the Year for her acclaimed record, Whirlwind. The night culminated with her heartfelt acceptance speech for Entertainer of the Year, where she thanked her family, soon-to-be husband, and her dedicated behind-the-scenes team. In a moment of charming forgetfulness, she briefly left the stage before returning with a chuckle, “I forgot I was hosting this thing!”
The evening kicked off with Wilson performing a vibrant medley of recent country hits, featuring tracks like Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush” and Chris Stapleton’s “White Horse,” alongside her own popular song, “Ring Finger.”
Wilson shared the lead for overall nominations with Ella Langley and Megan Moroney, each receiving six nods. Her nominations also included Single of the Year and Song of the Year for “4x4xU,” and Music Video of the Year for “Somewhere Over Laredo.”
Ella Langley and Riley Green secured the awards for Single of the Year and Song of the Year for their collaboration, “You Look Like You Love Me.” Langley expressed her gratitude, stating, “I feel like this is a song that just keeps on giving because fans keep on listening to it.”
Green, featured on the track, added, “Thanks for letting me be a part of this song. Thanks for making it a hit.”
Langley was also recognized with nominations for Music Video of the Year for “You Look Like You Love Me,” Musical Event of the Year as a featured singer on Green’s “Don’t Mind If I Do,” Female Vocalist of the Year, and New Artist of the Year. Following their wins, Green performed his song “Worst Way,” and Langley graced the stage with “Choosin’ Texas.”
Chris Stapleton, a nominee for Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, and Music Video of the Year for “Think I’m in Love with You,” performed “Bad As I Used To Be” and joined Miranda Lambert for a rendition of “A Song to Sing.” Stapleton, however, was bested in the Male Vocalist category by Cody Johnson, who humbly acknowledged Stapleton’s influence. Johnson, recalling childhood dreams of performing, said, “To be in a vocalist category with Chris Stapleton, who is one of the greatest vocalists of all time… thank you for paving the way, brother.”
Megan Moroney delivered a dazzling, heart-filled performance of “6 Months Later.” Her six nominations included Album of the Year for *Am I Okay?
*; Female Vocalist of the Year; Single of the Year, Song of the Year, and Music Video of the Year for “Am I Okay?”; and Musical Event of the Year for “You Had To Be There” with Kenny Chesney. Chesney himself took the stage to perform “American Kids” and “When the Sun Goes Down,” while Tucker Wetmore sang “Wind Up Missin’ You.”
Veteran duo Brooks & Dunn added to their impressive collection, taking home their 16th CMA award for Vocal Duo of the Year. Kix Brooks remarked, “I heard earlier tonight, ‘Do y’all ever get sick of this?’ Hell no, this is all good.”
The ceremony opened with three-time nominee Luke Combs performing “Back in the Saddle.” Combs, nominated for Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, and Single of the Year for “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma,” later collaborated with BigXthaPlug on “Pray Hard.”
Zach Top celebrated his first CMA award, winning New Artist of the Year after performing his hit “Guitar.” He was also nominated for Album of the Year for Cold Beer & Country Music, Male Vocalist of the Year, and Single of the Year for “I Never Lie.”
Fellow New Artist of the Year nominee Stephen Wilson Jr. offered a cover of Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me” and joined Shaboozey for “Took a Walk.”
Kelsea Ballerini, a nominee for Female Vocalist of the Year, delivered a unique performance of “I Sit in Parks” from a rain-drenched playground setting. The Red Clay Strays, performing their hit “People Hatin’,” secured their first Vocal Group of the Year award. Nominees Old Dominion entertained the crowd with “Break Up with Him,” “Memory Lane,” and “One Man Band.”
The evening also paid tribute to country legend Vince Gill, who received the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. Ahead of the presentation, Brandi Carlile performed Gill’s “When I Call Your Name,” later joined by his longtime collaborator, Patty Loveless.
Fellow legend George Strait lauded Gill’s immense talent, highlighting his guitar playing, songwriting, and vocal prowess, concluding, “There’s no one more deserving to receive this honor.” Gill, in turn, praised Nelson and the other esteemed artists who have received the award, saying, “So Willie, if you’re out there listening… you’re still inspiring us.”