The 2025 CMA Awards, held on Wednesday, November 19, was notably dubbed a “ladies’ night,” with Lainey Wilson and Ella Langley emerging as the evening's most significant victors. Lainey Wilson cemented her status by winning the highly coveted Entertainer of the Year award, overcoming strong competition. Her project, Whirlwind, was also honored as Album of the Year, further highlighting her dominant presence in country music.

Beyond the top accolades, a comprehensive list of winners across various categories was announced. The Single of the Year award was bestowed upon “You Look Like You Love Me,” performed by Ella Langley and Riley Green, and produced by Will Bundy with Jim Cooley serving as mix engineer. This song also secured the Song of the Year title, recognizing the songwriting talents of Riley Green, Ella Langley, and Aaron Raitiere.

Lainey Wilson’s impressive night continued as she was named Female Vocalist of the Year. For the Male Vocalist of the Year category, Cody Johnson took home the prize. The Red Clay Strays were celebrated as the Vocal Group of the Year, while the iconic duo Brooks & Dunn earned the Vocal Duo of the Year award.

The Musical Event of the Year went to “Pour Me a Drink” by Post Malone featuring Blake Shelton, with Louis Bell and Charlie Handsome as producers. Paul Franklin was recognized as Musician of the Year for his exceptional steel guitar work. The visually compelling “You Look Like You Love Me,” also by Ella Langley & Riley Green, with Ella Langley, John Park, and Wales Toney as directors, was awarded Music Video of the Year. Zach Top was honored as the New Artist of the Year.

In addition to the main awards, the 2025 CMA Broadcast Awards recognized outstanding achievements in radio. These winners were determined by a final round of judging by broadcast professionals and were revealed on Tuesday, October 7. Recipients were celebrated during the CMA Awards ceremony.

The Broadcast Personality of the Year awards by market size included: “Country Countdown USA with Lon Helton” for Weekly National, “The Rob and Holly Show” for Daily National, “Chris Carr & Company” from KEEY, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn., for Major Market, “The Q Morning Crew w/ Mike & Amanda” from WQDR, Raleigh-Durham, N.C., for Large Market, “Mo & StyckMan” from WUSY, Chattanooga, Tenn., for Medium Market, and “Ben & Arnie” from WCOW, La Crosse, Wis., for Small Market.

Radio Station of the Year honors by market size were: KKBQ in Houston for Major Market, WUBE in Cincinnati for Large Market, WIVK in Knoxville, Tenn., for Medium Market, and WXBQ in Johnson City-Kingsport-Bristol, Tenn.-Va., for Small Market. The 2025 CMA Awards and Broadcast Awards collectively showcased a vibrant year for country music, celebrating both established stars and emerging talents across the industry.