Nashville was buzzing on November 19, 2025, and for good reason. The 59th Annual CMA Awards wasn't just another awards show—it was a statement. If you've been following country music lately, you probably already guessed who walked away with the big one. Honestly, it felt like the air in the Bridgestone Arena changed the second Keith Urban stepped up to the mic to announce the final award.
So, who won entertainer of the year for the cmas this time around? Lainey Wilson did it again.
She didn't just win; she hosted the whole show and basically owned the stage for three hours straight. It’s her second time taking home the night’s most prestigious honor, and let's be real, she's on a run that most artists only dream about. Watching her accept the trophy from Keith Urban, you could tell she wasn't just "playing the part." She was genuinely shocked, even though everyone else in the room kind of saw it coming.
Breaking Down the 2025 Entertainer of the Year Win
The competition this year was actually insane. Think about the names on that ballot: Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, and Cody Johnson. That’s a heavy-hitting lineup. Morgan Wallen was the reigning champ from 2024, and Luke Combs is always a threat because his stadium tours are massive. But Lainey has this "it" factor right now that’s hard to ignore.
During her speech, she got pretty emotional. She thanked her parents, Michelle and Brian, and gave a shout-out to her fiancé, Devlin "Duck" Hodges. Fun fact: she actually mentioned they’re getting married in 2026. The crowd went nuts. She talked about having "stars in her eyes" since she was a little girl in Baskin, Louisiana, and honestly, you can still see it. She hasn't lost that grit.
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Lainey’s night was huge even before the Entertainer win. She also grabbed Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year for Whirlwind. When you look at the stats, she was nominated for nearly everything—Single of the Year, Song of the Year, you name it. It's a "bell bottom country" world, and we're all just living in it.
Why This Specific Win Matters for Country Music
Winning Entertainer of the Year isn't just about who has the best voice. It’s about the whole package. It’s about who is pushing the genre forward, who is selling the tickets, and who is making the most noise. Lainey Wilson becoming a two-time winner (2023 and 2025) puts her in a very elite club.
Before her 2023 win, there was a massive gap for women in this category. We're talking a 12-year drought since Taylor Swift won in 2011. Before that, you have to go back to Shania Twain, Reba, and the legends like Dolly and Loretta. Lainey isn't just winning for herself; she's proving that a female lead can dominate the charts and the stage simultaneously.
The Other Big Winners of the Night
While Lainey was the star, she wasn't the only one making headlines.
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Cody Johnson finally got his due as Male Vocalist of the Year. People have been clamoring for "CoJo" to get that recognition for a while now. And if you haven't heard of Zach Top yet, you're behind. He took New Artist of the Year, and his traditional sound is exactly what some fans have been missing.
Then there’s the "you look like you love me" duo. Ella Langley and Riley Green were the night’s other big sweepers, taking home Musical Event of the Year and Song of the Year. That song has been everywhere, and seeing them perform it live reminded everyone why it’s such a hit. Also, shout out to Brooks & Dunn. They won Vocal Duo of the Year again, which brings their total CMA count to 20. That is a record that might never be broken.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Entertainer Category
There’s always a bit of drama when the winner is announced. Some fans were convinced Morgan Wallen would repeat his 2024 win, especially with his I’m The Problem tour numbers. Others thought Chris Stapleton’s pure talent would carry him.
But the CMA voters—who are industry professionals, not fans—look at the "Year in Review." Lainey Wilson didn't just release an album; she became the face of the genre. She’s in commercials, she’s on Yellowstone, she’s hosting the CMAs, and her live show is a masterclass in energy. She works harder than almost anyone in Nashville, and that counts for a lot when the ballots go out.
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Where Does Lainey Wilson Go From Here?
It’s hard to top a year where you host the show and win the biggest award. But if you know anything about Lainey, she’s not the type to sit still. She’s already teased more new music and that 2026 wedding is going to be the country event of the season.
For fans who want to keep up with the legacy of who won entertainer of the year for the cmas, it’s worth looking at the history. Only a few artists have won this award three or more times—Garth Brooks has seven, and Kenny Chesney has four. Lainey is currently sitting at two. If she keeps up this momentum, she’s well on her way to legendary status.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into the 2025 winners, here are a few things you should actually do:
- Listen to Whirlwind from start to finish. There’s a reason it won Album of the Year; the storytelling is top-tier Jay Joyce production.
- Check out Zach Top’s Cold Beer & Country Music. If you like 90s country, he’s your new favorite artist.
- Watch the opening monologue from the 2025 CMAs. Lainey’s medley honoring legends like Gretchen Wilson and Little Big Town was a highlight of the broadcast.
- Keep an eye on the 2026 tour schedules. Most of these winners, including Cody Johnson and Riley Green, are hitting the road hard this summer.
The 2025 CMAs proved that country music is in a transition phase. We’re seeing a mix of the old guard like Brooks & Dunn still winning alongside newcomers like The Red Clay Strays (who won Vocal Group of the Year). It’s a healthy spot for the genre to be in. Lainey Wilson is leading the pack, and honestly, she’s earned every bit of it.