Lainey Wilson wasted no time making the 2025 CMA Awards her stage. After a brief spoken word opening monologue, the country superstar launched into an electrifying choreographed performance that featured a medley of country hits to celebrate the legends, trailblazers and rising stars that shape the genre.
Wearing an all-white pantsuit complete with gold embellishments, a CMA Awards belt buckle and a cowboy hat, Lainey Wilson delivered a captivating performance that had everyone in awe of her superstar talents.
Joined by Charlie Worsham on acoustic guitar, Lainey Wilson kicked off her epic medley with a cover of Chris Stapleton’s “White Horse,” as the cameras panned to Stapleton and his wife, Morgane Stapleton, seated in the front row.
A group of female dancers then joined Wilson as she made her way through the star-studded crowd to the CMA’s most-winning duo, Brooks & Dunn, and belted out their hit “Hillbilly Deluxe.” Next, she grabbed Ella Langley’s hand, singing “You Look Like You Love Me” by Langley and Riley Green, while dancing with her in the aisle.
Wilson moved on to Gretchen Wilson in the audience, performing a spirited cover of “Redneck Woman,” before finding Lady A and delivering an impressive rendition of their chart-topping hit, “Need You Now.” She then offered a rowdy take on Miranda Lambert’s “Gunpowder And Lead,” prompting her “Good Horses” collaborator, Lambert, to join in for a sing-along.
Paying tribute to Shaboozey, Wilson performed the hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” with the singer/songwriter, whose real name is Collins Obinna Chibueze, dancing and singing along with her in the crowd. Little Big Town also joined in from their seats, adding harmonies as Wilson covered their award-winning anthem, “Girl Crush.”
To close her medley, Keith Urban exploded onto the stage with his electric guitar for a rousing performance of “Where The Blacktop Ends,” sharing the spotlight with Wilson for the finale.
Lainey Wilson also took a break from her hosting duties later in the show to perform “Ring Finger.” Wilson took home 3 trophies at the 2025 CMA Awards, including Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year for Whirlwind, as well as Entertainer Of The Year, marking her second win in the coveted category. With this victory, she becomes only the third woman ever to secure two CMA Entertainer of the Year titles. She now stands alongside Taylor Swift and Barbara Mandrell in this exclusive club.
The Louisiana native arrived in style to the red carpet with her soon-to-be husband, Devlin “Duck” Hodges, by her side.
The 59th Annual CMA Awards featured unforgettable performances from BigXthaPlug, Luke Combs, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Shaboozey, Zach Top, Tucker Wetmore, Stephen Wilson Jr., Kelsea Ballerini, Brandi Carlile, Kenny Chesney, Riley Green, Miranda Lambert, Patty Loveless, Old Dominion, The Red Clay Strays, Chris Stapleton and more.
In addition to performances, the show also featured a star-studded list of presenters and special guests, including Lady A, Alison Brown, Jessica Capshaw, Billy Ray Cyrus, Lauren Daigle, Jordan Davis, Elizabeth Hurley, Cody Johnson, Bert Kreischer, Brandon Lake, Ella Langley, Steve Martin, Leanne Morgan, NE-YO, Chris O’Donnell, Kimberly Perry, LeAnn Rimes, Alan Ritchson, Lara Spencer, Billy Bob Thornton, Grace Van Patten, Gretchen Wilson, Bailey Zimmerman and more.
“Country Music’s Biggest Night” also honored Vince Gill with the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. The 68-year-old country music legend was celebrated with a special tribute performance before accepting the coveted award.
The 59th Annual CMA Awards was a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton was the Executive Producer, Alan Carter was the Director and Jon Macks was the Head Writer.
Hosted by Lainey Wilson, the 2025 CMA Awards broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 19 (8:00–11:00 PM ET) on ABC and will be made available to stream the following day on Hulu.
