Country music’s brightest stars gathered at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, on Wednesday for the 59th Annual CMA Awards.
The star-studded event will be hosted by 33-year-old singer Lainey Wilson, who showcased her signature country style in a plunging, bedazzled teal bodysuit as she arrived on the red carpet.
The Watermelon Moonshine hitmaker’s look featured a long sheer mint cape, which she paired with a matching cowboy hat.
Meanwhile Megan Moroney, 28, was ever the blonde bombshell in a strapless black gown with crystal embellishments. She accessorized with dramatic black opera gloves.
Moroney and Wilson join Ella Langley as this year’s top nominees, each earning six nods, followed closely by Zach Top with five.
Riley Green and Cody Johnson are tied for four nominations while Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Charlie Handsome, Kristian Bush, Chris Stapleton and Carson Chamberlain are all up for three nominations.
Lainey Wilson, 33, and Megan Moroney, 28, were among a number of glamorous country stars attending the 59th Annual CMA Awards in Nashville, Tennessee, on Wednesday
The Watermelon Moonshine hitmaker showed off her signature country style in a plunging, bedazzled teal bodysuit as she arrived on the red carpet
Wilson was also joined by her hunky fiancé, former NFL player Devlin ‘Duck’ Hodges, 29, on the red carpet.
Meanwhile Moroney posed with country singer and Renée Zellweger’s ex-husband Kenny Chesney, 57, who looked dapper in a black suit.
You Look Like You Love Me hitmaker Ella Langley, 26, turned heads in a sheer red hot lace gown.
She also had a blast posing with Little Big Town singer Kimberly Schlapman, 56.
Schlapman made a fashion statement in a sequin and black lace gown
Jessica Capshaw, 49, put on a leggy display in a shimmering navy mini dress.
Also at the event was country darling LeAnn Rimes, 43, who opted for a delicate strapless gown with floral embellishments.
Cowboys Cry Too hitmaker Kelsea Ballerini, 32, rocked a bright red tulle number.
Country’s hottest couple Billy Ray Cyrus, 64, and Elizabeth Hurley, 60, enjoyed a date night at the event.
Hurley wore a saucy red dress with a low neckline and a sizzling thigh slit. Meanwhile Miley Cyrus’ dad opted for an all-black outfit with a matching black cowboy hat.
The look featured a long sheer mint green cape, which she paired with a matching cowboy hat
Wilson is hosting the event tonight
The singer rocked delicate glam for the occasion
Moroney and Wilson join Ella Langley as this year’s top nominees, each earning six nods, followed closely by Zach Top with five
She showed off her incredible cape
Wilson was joined by her hunky fiancé, former NFL player Devlin ‘Duck’ Hodges, 29
The duo cozied up on the red carpet
Moroney was ever the blonde bombshell in a strapless black gown with crystal embellishments
She accessorized with dramatic black opera gloves
The beauty arrived in a long black coat before removing it for snaps
The superstar wore her blonde tresses cascading down in bouncy locks
Moroney posed with country singer and Renée Zellweger’s ex-husband Kenny Chesney, 57
You Look Like You Love Me hitmaker Ella Langley, 26, turned heads in a sheer red hot lace gown
She styled her brunette tresses into loose waves
She had a blast with Little Big Town singer Kimberly Schlapman, 56, as they posed together
Schlapman made a fashion statement in a sequin and black lace gown
LeAnn Rimes, 43, opted for a delicate strapless gown with floral embellishments
Her blonde tresses cascaded down her shoulders in delicate waves
Kelsea Ballerini, 32, rocked a bright red tulle number
Country superstar Chris Stapleton, 47, was joined by glamorous wife Morgane, 42
The Kentucky-born singer rocked his signature shaggy beard and a black suit. Meanwhile Morgane wowed in an iridescent plum gown
Country superstar Chris Stapleton, 47, was joined by glamorous wife Morgane, 42.
The Kentucky-born singer rocked his signature shaggy beard and a black suit, along with a brown suede cowboy hat. Morgane wowed in an iridescent plum gown.
John Carter Cash, 55, the son of music legends Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, attended the event with his wife, Ana Cristina Cash.
Among other stars on the red carpet was Caylee Hammack, 31, who donned a bright green gown with a sizzling thigh-high leg slit.
Mōriah rocked a cowgirl couture look, pairing a colossal sombrero-style hat with a strapless ballgown constructed from structured panels of cowhide.
Audiences will also be treated to an array of musical performances by Patty Loveless, Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton, Old Dominion, and Brandi Carlile.
Vince Gill is the recipient of the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, which will be awarded to him after a special tribute performance.
‘Vince embodies the very best of what Country Music stands for,’ CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern said in a press release. ‘He’s a true trailblazer, one who gives back to the community, honors the roots of our genre, and even now, continues to share his talent with fans across the globe.
Country’s hottest couple Billy Ray Cyrus, 64, and Elizabeth Hurley, 60, enjoyed a date night at the event
Hurley wore a saucy red dress with a low neckline and a sizzling thigh slit
The bold dress highlighted her ample cleavage
Jessica Capshaw, 49, put on a leggy display in a shimmering navy mini dress
‘As a Country Music Hall of Fame member, 18-time CMA Award winner, and former 12-time CMA Awards host, he remains a vibrant force in our industry, and we’re honored to celebrate an artist whose influence is so deeply woven into the fabric of our format.’
Ahead of the show, several early winners were announced – Post Malone and Blake Shelton for Pour Me a Drink, and Ella Langley and Riley Green for CMA Music Video of the Year.
A slew of other stars will be participating as either a presenter or special guest, such as Billy Ray Cyrus, Elizabeth Hurley, Jessica Capshaw, Alison Brown, Lauren Daigle, Jordan Davis, Steve Martin, and more.
Wilson told Good Morning America that it feels ‘pretty dang special’ to be nominated for six awards.
But she already feels ‘like a winner’ as the host.
‘I feel like even if we don’t take home some hardware, I feel like we’re feeling like a winner just because I mean hosting this thing is, that is huge in itself,’ Wilson said.
‘It is really huge to think that they trust me enough to stand on this stage and sing people’s praises and celebrate country music.’
Wilson also became the first woman to won Entertainer of the Year in over a decade.
John Carter Cash, 55, the son of music legends Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, attended the event with his wife, Ana Cristina Cash
Caylee Hammack, 31, donned a bright green gown with a sizzling thigh-high leg slit
Mōriah rocked a cowgirl couture look, pairing a colossal sombrero-style hat with a strapless ballgown constructed from structured panels of cowhide
She received the honor in 2023, coming after Taylor Swift, who was awarded the trophy 2009 and 2011.
In an interview with Us Weekly, Wilson said she and her female musical peers ‘have no choice’ but to continue making strides in this sphere.
‘I’ve known since I moved to Nashville in 2011 that there are going to be some barn doors that I was going to have to just go kick down myself, that nobody was going to do it,’ she said.
‘It was truly a bitter pill that I swallowed a long time ago. So, in the times when I felt like maybe it’s a little bit harder just because I’m a girl, that’s when I dug in deeper and worked harder, and the only reason I’m even here in this position is because of what the women before me have done. ‘
2025 CMA Awards Nominees
Entertainer of the Year
Luke Combs
Cody Johnson
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
Lainey Wilson
Album of the Year
Am I Okay? – Megan Moroney
PRODUCER(S): Kristian Bush
MIX ENGINEER(S): Justin Niebank
Sony Music Nashville / Columbia Records
Cold Beer & Country Music – Zach Top
PRODUCER(S): Carson Chamberlain
MIX ENGINEER(S): Matt Rovey
Leo33
F-1 Trillion – Post Malone
PRODUCER(S): Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins
MIX ENGINEER(S): Ryan Gore
Mercury Records / Big Loud Records
I’m The Problem – Morgan Wallen
PRODUCER(S): Jacob Durrett, Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi, Joe Reeves
MIX ENGINEER(S): Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi
Big Loud Records / Mercury Records
Whirlwind – Lainey Wilson
PRODUCER(S): Jay Joyce
MIX ENGINEER(S): Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
Broken Bow Records
Luke Combs is up for three nominations at this year’s CMAs
Female Vocalist of the Year
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Ella Langley
Megan Moroney
Lainey Wilson
Male Vocalist of the Year
Luke Combs
Cody Johnson
Chris Stapleton
Zach Top
Morgan Wallen
Vocal Group of the Year
Lady A
Little Big Town
Old Dominion
Rascal Flatts
The Red Clay Strays
Vocal Duo of the Year
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Maddie & Tae
The War And Treaty
New Artist of the Year
Ella Langley
Shaboozey
Zach Top
Tucker Wetmore
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Single of the Year
“4x4xU” – Lainey Wilson,
PRODUCER(S): Jay Joyce
MIX ENGINEER(S): Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
Broken Bow Records
“Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” – Luke Combs
PRODUCER(S): Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton
MIX ENGINEER(S): Chip Matthews
Atlantic Records / Seven Ridges Records
“Am I Okay?”
Megan Moroney
PRODUCER(S): Kristian Bush
MIX ENGINEER(S): Justin Niebank
Sony Music Nashville / Columbia Records
“I Never Lie” – Zach Top
PRODUCER(S): Carson Chamberlain
MIX ENGINEER(S): Matt Rovey
Leo33
“you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green
PRODUCER(S): Will Bundy
MIX ENGINEER(S): Jim Cooley
SAWGOD Records / Columbia
Song of the Year
“4x4xU” – Jon Decious, Aaron Raitiere, Lainey Wilson
“Am I Okay?” – Jessie Jo Dillon, Luke Laird, Megan Moroney
“I Never Lie” – Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols, Zach Top
“Texas” – Johnny Clawson, Josh Dorr, Lalo Guzman, Kyle Sturrock
“you look like you love me” – Riley Green, Ella Langley, Aaron Raitiere
Musical Event of the Year
“Pour Me A Drink” – Post Malone (feat. Blake Shelton)
PRODUCER(S): Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome
Mercury Records / Big Loud Records
“Don’t Mind If I Do” – Riley Green (featuring Ella Langley)
PRODUCER(S): Scott Borchetta, Jimmy Harnen, Dann Huff
Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
“Hard Fought Hallelujah” – Brandon Lake with Jelly Roll
PRODUCER(S): Micah Nichols
Provident Label Group
“I’m Gonna Love You” – Cody Johnson (with Carrie Underwood)
PRODUCER(S): Trent Willmon
CoJo Music / Warner Music Nashville
“You Had To Be There” – Megan Moroney (feat. Kenny Chesney)
PRODUCER(S): Kristian Bush
Sony Music Nashville / Columbia Records
Music Video of the Year
“you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green
DIRECTOR(S): Ella Langley, John Park, Wales Toney
“Am I Okay?” – Megan Moroney
DIRECTOR(S): Alexandra Gavillet, Megan Moroney
“I’m Gonna Love You” – Cody Johnson (with Carrie Underwood)
DIRECTOR(S): Dustin Haney
“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
DIRECTOR(S): TK McKamy
“Think I’m In Love With You” – Chris Stapleton
DIRECTOR(S): Running Bear
Musician of the Year
Jenee Fleenor – Fiddle
Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar
Brent Mason – Guitar
Rob McNelley – Guitar
Derek Wells -Guitar
