CMA Honors Songwriting Excellence At 2025 Triple Play Awards [Recap]

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Tiffany Kerns, Jordan Minton, Chase McGill, Jim Beavers, Charlie Handsome, Ashley Gorley, Taylor Phillips, Sarah Trahern, David Conrad, Josh Thompson and Jessie Jo Dillon; (L-R, bottom row): John Byron, Rocky Block, Randy Montana, Ben Johnson and Hunter Phelps at the 2025 CMA Triple Play Awards. Photo: Acacia Evans/CMA

The Country Music Association gathered some of the genre’s most prolific songwriters earlier this week to celebrate the 2025 CMA Triple Play Awards at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. The annual ceremony honors writers who have achieved the rare feat of penning three No. 1 songs within a 12-month span, highlighting the talent and tenacity behind country music’s biggest hits.

David Conrad receives the 2024 CMA Songwriter Advocate Award at the 2025 CMA Triple Play Awards. Photo: MultyCam/CMA

16 songwriters were recognized this year, with Ashley Gorley and Charlie Handsome each earning the award twice for their exceptional output. The full list of honorees includes Rocky Block, John Byron, Zach Crowell, Jessie Jo Dillon, Gorley, Handsome, Jelly Roll, Ben Johnson, Chase McGill, Jordan Minton, Randy Montana, Hunter Phelps, Taylor Phillips, Ernest Keith Smith, Josh Thompson and Morgan Wallen.

CMA Board member and acclaimed songwriter Jim Beavers served as host, bringing his signature wit and warmth to the night’s proceedings. CMA CEO Sarah Trahern welcomed guests with heartfelt remarks, stating, “Songwriters are truly the heartbeat of this industry… It’s a joy to be celebrating you tonight in this beautiful room.”

Before the awards were handed out, CMA paid tribute to the late Ben Vaughn, President & CEO of Warner Chappell Nashville, who passed away earlier this year. A beloved advocate for songwriters, Vaughn’s legacy was honored through a moving video and a powerful writer’s round. Nicolle Galyon performed “Boy,” Thomas Rhett offered a heartfelt rendition of “Beer With Jesus” and Chris Stapleton closed the tribute with “Mountains Of My Mind.” Rhett Akins shared personal memories of Vaughn’s influence, underscoring the depth of his impact on the creative community.

In a major highlight of the night, legendary music publisher David Conrad was presented with the 2024 CMA Songwriter Advocate Award, honoring his decades-long impact on the songwriting world. A heartfelt video montage played before the presentation, featuring messages from artists, songwriters, and industry colleagues who’ve been shaped by Conrad’s mentorship and vision. Appearances included Gillian Welch, Mary Del Scobey, Thom Schuyler, Annie Roboff, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Marty Stuart, Jody Williams and Vince Gill.

Surprise performances from John Anderson (“Seminole Wind”) and Emmylou Harris (“Red Dirt Girl”) added to the moment, with both Hall of Fame artists acknowledging the role Conrad played in shaping their careers. Taking the stage to a standing ovation, Conrad reflected on his early days in Nashville and the mentors who guided him, before closing with an emotional, “I feel that I’m right where I was supposed to be.”

In another first for the event, CMA recognized 72 songwriters who earned their very first No. 1 hit since the last Triple Play celebration. Many of these rising talents were in attendance, marking a major career milestone and signaling the next wave of country music hitmakers.

With emotional tributes, unforgettable performances, and long-overdue recognition for those behind the scenes, the 2025 CMA Triple Play Awards offered a poignant and powerful reminder of the songwriters who give country music its soul.

LB Cantrell
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