Lainey Wilson accepts the award for Entertainer of the Year at The 59th Annual CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
The 59th Annual CMA Awards aired live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena last night (Nov. 19), celebrating a standout year in country music with a mix of new winners, heartfelt tributes and dynamic performances. Energy in the room was high from the start as host Lainey Wilson kicked things off with a high-voltage medley that paid homage to several of the night’s nominees. She surprised artists around the arena with nods to their hits—including Chris Stapleton, Brooks & Dunn, Ella Langley, Gretchen Wilson, Lady A, Miranda Lambert and Shaboozey—before teaming up with Little Big Town and Keith Urban for spirited collaborations.
Zach Top accepts the award for New Artist of the Year at The 59th Annual CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
Early in the broadcast, Zach Top claimed his first New Artist of the Year award, proudly carrying a Coors Banquet to the podium. “I’m so thankful to be included with a bunch of great artists who had a great year,” he said, marking a breakout moment for the rising performer.
Performances continued throughout the night from a stacked lineup, including Luke Combs with “Back In The Saddle,” Riley Green with “Worst Way,” Megan Moroney with “Six Months Later” and The Red Clay Strays, who delivered a gripping version of “People Hatin’” before picking up a major win of their own.
The Strays’ first-ever CMA victory—Vocal Group of the Year—sparked one of the evening’s most emotional speeches. Frontman Brandon Coleman told the crowd, “We never would have dreamed about winning something like this… Always believe you can do it. Work hard and trust God.” The band then dedicated the win to Jacob Hall, a close musician to the band and brother of the band’s drummer, John Hall, who passed away in 2020.
Later in the show, Cody Johnson added his name to the winner’s circle with his first Male Vocalist of the Year trophy, using the moment to thank a familiar powerhouse: “To get this award and be in a vocalist category with Chris Stapleton, who is one of the greatest vocalists of all time in any genre—thank you Chris for paving the way.”
Ella Langley performs at The 59th Annual CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
Elsewhere, Ella Langley and Riley Green continued their standout year with multiple wins for their smash duet “You Look Like You Love Me.” Accepting Single of the Year, Langley told the audience, “This is the song that has kept on giving.”
The pair’s momentum was mirrored by the legendary Brooks & Dunn, who added yet another Vocal Duo of the Year trophy to their record-setting total, marking their 20th career CMA win.
The performance moments kept building, from Stapleton’s crackling “Bad As I Used To Be” to Top’s “Guitar” and Tucker Wetmore’s crowd-pleasing “Wind Up Missin’ You.” Stephen Wilson Jr. brought a hush over the arena with a stirring “Stand By Me,” followed later by Kelsea Ballerini’s intimate “I Sit In Parks.” Old Dominion delivered one of the night’s biggest singalongs with a medley of “Break Up With Him,” “Memory Lane,” “One Man Band,” “Hotel Key” and “Snap Back.”
The night’s collaborations stretched across genres and generations: Wilson Jr. joined Shaboozey for “Took A Walk,” Lambert and Stapleton paired for “A Song To Sing,” and Combs surprised the audience by performing “Pray Hard” alongside hip-hop breakout BigXthaPlug.
Two standout Hall of Fame moments anchored the show’s emotional core. Newly-inducted member Kenny Chesney performed “American Kids” and “When the Sun Goes Down,” closing with a touching screen tribute to the late Brett James, a Music Row titan and close friend. Later, Vince Gill received the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award following powerful performances from Brandi Carlile and Patty Loveless. In one of the ceremony’s biggest surprises, George Strait appeared to personally present Gill with the honor, earning a roaring standing ovation.
Near the end of the broadcast, the spotlight finally turned back to the night’s host. Lainey Wilson capped her monumental year by taking home Entertainer of the Year, closing the show with gratitude: “I could not do this without my village. Thank you for loving and supporting me.”
Vince Gill accepts the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at The 59th Annual CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
Cody Johnson accepts the award for Male Vocalist of the Year at The 59th Annual CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
2025 Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Kenny Chesney performs at The 59th Annual CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
John Huelsman Elevated To President Of Harris, Huelsman, Barnes & Company, Becky Harris To CEO
/by Madison HahnenJohn Huelsman & Becky Harris
Business management firm Harris, Huelsman, Barnes & Company has elevated John Huelsman to President, and Founder Becky Harris has been promoted to CEO.
“I’m so excited to hand John the reins as President,” shares Harris. “He has always bent over backwards to help our clients and shares my vision of a family atmosphere where we treat all clients as part of that family. I know he will take the firm to new levels and continue to grow the brand I’m so proud of.”
“I’ve had the privilege of learning from Becky over the past decade and am dedicated to upholding and further developing the vision she set forth, one that I share,” adds Huelsman. “She invested tremendous effort over the years to build this company from the ground up, and I fully recognize the weight of my new responsibility, but I’m eager to lead this team that I deeply
trust and genuinely enjoy.”
Harris and Huelsman were both recently named to Billboard‘s 2025 Top Business Managers List. This inclusion marked Huelsman’s first time with the honor.
CAA Hosts 2025 CMA Awards Watch Party
/by Madison HahnenCAA 2025 CMA Watch Party Group Photo. Photo: Danielle Piazza
Creative Artists Agency (CAA) hosted its 2025 CAA CMA Awards Viewing party at Blanco in Nashville last night (Nov. 19).
Braden Milford, William Dyer, Howie Nuchow, Ella Fernandez, Wyatt Flores, Meredith Jones Long, Jacob Lapidus and Rick Roskin. Photo: Danielle Piazza
Live Nation’s Omar Al-Joulani and CAA’s Rick Roskin and Jeff Krones. Photo: Danielle Piazza
Wyatt Flores, Jacob Lapidus and Kashus Culpepper. Photo: Danielle Piazza
Muscadine Bloodline Announce 2026 ‘Longleaf Lo-fi Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughMuscadine Bloodline
Muscadine Bloodline will kick off the New Year on their just-announced 2026 “Longleaf Lo-fi Tour” which launches in January.
Beginning Jan. 9 in Durham, North Carolina, the tour will also visit Charleston, Birmingham, Beaumont, San Antonio and more through Mar. 7. The tour is named after the band’s new album, which arrived digitally after Charlie Muncaster and Gary Stanton surprise-announced the album last month without any details, offering fans the option to purchase a limited-edition vinyl before it hit streaming.
Since their debut a decade ago, Muscadine Bloodline has notched a radio hit with “10-90,” earned a Platinum single, “Porch Swing Angel,” made their Grand Ole Opry debut, and performed sold-out headline shows across the country while also touring with Lainey Wilson this year on her “Whirlwind World Tour.”
1/9 – Durham, NC – The Carolina Theatre of Durham
1/10 – Charleston, SC – Charleston Music Hall
1/23 – Hattiesburg, MS – Hattiesburg Saenger Theater
1/24 – Rome, GA – Forum River Center
2/6 – Birmingham, AL – Alabama Theatre
2/7 – Augusta, GA – William B. Bell Auditorium
3/6 – Beaumont, TX – Jefferson Theatre
3/7 – San Antonio, TX – The Aztec Theatre
New Voices, Big Moments Define The 59th CMA Awards
/by LB CantrellLainey Wilson accepts the award for Entertainer of the Year at The 59th Annual CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
The 59th Annual CMA Awards aired live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena last night (Nov. 19), celebrating a standout year in country music with a mix of new winners, heartfelt tributes and dynamic performances. Energy in the room was high from the start as host Lainey Wilson kicked things off with a high-voltage medley that paid homage to several of the night’s nominees. She surprised artists around the arena with nods to their hits—including Chris Stapleton, Brooks & Dunn, Ella Langley, Gretchen Wilson, Lady A, Miranda Lambert and Shaboozey—before teaming up with Little Big Town and Keith Urban for spirited collaborations.
Zach Top accepts the award for New Artist of the Year at The 59th Annual CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
Early in the broadcast, Zach Top claimed his first New Artist of the Year award, proudly carrying a Coors Banquet to the podium. “I’m so thankful to be included with a bunch of great artists who had a great year,” he said, marking a breakout moment for the rising performer.
Performances continued throughout the night from a stacked lineup, including Luke Combs with “Back In The Saddle,” Riley Green with “Worst Way,” Megan Moroney with “Six Months Later” and The Red Clay Strays, who delivered a gripping version of “People Hatin’” before picking up a major win of their own.
The Strays’ first-ever CMA victory—Vocal Group of the Year—sparked one of the evening’s most emotional speeches. Frontman Brandon Coleman told the crowd, “We never would have dreamed about winning something like this… Always believe you can do it. Work hard and trust God.” The band then dedicated the win to Jacob Hall, a close musician to the band and brother of the band’s drummer, John Hall, who passed away in 2020.
Later in the show, Cody Johnson added his name to the winner’s circle with his first Male Vocalist of the Year trophy, using the moment to thank a familiar powerhouse: “To get this award and be in a vocalist category with Chris Stapleton, who is one of the greatest vocalists of all time in any genre—thank you Chris for paving the way.”
Ella Langley performs at The 59th Annual CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
Elsewhere, Ella Langley and Riley Green continued their standout year with multiple wins for their smash duet “You Look Like You Love Me.” Accepting Single of the Year, Langley told the audience, “This is the song that has kept on giving.”
The pair’s momentum was mirrored by the legendary Brooks & Dunn, who added yet another Vocal Duo of the Year trophy to their record-setting total, marking their 20th career CMA win.
The performance moments kept building, from Stapleton’s crackling “Bad As I Used To Be” to Top’s “Guitar” and Tucker Wetmore’s crowd-pleasing “Wind Up Missin’ You.” Stephen Wilson Jr. brought a hush over the arena with a stirring “Stand By Me,” followed later by Kelsea Ballerini’s intimate “I Sit In Parks.” Old Dominion delivered one of the night’s biggest singalongs with a medley of “Break Up With Him,” “Memory Lane,” “One Man Band,” “Hotel Key” and “Snap Back.”
The night’s collaborations stretched across genres and generations: Wilson Jr. joined Shaboozey for “Took A Walk,” Lambert and Stapleton paired for “A Song To Sing,” and Combs surprised the audience by performing “Pray Hard” alongside hip-hop breakout BigXthaPlug.
Two standout Hall of Fame moments anchored the show’s emotional core. Newly-inducted member Kenny Chesney performed “American Kids” and “When the Sun Goes Down,” closing with a touching screen tribute to the late Brett James, a Music Row titan and close friend. Later, Vince Gill received the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award following powerful performances from Brandi Carlile and Patty Loveless. In one of the ceremony’s biggest surprises, George Strait appeared to personally present Gill with the honor, earning a roaring standing ovation.
Near the end of the broadcast, the spotlight finally turned back to the night’s host. Lainey Wilson capped her monumental year by taking home Entertainer of the Year, closing the show with gratitude: “I could not do this without my village. Thank you for loving and supporting me.”
Vince Gill accepts the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at The 59th Annual CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
Cody Johnson accepts the award for Male Vocalist of the Year at The 59th Annual CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
2025 Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Kenny Chesney performs at The 59th Annual CMA Awards. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
The Red Clay Strays To Headline Bridgestone Arena
/by Lauryn SinkThe Red Clay Strays. Photo: Macie Coleman
The Red Clay Strays are set to headline Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Oct. 22, 2026. Sierra Ferrell and Brent Cobb will join as support. General ticket sales begin tomorrow (Nov. 21).
The band performed at last night’s CMA Awards, where they took home Vocal Group of the Year. In addition, they will make their Stagecoach debut and headline Madison Square Garden next year.
The band consists of Brandon Coleman (lead vocals, guitar, keys), Drew Nix (electric guitar, vocals, harmonica), Zach Rishel (electric guitar), Andrew Bishop (bass), John Hall (drums) and Sevans Henderson (keys). Formed in Mobile, AL in 2016, the Strays released their debut album, Moment of Truth, in 2022, featuring the breakout single, “Wondering Why.” Last year, the band signed to RCA Records and released their sophomore album, Made by These Moments.
The Red Clay Strays Tour Dates:
2025 Dates
December 4 – The Theater at Virgin Hotels – Las Vegas, NV
December 5 – The Theater at Virgin Hotels – Las Vegas, NV
2026 Dates
April 19 – Two Step Inn – Georgetown, TX
April 24 – Stagecoach – Indio, CA
May 24 – Patriotic Festival – Norfolk, VA
June 13 – Buckeye Country Superfest – Columbus, OH
August 9 – Madison Square Garden – New York, NY
October 22 – Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN
Drake White Hosts Second ‘Benefit For The Brain’
/by Lauryn SinkDrake White. Photo: Zack Knudsen
Drake White hosted his second “Benefit For The Brain” on Monday (Nov. 17) at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.
The sold out show benefited Make-A-Wish Middle Tennessee, CreatiVets and the Miracle Hope Foundation. The night featured performances from White, Riley Green, Jon Pardi, Kassi Ashton and surprise guest appearances by Jessi Alexander and Randy Owen of Alabama.
In between performances, guest speakers Richard Casper (CreatiVets), Ed Clay (CPI), Griffin Moore (Paradigm), Beth Touris (Make-A-Wish), Tommy Aceto (Neuroscience & Wellness Initiative) and Rikki Harris (TN Voices) took the stage to share meaningful perspectives on research, advocacy, recovery, mental health support and alternative methods further grounding the night in the purpose of “Benefit For The Brain.”
Notably, the event’s first-ever silent auction completely sold out. Fans placed bids on items such as a Charlie Daniels signed fiddle, an Old Dominion signed guitar, four field box tickets to any Chicago Cubs game, a limited-edition print from local artist Jason DeMeo (Jase), a helmet signed by Tony Pollard, and multiple Nashville Soccer Club packages including signed jerseys from Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge, plus tickets and a training session for up to eight kids, among other things.
In 2019, White endured a stroke on stage that later led to a Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) diagnosis which required seven brain surgeries. He developed the benefit show to raise money for three causes including mental wellness for military and veterans, especially PTSD, brain health in children and adolescents and innovative approaches to stroke recovery and neurological treatment. White’s non-profit The inaugural installment sold out the Ryman and raised over $253,000 and this year’s event exceeded that amount.
Riley Green & Jessi Alexander. Photo: Photo: Zack Knudsen
Kassi Ashton. Photo: Zack Knudsen
Randy Owen & Drake White. Photo: Zack Knudsen
Jon Pardi. Photo: Zack Knudsen
BREAKING: 2025 CMA Award Winners Revealed [Full List]
/by Madison HahnenLainey Wilson was awarded the night’s big honor of Entertainer of the Year, as well as Female Vocalist of the Year, while Cody Johnson was named Male Vocalist of the Year. The Red Clay Strays scored the win for Vocal Group of the Year, and Brooks & Dunn took home Vocal Duo of the Year. Ella Langley and Riley Green obtained Single of the Year and Song of the Year honors for “you look like you love me,” and Wilson’s Whirlwind won Album of the Year.
The full list of winners is below:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR:
Luke Combs
Cody Johnson
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
Lainey Wilson – WINNER
SINGLE OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)
“4x4xU” – Lainey Wilson
– Producer: Jay Joyce
– Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
“Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” – Luke Combs
– Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton
– Mix Engineer: Chip Matthews
“Am I Okay?” – Megan Moroney
– Producer: Kristian Bush
– Mix Engineer: Justin Niebank
“I Never Lie” – Zach Top
– Producer: Carson Chamberlain
– Mix Engineer: Matt Rovey
“you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green – WINNER
– Producer: Will Bundy
– Mix Engineer: Jim Cooley
ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Artist, Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)
Am I Okay? – Megan Moroney
– Producer: Kristian Bush
– Mix Engineer: Justin Niebank
Cold Beer & Country Music – Zach Top
– Producer: Carson Chamberlain
– Mix Engineer: Matt Rovey
F-1 Trillion – Post Malone
– Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins
– Mix Engineer: Ryan Gore
I’m The Problem – Morgan Wallen
– Producers: Jacob Durrett, Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi
– Mix Engineers: Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi
Whirlwind – Lainey Wilson – WINNER
– Producer: Jay Joyce
– Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
SONG OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Songwriter(s)
“4x4xU”
– Songwriters: Jon Decious, Aaron Raitiere, Lainey Wilson
“Am I Okay?”
– Songwriters: Jessie Jo Dillon, Luke Laird, Megan Moroney
“I Never Lie”
– Songwriters: Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols, Zach Top
“Texas”
– Songwriters: Johnny Clawson, Josh Dorr, Lalo Guzman, Kyle Sturrock
“you look like you love me” – WINNER
– Songwriters: Riley Green, Ella Langley, Aaron Raitiere
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Ella Langley
Megan Moroney
Lainey Wilson – WINNER
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:
Luke Combs
Cody Johnson – WINNER
Chris Stapleton
Zach Top
Morgan Wallen
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR:
Lady A
Little Big Town
Old Dominion
Rascal Flatts
The Red Clay Strays – WINNER
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR:
Brooks & Dunn – WINNER
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Maddie & Tae
The War And Treaty
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Artists and Producer(s)
“Don’t Mind If I Do” – Riley Green (featuring Ella Langley)
– Producers: Scott Borchetta, Jimmy Harnen, Dann Huff
“Hard Fought Hallelujah” – Brandon Lake with Jelly Roll
– Producer: Micah Nichols
“I’m Gonna Love You” – Cody Johnson (with Carrie Underwood)
– Producer: Trent Willmon
“Pour Me A Drink” – Post Malone (feat. Blake Shelton) – WINNER
– Producers: Louis Bell, Charlie Handsome
“You Had To Be There” – Megan Moroney (feat. Kenny Chesney)
– Producer: Kristian Bush
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR:
Jenee Fleenor – Fiddle
Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar – WINNER
Brent Mason – Guitar
Rob McNelley – Guitar
Derek Wells – Guitar
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR:
Award goes to Artist(s) and Director(s)
“Am I Okay?” – Megan Moroney
– Directors: Alexandra Gavillet, Megan Moroney
“I’m Gonna Love You” – Cody Johnson (with Carrie Underwood)
– Director: Dustin Haney
“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
– Director: TK McKamy
“Think I’m In Love With You” – Chris Stapleton
– Director: Running Bear
“you look like you love me” – Ella Langley & Riley Green – WINNER
– Directors: Ella Langley, John Park, Wales Toney
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Ella Langley
Shaboozey
Zach Top – WINNER
Tucker Wetmore
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Nashville Underplay To Host Charity Concert For Second Harvest
/by Madison HahnenNashville Underplay will host a charity concert on Dec. 16 at 6th & Peabody in Nashville, with all proceeds going to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.
Among the lineup for the show are Old Dominion‘s Matt Ramsey and Brad Tursi, Lily Rose and Kassi Ashton. Nashville Underplay’s Founder Markus Koger will serve as the host of the evening.
“We’re honored to bring together such incredible artists for a cause that impacts so many in our community,” says Koger. “Every ticket purchased helps Second Harvest continue the life-changing work they do daily.”
Tickets are available now.
Chris Willman Receives 2025 CMA Media Achievement Award
/by Madison HahnenShaboozey, Chris Willman and Stephen Wilson Jr. at Variety CMA Awards Interview Lounge presented by Duke Cannon at Anzie Blue on November 18, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Michael Buckner
Variety‘s Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic Chris Willman has been honored with the 2025 CMA Media Achievement Award. Willman was surprised with the honor last night (Nov. 18) by Shaboozey and Stephen Wilson Jr. at Variety’s CMA Awards Interview Lounge at Anzie Blue.
The award honors the outstanding achievements of print and online journalists, columnists, authors, editors, television writers, producers and bookers, and syndicated radio reporters in country music media. The winner is determined by CMA publicist members.
Willman has been a full-time music journalist for four decades, making him Los Angeles’ longest-standing reporter. During his time at Variety, he has helped create the inaugural Power of Women Nashville live event and special issue, producing stories on Sheryl Crow and Mickey Guyton. Throughout 2024-2025, he has conducted interviews with Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Eric Church, Miranda Lambert and Parker McCollum, among others.
His other career stops include Entertainment Weekly, Billboard, and the Los Angeles Times. Willman is also the author of Rednecks & Bluenecks: The Politics of Country Music, and is a two-time Entertainment Journalist of the Year at the SoCal Journalism Awards (2020, 2025) and was named Print Journalist of the Year at the National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards last year.
Braxton Keith To Embark On ‘This Ain’t My First Tour Tour Continued’ Next Year
/by Lauryn SinkBraxton Keith.
Braxton Keith is set to hit the road on his “This Ain’t My First Tour Tour Continued” in January.
The run will hit over 20 cities, with stops in Colorado, Texas, Alabama and more. Keith will head to Australia for six shows in March before wrapping the tour in South Carolina.
Tickets for all shows are on sale now.
The Warner Records Nashville artist made his Grand Ole Opry debut on October 28th. Keith was surprised on-stage with a plaque to commemorate a career-first Gold certification for his single “Cozy.” The hit track has amassed over 100 million streams worldwide. He released his debut EP, Blue, last year.
2026 “This Ain’t My First Tour Tour Continued…” Dates:
January 3 — Albuquerque, NM — Dirty Bourbon
January 5-10 — Steamboat Springs, CO — MusicFest
January 15 — Denver, CO — Mission Ballroom
January 16 — Cheyenne, WY — The Lincoln
January 17 — Deadwood, SD — Deadwood Mountain Grand
January 23 — Little Rock, AR — The Hall
January 24 — Terrell, TX — Silver Saloon
January 29 — Tuscaloosa, AL — Two Dimes
January 30 — Starkville, MS — Ricks
February 6 — Baton Rouge, LA — Texas Club
February 7 — Rosenberg, TX — That Mexican OT Day
February 12 — Kansas City, MO — Uptown Theater
February 13 — St. Louis, MO — Hot Country Nights
February 14 — Des Moines, IA — Val Air Ballroom
February 21 — Austin, TX — Stubb’s
March 13 — Melbourne, AUS — Margaret Court Arena
March 14 — Melbourne, AUS — Margaret Court Arena
March 16 — Sydney, AUS — Hordern Pavilion
March 17 — Sydney, AUS — Hordern Pavilion
March 20 — Ipswitch, AUS — CMC Rocks
March 21 — Ipswitch, AUS — CMC Rocks
March 29 — Isle of Palms — Windjammer