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
MCA Celebrates CMA Awards With After Party
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Brian Wright (ONE4), Monte Lipman (Founder, REPUBLIC) George Strait, Sir Lucian Grainge (Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Group), Vince Gill, Stephanie Wright (EVP/Head of A&R, MCA) and Mike Harris (President & CEO, MCA). Photo: Chris Hollo
MCA celebrated the 59th Annual CMA Awards with artists, staff and industry friends at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in downtown Nashville last night (Nov. 19).
Many of the label’s artists were featured in performances, special collaborations and appearances throughout the 59th Annual Country Music Awards including Vince Gill (Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award), Chris Stapleton, Little Big Town and more.
Attendees included Gill, George Strait, Tucker Wetmore, Little Big Town, Brothers Osborne and more with integrated moments from Bud Light, Justin Boots, Meta, Raising Canes, Red Bull and Victrola.
Pictured (L-R): Rob Femia (COO/EVP Business & Legal Affairs, MCA), Jessie Jo Dillon (MCA Song Buddy), Jordan Davis, Karen Fairchild, Tucker Wetmore, Carter Faith, Priscilla Block, Kassi Ashton, Kimberly Schlapman, Tyler Hubbard, Katie McCartney (EVP/GM, MCA), TJ Osborne, Dalton Davis and John Osborne. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for MCA
Pictured (L-R): Avery Lipman (Founder, REPUBLIC), Boyd Muir (COO, Universal Music Group), Dave Cobb (Chief Creative Officer, MCA), Jessie Jo Dillon (MCA Song Buddy), Monte Lipman (Founder, REPUBLIC), Sir Lucian Grainge (Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Group), Mike Harris (President & CEO, MCA) and Katie McCartney (EVP/GM, MCA). Photo: Chris Hollo
Pictured (L-R): George Strait, Sir Lucian Grainge (Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Group) and Vince Gill. Photo: Chris Hollo
Pictured (L-R): Dave Cobb (Chief Creative Officer, MCA), Jessie Jo Dillon (MCA Song Buddy), Billy Bob Thornton and Carter Faith. Photo: Chris Hollo
Pictured (L-R): Tyler Hubbard, John Osborne, Madden Metcalf and Jon Pardi. Photo: Chris Hollo
Sony Music Nashville Hosts CMA After Party At Category 10
/by Lauryn SinkSony Music Nashville staff and artists. Photo: Alexander Wieland
Sony Music Nashville celebrated the CMA Awards last night with a celebration at Category 10 in downtown Nashville.
Brooks & Dunn took home their record-extending 16th trophy for Vocal Duo of the Year, cementing their status as the most decorated artist in CMA history and the most wins in the category.
Luke Combs opened the evening’s broadcast with his No. 1 hit “Back In The Saddle” and later joined BigXthaPlug for their collaboration “Pray Hard.” Megan Moroney performed her viral track “6 Months Later” and Old Dominion celebrated the 10-year anniversary of their debut with a medley that included “Break Up With Him,” “Memory Lane,” “One Man Band,” “Hotel Key” and “Snapback.”
Mitchell Tenpenny, Luke Combs, Ian Harrison, Emily Ann Roberts, McCoy Moore, Tigirlily Gold , Kat Luna, Kameron Marlowe, Kayley Green, Benny G, Zach John King, Graham Barham and more attended the event.
Pictured (L-R): Ian Harrison, Emily Ann Roberts, McCoy Moore, Tigirlily Gold (Krista Slaubaugh and Kendra Olson), SMN Chair and CEO Taylor Lindsey, SMN President and COO Ken Robold, Kat Luna, Kameron Marlowe, Kayley Green, Benny G, Zach John King, Graham Barham. Photo: Alexander Wieland
Pictured (L-R): SMN President and COO Ken Robold, Mitchell Tenpenny, SMN Chair and CEO Taylor Lindsey. Photo: Alexander Wieland
Pictured (L-R): SMN Chair and CEO Taylor Lindsey, Luke Combs, SMN President and COO Ken Robold. Photo: Alexander Wieland
Pictured (L-R): SMN President and COO Ken Robold, Columbia Records President Jenifer Mallory, SMN Chair and CEO Taylor Lindsey, Columbia Records Chairman and CEO Ron Perry. Photo: Alexander Wieland
BMLG Hosts CMA After Party Celebrating Wins
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R, back row): Preston Cooper, Chase McDaniel, Greylan James, Brett Young, Riley Green, Lady A’s Charles Kelley, Lady A’s Dave Haywood, The Band Perry’s Johnny Costello, The Jack Wharff Band’s Garrett Howell, Cole Goodwin, Lillian Hepler, Noah Hicks. (L-R, front row): Shaylen, RaeLynn, Scott Borchetta, Sandi Borchetta, The Band Perry’s Kimberly Perry, Mackenzie Carpenter, Mae Estes. Photo: Getty Images for Big Machine Label Group
Big Machine Label Group hosted its annual CMA after party last night (Nov. 19) at The Bell Tower celebrating the label’s wins.
During the 59th Annual CMA Awards, Riley Green took home Song, Single and Music Video of the Year for “you look like you love me” alongside Ella Langley. He also took the stage for a performance of his double-Platinum hit “Worst Way.” In addition, BMLG artists Lady A and The Band Perry’s Kimberly Perry presented Female Vocalist of the Year and Song of the Year, respectively.
Scott Borchetta was surprised on the red carpet prior to the show by Green, who presented him with the CMA Irving Waugh Award of Excellence.
The Band Perry took the stage during the after party to perform “Chainsaw,” “Better Dig Two,” and their 2011 CMA Single and Song of the Year “If I Die Young.” Big Machine Label Group artists including Riley Green, The Band Perry, Brett Young, Lady A’s Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood, RaeLynn, Mackenzie Carpenter, Chase McDaniel, Greylan James, Mae Estes, Preston Cooper, The Jack Wharff Band’s Garrett Howell, Noah Hicks, Cole Goodwin, Shaylen and Lillian Hepler were in attendance at the event.
Pictured (L-R): Rascal Flatts’ Joe Don Rooney, Mae Estes, BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, The Band Perry’s Johnny Costello, The Band Perry’s Kimberly Perry, Brett Young, Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus. Photo: Katie Kauss
Pictured (L-R): BMLG’s Scott Borchetta and Sandi Borchetta. Photo: Getty Images for Big Machine Label Group
Warner Records Nashville Celebrates CMA Win
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Aaron Bay-Schuck (Co-Chairman/CEO, Warner Records Group), Cody Johnson, Cris Lacy (Chair & President, Warner Records Nashville), Tom Corson (Co-Chairman/COO, Warner Records Group).
Warner Records Nashville celebrated Cody Johnson’s first Male Vocalist of the Year win last night (Nov. 19) at the CMA Awards in Nashville. The achievement followed WRN’s annual luncheon which featured a lineup of The Band Loula, The Creekers, Braxton Keith, Hudson Westbrook and Gavin Adcock.
Pictured (L-R): The Creekers, Cris Lacy (Chair & President, Warner Records Nashville), Aaron Bay-Schuck (Co-Chairman/CEO, Warner Records Group), Tom Corson (Co-Chairman/COO, Warner Records Group), Hudson Westbrook, The Band Loula, Braxton Keith, Gavin Adcock.
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