Ella Langley & Riley Green Take Home the First Win of the Night
The 59th annual CMA Awards kicked off with a big moment for Ella Langley and Riley Green, who were announced as the first winners of the evening. Their hit “you look like you love me” earned Single of the Year, setting the tone for a memorable night at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
Ella Langley’s Emotional Acceptance Speech
At just 26, Langley walked onto the stage visibly stunned.
“I wasn’t expecting to get up here so early tonight,” she admitted. “This song just keeps giving because the fans keep listening.”
She went on to thank Will Bundy, Jim Cooley, and of course Riley Green for helping bring the track to life.
“I thought I had something prepared,” she laughed, “but when I get up here, I get a little confused and excited at the same time! Thank you so much—this means the world to all of us.”
Backstage, Langley echoed the same sentiment, calling the win surreal.
Riley Green Praises His Duet Partner
Green, 37, followed by sharing how grateful he was to be part of the record.
“I’m just so glad to be a part of this song,” he said, applauding Langley for “how she handles herself and keeps country music really country.”
He added, “Proud of you. Grateful to be part of this, and thank y’all for making it a hit.”
Brooks & Dunn Accept Vocal Duo of the Year — Again
Country legends Brooks & Dunn collected yet another trophy, marking their 16th win as Vocal Duo of the Year.
Ronnie Dunn grew emotional:
“Every night of sold-out shows feels surreal… We’ll take this and try to make you proud.”
Kix Brooks chimed in with his trademark humor:
“Someone asked earlier, ‘Y’all ever get sick of this?’ Hell no! This is too good. Thank you!”
Zach Top Wins New Artist of the Year
Rising star Zach Top scored his first-ever CMA win, taking home New Artist of the Year.
“I’m so thankful to be included with so many great artists who’ve had incredible years,” he said. “This is my first CMA win ever, so it’s a big deal.”
A Night Full of Heavy Hitters
The leading nominees heading into the show—each with six nods—were:
Ella Langley
Megan Moroney
Lainey Wilson (who also served as the night’s host)
Lainey Wilson Opens the Show with Heart & Humor
Stepping onto the stage as host, Wilson greeted the crowd with warmth and hometown pride.
“Welcome to the CMA Awards,” she said. “I grew up in Baskin, Louisiana—population 175.”
She reflected on her childhood, when country music wasn’t just entertainment but a lifestyle:
“In Baskin, there were two things we never missed—bull riding and the CMA Awards. And if we had to choose, we weren’t missing this.”
She then added that hosting this legendary show would make her younger self—“bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, sitting way too close to the TV”—unbelievably proud.
Wilson was up for Entertainer of the Year, competing against Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, and defending winner Morgan Wallen.
Vince Gill Honored With Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award
Country icon Vince Gill was set to receive the prestigious Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his decades-long influence on the genre.