Riley Green’s “Worst Way” Might Be His Steamiest Song Yet
Riley Green first released “Worst Way” as a promotional single from his album Way Out Here on March 29, 2024. Nearly a year later—on February 10, 2025—he officially sent the track to country radio. Just a few months after that, the song reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart, marking Green’s first solo chart-topper.
Two days after servicing the song to radio, Green also dropped the official music video—and the Internet immediately lost its mind.
A Music Video That Had Fans Talking
The “Worst Way” video features extremely passionate, chemistry-heavy scenes between Riley Green and his on-screen love interest Stephanie Ludwig, who quickly became known online as “the luckiest girl in the world.”
The pair brought the song’s lyrics to life in several settings, including intimate moments at Green’s home and a bold, attention-grabbing scene right in the middle of a busy restaurant.
Performing “Worst Way” at the CMA Awards
On November 13, the Country Music Association revealed the second wave of performers for the 2025 CMA Awards, confirming appearances from:
Kelsea Ballerini
Brandi Carlile
Kenny Chesney
Riley Green
Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton
Patty Loveless
Old Dominion
The Red Clay Strays
Chris Stapleton
Green wasn’t just performing—he was also nominated in four categories:
Musical Event of the Year (“Don’t Mind If I Do” with Ella Langley)
Single of the Year (“you look like you love me”)
Song of the Year (“you look like you love me”)
Music Video of the Year (“you look like you love me”)
Although he didn’t receive any solo nominations, fans were thrilled to see him take home three awards that night:
Music Video of the Year, Song of the Year, and Single of the Year.
He and Ella Langley lost Musical Event of the Year to Post Malone and Blake Shelton.
His CMA Performance Made Fans Lose It
When it was time for his big moment, Green opened “Worst Way” with a blistering guitar solo before sliding into the song’s sultry lyrics:
“So close all the blinds, lock all the doors
Put away anything that’ll break
Baby, I need you tonight.”
The audience inside Bridgestone Arena went wild—and viewers at home were just as impressed. Fans online called the performance “electric,” “dangerous,” and “unreal.”
Riley Green is legendary! Really cool having a bunch of Alabama folks running country music now
— Ben Diesel (@BenDiesel24) November 20, 2025
What Did You Think?
Riley Green’s CMA performance of “Worst Way” quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the night.
My God, Riley Green is perfect #CMAawards
— Heather Marie (@heatherxmarie_) November 20, 2025
Watch it below and let us know your thoughts.