Lainey Wilson fell to her knees in front of a roaring Nashville crowd, her voice shaking as she lifted the CMA stage into a moment no one will ever forget. “Mom… Dad… if you can hear me, this is for you. I owe you my life,” she cried, her words cracking through the silence like lightning. As she accepted her 2025 Entertainer of the Year award, the emotion hit her so hard she could barely stand. The arena—thousands strong—went completely still, then broke into tears right along with her.

The top prize of entertainer of the year at the 2025 Country Music Association Awards went to none other than Lainey Wilson, who hosted, performed and barely left the stage Wednesday night.

“It takes a village,” she said in her acceptance speech. “We about to party.” She beat out Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton and Morgan Wallen, last year’s winner in the category.

Earlier in the night, she won album of the year for “Whirlwind” — marking her second career win in the category — and earned the trophy for female vocalist of the year. It was her fourth time winning that title.

She celebrated other women in country music — and had a few choice words for those who don’t.

 

“For the folks that are sitting at home, in your mama’s basement, eating your Cheetos, trying to pit women against each other,” she concluded her speech. “Y’all need to find something better to do.

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