Hey folks, pull up a chair. The 59th CMA Awards went down just a couple nights ago on November 19 in Nashville (my hometown), and if you missed it, you missed a good one. Lainey Wilson took the reins as solo host for the first time, and let me tell you, she handled it like she's been doing this forever. Bell bottoms, big hat, quick jokes, the whole deal. It felt like country music's biggest family reunion, with a few surprises that had everybody talking the next morning.
Lainey didn't just host, she owned the night. She picked up Entertainer of the Year again, plus Album of the Year for Whirlwind and Female Vocalist. That's the kind of sweep that reminds you why she's been everywhere this year. Her album's got that raw Louisiana heart mixed with songs that stick with you, and folks clearly reckon it's some of her best work yet.
The Big Winners
Ella Langley and Riley Green had themselves a night too. Their duet "You Look Like You Love Me" took home Single of the Year, Song of the Year, and Music Video of the Year. Three trophies for one tune, that's not something you see every day. It's got that easy chemistry, the kind where you can hear two voices just clicking. If you haven't spun that one yet, do yourself a favor.
Some other highlights that caught my ear:
- Cody Johnson finally grabbed Male Vocalist of the Year, edging out Chris Stapleton after a long run for Chris.
- The Red Clay Strays broke Old Dominion's streak for Vocal Group of the Year. Good to see some Alabama boys shaking things up.
- Zach Top won New Artist of the Year, accepting with a Coors in hand. Traditional country leanings, strong voice, reckon he'll be around a while.
- Post Malone and Blake Shelton's "Pour Me a Drink" got Musical Event of the Year.
- Brooks & Dunn held on to Vocal Duo again.
- Vince Gill got the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, with tributes that had the whole place feeling thankful for what he's given country music.
Full rundown of the main categories if you're keeping score:
Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson
Female Vocalist of the Year Lainey Wilson
Male Vocalist of the Year Cody Johnson
Vocal Group of the Year The Red Clay Strays
Vocal Duo of the Year Brooks & Dunn
New Artist of the Year Zach Top
Album of the Year Whirlwind – Lainey Wilson
Single of the Year "You Look Like You Love Me" – Ella Langley featuring Riley Green
Song of the Year "You Look Like You Love Me" – Ella Langley & Riley Green (songwriters: Ella Langley, Riley Green, others)
Music Video of the Year "You Look Like You Love Me" – Ella Langley & Riley Green
Musical Event of the Year "Pour Me a Drink" – Post Malone featuring Blake Shelton
Standout Moments on Stage
The performances kept things moving. Kenny Chesney did a medley of his classics for his Hall of Fame nod. Miranda Lambert teamed with Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs brought some energy, and Kelsea Ballerini swung through the rain on stage. Stephen Wilson Jr. earned a standing ovation with an acoustic take on "Stand by Me." Brandi Carlile and Patty Loveless honored Vince Gill beautifully. Even some crossover collabs that worked better than you might think.
All in all, it felt like country music tipping its hat to where it's been while making room for who's coming next. Lainey hosting solo was a nice change, and the wins spread around a bit more than some years.
If any of these albums or singles have you curious, we've got plenty in stock online. Folks have been asking about Lainey's Whirlwind and Ella Langley's stuff especially. Swing by the site and browse our country collections when you're ready.
Keep it spinning, y’all